Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Written by Grace Lin
Narrated by Janet Song
4.5/5
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Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this audiobook
Newbery Honor Winner
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.
Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat, returns with a wondrous story of happiness, family, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless adventure story in the classic tradition of The Wizard of Oz.
Grace Lin
Grace Lin graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design.
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Reviews for Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
647 ratings93 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Started reading this tonight with my six-year-old as part of our local city-wide reading initiative known as "On the Same Page". We are both loving both the story *and* the beautiful art and layout/typefaces. We've read three chapters and I'm eager to hear the next chapter tomorrow.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Inspired by folktales of China, this is the story of a young Chinese girl named Minli. She lives in a poor village underneath a stark mountain and every day her mother expresses her discontent. So Minli sets out to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask him how to change their fortune. What follows is the story of her journey. Along the way she meets many different characters and hears many different stories. The book reads like a fable, which is fitting because it contains so many stories. The ending is just perfect. This will be a delight to any child who enjoys fairy tales and folk tales. Highly recommended.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5My son got this book in an Owlcrate Jr but didn’t have an interest in it, so he gave it to me. I ended up really loving this book, it is a wonderful blend of fantasy and folklore and has a very fairy tale feel to it with heavy Asian influence.Minli decides to leave her desolate home and poor family to seek out the Old Man on the Moon and ask how to change her family’s fortune. She ends up being accompanied on her journey by a dragon and meets a number of fascinating magical creatures on the way. On her journey Minli hears a variety of folklore and fairy tales (stories within the main story) that help to guide her on her quest. The whole book is beautifully illustrated in full color and was very well put together.I loved the fairy tale feel to this book and enjoyed the Asian influence as well. The characters are interesting and intriguing and the writing style is beautiful and easy to read. I really loved everything about this book.Overall this was an incredibly well done book. It’s written in a somewhat classic fairy tale style but has heavy Asian influence. The writing and the illustrations throughout are both very beautiful. After finishing this I immediately went and put some of Lin’s other books on my wishlist. I would recommend to all ages, but particularly kids and adults who enjoy fairy tales and adventure.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great story. Great art. Great book.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5What a magical, wonderful story this is! I was utterly absorbed. The only comparison I can think to make is to Salman Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories. This is a bit more akin to epic fantasy and has a female protagonist, but it has that same feel of a modern fairy tale.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This story is about Minli, a young girl who lives with her parents in a village by the Fruitless Mountain. As the name implies, the area around the mountain is barren and desolate. The villagers harvest what meager rice they can grow and they are described as being the same dull color as the mud in which they plant. When Minli spends some of her hard-earned money on a goldfish in a bowl, she decides she must be the one to reverse her family's fortune. This was a delightful book to read. I could have categorized this as a fairy tale book because there is a heavy fantastical element in this story. However, I prefer to tag it as "Multicultural". The author Grace Lin mentions in the back of the book that the inspiration for this story came from an instance of re-discovering her roots. She drew upon her culture's story-telling tradition and adapted it for new audiences"I found myself enjoying the Chinese tradition of homophonic puns, but I conceived them in English. I invented storylines for one-sentence legends, created histories for non-descript mythical characters, and pictured a Chinese girl free of real-life cultural limitations as a spirited heroine". As I was reading this story, I knew what I was reading was Chinese in origin but I detected additional stories similar to my culture like Jack and the Beanstalk and the Wizard of Oz. Educators can use this book as part of a discussion on the power of storytelling and how different cultures can share similar versions of the same stories. The book contains colorful and culturally appropriate illustrations that compliment Lin's story. This would be a great book for children to read on their own or in school and for anyone who is interested in global fairy tales.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5This story follows a typical children's fantasy journey format, but the interconnecting stories learned along the way add a new depth.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Grace Lin mingles inspiration from Chinese folk tales with her own imagination to create a magical quest for all ages. "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" calls to mind "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," except that the writing is far better. Minli is a wonderful character with whom young people will easily identify, but Lin also explores the character arcs of the parents she leaves behind in her search to change her family's fortune. There are many stories within the story, and several interesting moral and philosophical themes are explored. This one is worth reading again and again.