Books with author Ying Chang Compestine

"Like the hues in a stained glass window, [the illustrations] look brilliant...this well-designed book will please children in the primary grades."—ALA BooklistThis series, recounting how the creative Kang brothers discovered four of China's famed inventions, is redesigned to feature new bilingual simplified Chinese translations.Wanting more to eat, Kùai is inspired to use sticks to grab food quickly while it's too hot for Ting and Pan. When his family attends a wedding banquet, Kùai brings his chopsticks... to everyone's great surprise!Compestine’s charming tale deserves a place in the multicultural curriculum. Xuan’s richly colored traditional Chinese cut paper illustrations lend authenticity." - Kirkus Reviews

A bilingual introduction to the Chinese New Year in English and Chinese.From the dazzling dragon dance to the scrumptious steamed dumplings to the firecrackers that frighten away evil spirits, this alphabet book celebrates the traditions of the lunar new year. First published in 2006, this new rendition presents the English text alongside the Chinese.

When a boy goes to the market to buy food and comes home with an old wok instead, his parents wonder what they'll eat for dinner. But then the wok rolls out of the poor family's house with a skippity-hoppity-ho! and returns from the rich man's home with a feast in tow! With spirited text and lively illustrations, this story reminds readers about the importance of generosity.

A Chinese-American boy gains a new understanding of his Chinese grandfather in this celebratory story of family, martial arts, and the Chinese New Year.Vinson is very excited when his grandfather comes from China for a visit. When Grandpa practices tai chi in the garden, Vinson asks to learn, hoping it will be like kung fu, full of kicks and punches. But tai chi’s meditative postures are slow and still, and Vinson quickly gets bored. He can’t understand why Grandpa insists on calling him by his Chinese name, Ming Da, or why he has to wear a traditional Chinese jacket to the Chinese New Year parade. As the parade assembles, however, he notices the great respect given to his grandfather and the lion dancers under his training. And when Vinson is offered a role in the parade, he realizes that being part Chinese can be pretty cool—and is ready to start learning from his grandpa’s martial-arts mastery in earnest.

Ming Da is only nine years old when he becomes the emperor of China, and his three advisors take advantage of him by stealing his stores of rice, gold, and precious stones. But Ming Da has a plan. With the help of his tailors, he comes up with a clever idea to outsmart his devious advisors: He asks his tailors to make “magical” new clothes for him. Anyone who is honest, the young emperor explains, will see the clothes’ true splendor, but anyone who is dishonest will see only burlap sacks. The emperor dons a burlap sack, and the ministers can’t help but fall for his cunning trick.

"With bold black outlines and vivid coloration... the artwork captures the action as the boys exercise their ingenuity."—School Library JournalThe Kang boys don't want their teacher to write embarrassing notes on their hands anymore. Can they concoct a formula for what just may become a very useful school supply? This series, recounting how the creative Kang brothers discovered four of China's famed inventions, is redesigned to feature new bilingual simplified Chinese translations.“ The ingenious Kang brothers, seen last in The Story of Kites, return for another entrepreneurial adventure. “ – ALA Booklist