Grace Lin is a celebrated Taiwanese-American author and illustrator, renowned for her contributions in bringing Asian-American experiences and perspectives to her readers. Her books are not only beautifully illustrated but also rich in cultural authenticity, making them beloved by readers and educators alike. In this post, we will explore five of her standout works, including some of her and my personal favourites. Each of these books offers a unique blend of storytelling and artistry that highlights Lin’s talent and her commitment to representing diverse narratives in children’s literature.

Once Upon A Book 

Synopsis: Once upon a time, there was a girl.  She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm.   Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book. So when it flaps its pages and invites her in, she is swept away to a world of wonder and adventure, riding camels in the desert, swimming under the sea with colorful fish, floating in outer space, and more! But when her imaginative journey comes to an end, she yearns for the place she loves best of all. (Goodreads)

It is a delightful journey into the magic of reading, making it a treasure for book lovers of all ages. Grace Lin’s beautifully colourful illustrations are both clever and creative, perfectly complementing the engaging narrative. The story centers on a young girl named Alice, whose dress is whimsically decorated with text, changing dynamically as the story’s setting changes. This playful detail adds a layer of visual storytelling that is both charming and creative.

Alice’s facial expressions and those of her parents are wonderfully expressive, adding emotional depth to the narrative. The story is a heartfelt affirmation of the power of books and reading, while also highlighting the support and acceptance found in a loving family. 

Lin’s works have always been enjoyable, and her collaboration with Kate Messner here once again proves to be a perfect match. The name Alice, along with the presence of a white rabbit reminds me of another personal favorite of mine, Alice in Wonderland, and it adds a delightful layer for fans of this classic. Additionally, the green screen effect with Alice’s dress immerses her into the story’s various settings, blending seamlessly with the background and enhancing the visual experience.

Once Upon a Book is a sweet picture book that celebrates imagination and the far-reaching wonders of reading. It’s a super fun read that reminds us of the joy of getting lost in a book. 

“Turn the page and come in….”

Once Upon A Book 

Written by Kate Messner, Illustrated by Grace Lin

2023, Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9780316541077

Chinese Menu

Synopsis: From fried dumplings to fortune cookies, here are the tales behind your favorite foods. Do you know the stories behind delectable dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Or how dumplings cured a village’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells about the creation of the world? Separated into courses like a Chinese menu, these tales—based in real history and folklore—are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. This book will bring you to far-off times and marvelous  places, all while making your mouth water. And, along the way, you might just discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food, and what makes it undeniably American. (Goodreads)

Growing up in Taiwan with a rich cultural blend from my Chinese immigrant grandpa and Taiwanese granny who received the Japanese education, I found my cultural identity to be a unique mix of influences. As a foodie, I have always been curious about the origins of the delicious dishes in front of me, especially their intriguing names. When my daughter was born, we became a Third Culture family, moving from place to place, and she shared my curiosity about our culinary traditions. 

Chinese Menu has become a cherished family read that answers our many questions and wonders about our dinner. Laid out like a takeout menu with sections for tea, appetizers, soups, and “chef’s specials,” the book explores the stories behind more than twenty familiar dishes. We listened to it as an audiobook, because we wanted to make it another delightful shared moment of our own. 

Even so, I still checked it out from my Library to ease the thirst for my eyes. The book is beautifully illustrated and exhaustively researched, with foods’ origins rooted in folklore, mythology, and historical fact. Each section starts with the author sharing a personal connection to the dish before exploring its fascinating backstory. Grace’s vivid storytelling, accompanied by detailed line drawings and full-color images, brings both the stories and the foods to life (Yum!)

After we finished Chinese Menu, my daughter and I were left hungry for the delicious flavors of Taiwan. Grace Lin has created a captivating book that not only satisfies the appetite but also enriches our understanding of the cultural significance behind our favorite dishes.

Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods

2023, Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9780316486002

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

Synopsis: Little Star’s soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake. Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she’s not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can’t resist a nibble? In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon. (Goodreads)

A Big Mooncake for Little Star holds a special place in Grace’s heart, and it’s easy to see why: Little Star is her daughter! (She revealed to me during our conversation that The Ugly Vegetables is another personal favorite of hers because it’s her first book.)

What I appreciate about Grace’s work is her effortless ability to introduce readers to Asian cultural festivals, holidays, and traditions, making them accessible and enchanting to those unfamiliar with them. In A Big Mooncake for Little Star, she weaves a charming explanation of the moon’s phases, tying it to the mooncake, a tasty dessert we eat during the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Moon Festival. The story is both educational and magical, offering readers of all ages an introduction to this cultural celebration while also explaining the science behind the moon’s changing shape.