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The context from this book was very interesting because it clearly shows how kids understand differently from humans, especially stories. Also, it was amazing to see how Minli decides to go explore and experience the real world without any other intention but help her parents, Personally, I enjoyed this lecture because it made me think a lot in students' lives. For example, how I need to be aware of the communication between kids and parents, values, envionment, resources available/not available and the rest of factores that influence the human and mental development of a child. I enjoyed the end and the way I was able to immerse myself in every chapter of the book!!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Minlih goes on a wild adventure to change the future for her family. This story is captivating in its split narrative between her parents and herself. The imagery that the author creates is so vivid! I would use this book after recess or lunch to calm my students and to get them excited about writing their own fictional narrative pieces.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is a wonderful story with beautiful occasional illustrations. It seems like a simple children's story, but it has multiple layers that will please adults as well. It made me very nostalgic for the short time I spent in China. This would be a great read aloud in a classroom or with your own kids/grandkids/nieces & nephews, etc. I can't wait to read another book by Grace Lin.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Although I complained they gave good stopping points, the interwoven traditional tales gave the book a great whimsy and age. It was a very sweet story and I love there's a bigger message of less is more and happiness is a true treasure, not things. Very gentle messages work best.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An exquisitely designed and written book.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I loved this book. It can be read on several levels. There's the basic adventure story as Minli goes on a quest to change her family's fortune. There's the folktale adaptations. And then there's how everything ties together. We used this for a book discussion for 3rd-8th graders at our library and there were just so many things to talk about. The artwork and book design are simply gorgeous. I cannot wait for the next one to come out later this year!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Newbery Honor 2009-2010, Maine Student Book Award Nominees 2010-2011
I enjoyed this book. Minli goes off to search for the Old Man of the Moon and has a few adventures along the way. I really liked the Chinese folklore that was included, because I love folklore and fairy tales in general and these were new stories to me. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (2009) is an absolutely delightful book about a little girl, Minli, and her desire to bring good fortune to her poor family. As we follow her on her adventures, we are treated to magical stories and Chinese myths, told by different characters that help Minli make sense of her journey and purpose. I highly recommend this book -- I could not put it down!In the classroom, I would use this in a unit about myths and the art of storytelling. Also, this is a great book to demonstrate how to show, not tell, when developing characters. Grades 4-6.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is folklore, adventure, fantasy and multicultural book all in one. I think is was beautifully written and engaging book, the vivid descriptions by Grace Lin really took to Minli's village. What I liked most about it were the "lessons" it teachers readers about persevering, being happy and grateful for what you have.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This young chapter book follows a spirited young girl who goes off an adventure meeting dragons and tigers and new people along the way to find fortune for her poor family. What she does find is that friendship is more important and you are already fortunate when you have family to love, food to eat and shelter to keep you warm. Interspersed with Chinese Folklore from the authors' childhood, we learn the lessons and truths of living justly no matter what. Recommended for independent young readers reading for the next step up from a transitional chapter book.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Minli is a courageous young girl who goes on an adventure making friends along the way. Though it reads like a few folk tales put together I love how it's reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz and there's a change of events around every corner. It definitely is a great book to read aloud to students and will have them wondering what's around the next corner.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A series of inter-connected folktales are woven throughout this fantasy novel. Minli, a girl determined to change her family's hard fortune, sets out on a seemingly impossible journey that touches and changes many lives, lives both human, ethereal, and beastly. This book had the right combination of magic and glinty-eyed storytelling that keeps the pages turning, but I did find myself getting confused trying to keep track of the main story and the sub-stories between readings. I also enjoyed how the book chronicled the hardest journey of all, a change of heart, and relayed many moral lessons without once coming across as preachy. A Newbery Honor Book, 2010.Recommended for ages 9-13.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An amazing book on Chinese culture that seamlessly blends the folk tales into "reality" as the main character, Minli, goes about making her way through the world to seek a fortune for her family based solely on the stories her father has told her in the past. Along the way we meet characters who are all interconnected. It just proves that there are less degrees of separation than we dare to realize.The visuals in this book, though short, were stunning. There is simply no way to explain or describe how a writer can create such stunning imagery with only a sentence or two. One does not need the illustrations to imagine the characters faces in this book, nor the places they travel to. These images simply appear in your mind as if they have always been there, as if you have always known who they are.Anyone reading this book will not only take a part of the Chinese culture away with them, but will somehow leave a part of themselves with the book as well. All is magic within these pages. A definite must-read for younger readers, book lovers and dragon lovers alike.