Grandma Panda's China Storybook. Mingmei Yip

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      GRANDMA PANDA’S

       CHINA STORYBOOK

      Legends, Traditions and Fun

      Written and Illustrated by

      Mingmei Yip

      TUTTLE Publishing

      Tokyo | Rutland, Vermont | Singapore

      Contents

       Yum Yum, We Love Dim Sum!

      Grandma and the children go to a restaurant to enjoy dim sum. Grandma explains what dim sum is and tells the legend of how it was invented.

       Grandma Panda Teaches Us Chinese Writing:

      Grandma shows the children how to mix ink and hold their brushes. She shows them characters in both their ancient and present forms and tells them the story of four-eyed Cang Jie.

       Dotting the Dragon’s Eyes:

      To explain the importance of paying attention to detail, Grandma tells the story of Zhang Sengyao.

       The Story of Mulan, the Brave Woman Warrior:

      Grandma tells the story of Mulan to teach the virtues of bravery, leadership, patriotism and determination.

       The Little Kungfu Warriors:

      The story of Mulan excites the little pandas into action, and they and grandma share a few moves.

       The Painted Faces of Chinese Opera:

      Grandma explains the meaning of painted faces.

       Fun with Chinese Kites:

      Grandma takes the children kite flying and tells them the story of Luban the kite inventor.

       Grandma Panda Sings an Old Farewell Song:

      Grandma shows the children the Qin and sings “Three Variations on the Yang Pass”

      To Geoffrey, who makes the whole world beautiful!

      Preface

      My book Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories retold thirteen of the most popular Chinese traditional tales. For this new book, I have created the loving and knowledgeable Grandma Panda, who teaches her little grandchildren about Chinese culture through storytelling, action or both. Because Pandas are China’s most beloved animals, it is my hope that these cute creatures will act as ambassadors and introduce children of all cultures to the fascination of China’s thousands-of-years old traditions.

      I chose eight interesting Chinese legends and traditions for Grandma Panda to share with her eager grandchildren—and with children all over the world: dim sum (snacks); the writing system; painting dragons; kung fu; kite—flying; opera masks; making music; and the story of the beloved woman warrior, Mulan.

      The Chinese people express their hopes for their children by saying, “Children are the pillars of our country’s future.” Now that the world is shrinking, we all need to know something about how others live. I hope that children will enjoy these tales, and at the same time learn something about life in one of the world’s oldest cultures.

      Enjoy!

      Yum Yum, We Love Dim Sum!

      It’s summer at last! Little pandas Baobao and Lingling are excited because summer is when they visit Grandma Panda, who cooks them tasty food and tells them wonderful stories. Any story you can name, Grandma can tell it. Baobao and Lingling love to learn as much as they love to eat. Each summer they learn so much and eat so well at Grandma Panda’s that they can’t wait to visit again!

      “Grandma, we’re here!” they shout as they jump off the bus and scurry on chubby feet toward their grandmother. Grandma Panda takes her grandchildren in her arms and kisses them on their fluffy heads.

      “Grandma, I’m hungry!” Baobao cries.

      “Me too!” Lingling joins in.

      “All right, all right. I know you two are always hungry.” Grandma Panda smiles at her two little treasures.

      “Grandma, can we have noodle soup with lots of bamboo shoots, and egg fuyong with lots of roast pork, and….” Baobao begs.

      “But today I’m not going to cook,” Grandma replies.

      “But what are we going to eat?” the children cry.

      “Be patient, kids,” Grandma Panda says. “We’re all going to a tea house for dim sum. How’s that?”

      Brother and sister burst out laughing. “Wah! We love dim sum!”

      It’s Sunday, and the Lucky Tea House is filled with happy customers. After settling down at a round table, Baobao and Lingling stare at the steaming plates on carts that waiters and waitresses are rolling between the tables.

      Grandma Panda says, “Now, Baobao and Lingling, pick what you want. Just don’t stuff yourselves till your tummies look like balloons!”

      Brother and sister reach out to grab from the passing carts:

      Flat rice noodles with roast pork, Shrimp dumplings nestling in a bamboo steamer, Spare ribs dripping with sauce, Crispy spring rolls…

      In no time the table is covered with little plates, and all that can be heard are the sounds of clicking chopsticks and the slurping of soup.

      “Hmmm…yum yum dim sum!” exclaims Baobao, his mouth full of food.

      “And yummy crispy!” A big smile blossoms on Lingling’s face as she munches a crunchy spring roll.

      Soon all the food is gone and the empty plates shine like bright mirrors. Baobao and Lingling rub their tummies and sigh with satisfaction.

      “Grandma, please tell us a story!” says Lingling.

      “A story about dim sum!” adds