The illustrations are captivating, with Little Star’s journey across the night sky depicted in lush, vibrant colours. Each page invites readers to linger and savour the beauty of the art, much like the story itself. Lin’s talent for blending storytelling with cultural education shines through, making this book a delightful read for children and adults alike.

A Big Mooncake for Little Star  is more than just a picture book; it’s a celebration of heritage, family, and the wonders of the natural world. “That one bite has been so sweet and tasty!” Opening the first page will make you want to continue reading.

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

2018, Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9780316404488

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Synopsis: In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli spends her days working hard in the fields and her nights listening to her father spin fantastic tales about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon. Minli’s mother, tired of their poor life, chides him for filling her head with nonsense. But Minli believes these enchanting stories and embarks on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how her family can change their fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest. (Goodreads)

The unique book cover of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon immediately captures attention and provides a refreshing sight among a sea of mainstream English books in the Library. This striking first impression is matched by the expected beauty found within its pages. Lin skillfully intersperses the narrative with Chinese folk tales, creating a rich tapestry of fantasy and adventure.

The story follows Minli, a young girl on a quest guided by cleverly integrated folk tales. Each tale provides direction and wisdom, forming a path for Minli and infusing the book with a sense of magic and tradition. This fact made me smile while reading it, because it  reminded me of a conversation I had a decade ago about the differences between Eastern and Western stories. Eastern tales often carry hidden messages for readers to learn, while Western books tend to focus on pleasure reading. Nevertheless, the folk tales in this book, inspired by stories Grace Lin heard during her own childhood, offer a blend of originality and cultural heritage that enriches the plot.

The beautifully told folktales add a refreshing and unique flavour, setting this book apart. For readers like me who grew up with these stories, the book serves as a bridge to share our cultural heritage with the next generation. Introducing Where the Mountain Meets the Moon to my daughter allowed me to pass on the rich tapestry of childhood folklore, ensuring that even though she didn’t grow up in my homeland, Taiwan, she can still connect with these enchanting stories and their timeless wisdom.

Two companion novels to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: Starry River of the Sky & When the Sea Turned to Silver (Lin)

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon 

2009, Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0316038638

Year of the Dog

Synopsis: When Pacy’s mom tells her that this is a good year for friends, family, and “finding herself,” Pacy begins searching right away. As the year goes on, she struggles to find her talent, deals with disappointment, makes a new best friend, and discovers just why the Year of the Dog is a lucky one for her after all. This funny and profound book is a wonderful debut novel by award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator Grace Lin, and young readers will be sure to love and treasure it for years to come. (Goodreads)

The Year of the Dog, the first book of the Pacy series, is a delightful journey through the cultural identity of a young girl navigating between worlds. This early work of Grace’s offers a touching exploration of the complexities faced by many Third Culture kids (and adults), echoing the uncertainties many of us struggle with, regarding our heritage. Grace authentically captures the nuances of being caught between Chinese, Taiwanese, and American identities, a theme that resonates deeply with readers facing similar dilemmas (or, sometimes, confusion). Through the lens of the the main character, Pacy’s, experiences, the book beautifully highlights the rich tapestry of customs and traditions within Lin’s own family, offering glimpses into the vibrant cultural landscape of Taiwan. 

Many of the “stories” in the book add an extra layer of charm, because they are our shared memories as Taiwanese. Those nostalgic moments take us back in time, invite us to immerse ourselves in Pacy’s world, and reflect about our own childhood memories. Lin’s vivid illustrations further bring the narrative to life, evoking nostalgia for my days spent in Taiwan and sparking meaningful conversations about cultural differences with my own younger generation. The Year of the Dog is not just a tale of one girl’s coming-of-age journey; it’s a celebration of Taiwan’s traditions, beliefs, and way of life, making it a must-read for anyone curious about the multifaceted layers of cultural identity.

The Year of the Dog

2005, Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9780316060028

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

‘A Big Mooncake for Little Star’. Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34362953-a-big-mooncake-for-little-star. Accessed 2 June 2024.

‘Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Yo…’. Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63241506-chinese-menu. Accessed 2 June 2024.

Duggan, Eleanor. Interview with Grace. 19 Apr. 2024.

‘Once Upon a Book’. Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58064778-once-upon-a-book. Accessed 2 June 2024.

‘The Year of the Dog (Pacy, #1)’. Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215014.The_Year_of_the_Dog. Accessed 2 June 2024.

‘Where the Mountain Meets the Moon’. Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5983694-where-the-mountain-meets-the-moon. Accessed 2 June 2024.

---

Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.