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Lovely children's fantasy novel -- had elements that reminded me of Wizard of Oz and My Father's Dragon, along with wonderful Chinese folktales. Would be a great read-aloud for ages 7 and up -- or independent read for 3-5th.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Minli goes on a journey to ask the Old Man of the Moon a question about her family's fortune. Intertwined in her adventure, Chinese folktales are woven into the story. Minli meets fantastic creatures along the way and has to use her wits and compassion to find the answers she seeks and make it back home to her beloved family.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Set in ancient China, this would be a good choice for anyone going into 7th grade. Minli and her parents live in a poor village, barely growing enough food to keep from starving. Minli's father tells stories each night, and Minli gets the idea to go visit the Old Man of the Moon to ask if she can change her family's fortune. Her directions to his home come from a talking goldfish, and she meets a kind dragon who cannot fly and some extremely obnoxious monkeys as she travels on her quest. The chapters are short and include brief tales based on Chinese folklore and myths. Wonderful writing, short chapters and full color illustrations make this a fantastic choice! Newbery Honor book: 6th grade and up.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Charming narrative built from Chinese folktales, highlighting wisdom and community feeling. Wonderful main character with relatable response to tough circumstances--quest to help family and change her own drab (not just hungry) fortunes. Soaring language devoid of florid overworking.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Here is a captivating fantasy of a child seeking good fortune for her impoverished family. Minli, a Chinese child who believes in the possibility of a better world for all, sets out on a journey to find answers to eternal questions. Her quest is jam-packed with folklore and adventure. This book is for children but can be enjoyed by all ages. It is wise and delightful. The literary imagery is stunning. The illustrations are charming. You will be glad you took some time to see the world again through a child's eyes. Nothing seems impossible.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This charming book is based on a host of Chinese folk tales that slowly release their mysteries and magic during Minli's quest to change her family's fortune. There is plenty of adventure to satisfy the most imaginative child. The delightful color illustrations make this a visually appealing book that will become a treasure in a lucky child's library.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Minli's world is dull, shadowed by the dark mountain, lying beside the murky river with only the muddy rice fields for company. The only bright spot in Minli's world is the colourful stories her father told her in the evenings after a hard days work in the rice fields. Minli's father had many stories and Minli had many questions, but always her father told her 'that is a question you will have to ask the Old Man of the Moon'. So one day Minli decided to do just that.On the instructions of a talking fish Minli leaves her home in search of Never-Ending Mountain, the home of the Old Man of the Moon. Minli has many questions, but the one she wishes to know the answer to most of all is how her mother and father may be happier and not have to spend their lives working so hard for so little. On the way Minli meets dragons, monkeys, Kings, tigers and a little white rabbit all in her quest to change her family's fortune.Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a fable of friendship, belief and thoughtfulness. It is a timeless story about a girl who believes in fairytales and sets out on an impossible journey, along the way picking up both stories and friends in her quest. A cast of colourful characters demonstrate the true meaning of friendship, courage, good fortune, and happiness. It is easy to see why this delightful book was awarded the 2010 Newbery Honor.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I can not say enough nice things about Where The Mountain Meets the Moon. I picked it up at a Scholastic bookfair. My daughter (8) loves all things dragon and this book sounded like it fit the bill. We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book together. Minli sets off on a journey to try and change her family's fortune. Along the way she meets Dragon and they travel far and wide trying to find Neverending Mountain where the Old Man lives. He alone holds the book of Fate. On their way to meet him, Minli and Dragon encounter a king, a buffalo boy, an evil Tiger and a village of generous, loving people. As with any good book, the journey is what counts and this book is entertaining and thought-provoking all the way to the end.The author cites various Chinese myths and stories as the inspiration for this book and I think we will read some of those stories as well. The hardcover edition is beautifully hand-drawn by the author and there are several wonderful drawings inside as well as a different woodcut image at the beginning of every chapter.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This was such a wonderful story! This is a story about Minli, a young girl from a poor village. Every night her father tells her fantastic stories, one being a story of the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answer to every question. She decides to leave home on a quest to find the Old Man on the Moon and ask how she can change her family's fortune. On her quest she meets many wonderful and memorable characters, and in the end finds the answer to all her questions. This story is filled with wonderful stories, each with a lesson to be learned. I can't wait to get a hold of Grace Lin's other books and see if they're as good!