6 Stories From Another Land: Chinese Fantasy and Folktales

If you’re a reader of English books, think of your favourite book or bestselling series, and chances are, they will written by an author from the West. Some popular children’s authors you’re likely to recognise are J.K. Rowling, Enid Blyton, Dr. Seuss, and Roald Dahl, who are all of a Western heritage.

But did you know that there are some very brilliant authors from other cultures, who also write stories for an English audience? You don’t have to know another language to dive into their culturally rich books, which will open your eyes to a different world and ways of living!

In our book list today, you’ll find some of the best English children’s stories by writers from the Chinese culture. Get ready to dive into fantasy, adventure, and modern folktales while learning more about the Chinese culture!

1. The Garden Of Empress Cassia (Gabrielle Wang)

Mimi has a special talent in art, but little did she know what she could do with it. Growing up in Australia in a Chinese family, her parents discouraged her passion in art. But her teacher Mrs O’Dell was different. When Mrs O’Dell gifts Mimi an extraordinary set of oil pastels, Mimi discovers the magic of art, how it heals, and how she can be a force of inspiration to others.

A charming, oriental tale, The Garden Of Empress Cassia offers a poignant glimpse of what it’s like to live as an immigrant, depicting relatable scenes of being raised by Chinese parents. Completing this unique story about identity, culture, and passion are the fantasy and philosophical elements that will suck in any reader.

Suitable for: 8 years and up

2. A Ghost In My Suitcase (Gabrielle Wang)

After her mother’s passing, Celeste is determined to return to her family’s ancestral home in Shanghai to scatter her ashes. There, she meets her grandmother, who reveals to her a shocking secret about her family – and her. With her newfound identity and power as a ghost-hunter, Celeste needs to settle their unfinished family business, and protect her loved ones.

Gripping and emotional, A Ghost In My Suitcase is an exceptional tale that mixes Eastern and Western cultures, along with fantasy and adventure. Young readers will find something to love in this book, be it the rich cultural aspects or the thrilling storyline.

Suitable for: 8 years and up (mention of the supernatural)

3. The Wishbird (Gabrielle Wang)

Oriole was raised by the Wishbird in the lovely Forest of Birds. So, when Wishbird’s life is in danger, she must save him. Her quest takes her to the desolate City of Soulless, where she meets Boy, who is on a mission of his own to save his home from the great darkness.

The author beautifully crafts a mystical world in The Wishbird, painting a modern oriental legend that is poetic and intriguing. Fully illustrated by the author herself, readers will be treated to scenes directly from the author’s imagination. Through words and images, readers are taken on a journey to contemplate the role of music, colour, and friendship in their lives.

Suitable for: 10 years and up

4. Where The Mountain Meets The Moon (Grace Lin)

Growing up in a poor family in the valley of Fruitless Mountain, young girl Minli toils the field by day, and listens to stories by her father each evening. Inspired by a tale of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon, Minli decides to search for them herself, to ask them how they can change her family’s fate.

A Chinese folklore and fantasy crossover, this story clever weaves together classic legends and myths, forming a fresh take on a ‘Wizard of Oz’-type of story. Vivid descriptions and imagery will delight the reader’s senses, bringing to life a memorable story of adventure, friendship, and loyalty.

Suitable for: Ages 8 and up

5. Starry River Of The Sky (Grace Lin)

Rendi is a runaway boy who has found work at the village inn of the Village of Clear Sky, but he can’t help noticing that the people here behave rather peculiarly. For example, the village has no moon, there is a mysterious crying sound, and the innkeeper’s son is missing. One day, a mysterious storyteller arrives at the inn, and through storytelling, the villagers and Rendi begin to see things in a new light.

Gorgeously written in the vein of ancient Chinese folklore, there is clear originality and powerful storytelling to Grace Lin’s writing. Familiar and new characters cleverly intertwine in this stories-within-a-story plotline, treating readers to an exquisite adventure.

Suitable for: Ages 8 and up

6. The Ch’i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories (Linda Fang)

Housing a collection of ancient folk stories, The Ch’i-lin Purse is a ride that will make you laugh, cry, and think. Some unusual characters you will meet through the book include a young woman who was raised as a boy, a carp-fish spirit who transforms into a human for the sake of love, and a Miracle Doctor who can heal anything – except for one illness.

Short and easily digestible, these stories are equal parts entertaining as they are educational. Beneath the fantasy and folklore, they reveal important symbols and values in the Chinese culture, all in an accessible package suitable for children to enjoy.

Suitable for: Ages 10 and up

Bonus reads from more Asian cultures and/or writers:

• Tales Of A Korean Grandmother (Frances Carpenter)
• Sweet and Sour: Tales from China (Carol Kendall, Yao-Wen Li)
• A Single Shard (Linda Sue Park)
• The Year of the Dog (Grace Lin)
• Haroun and the Sea of Stories (Salman Rushdie)
• When You Trap a Tiger (Tae Keller)
• Stargazing (Jen Wang)
• Momotaro Xander And The Lost Island Of Monsters (Margeret Dilloway)
• The Thing About Luck (Cynthia Kadohata)
• Great Wall of Lucy Wu (Wendy Shang)
• Dumpling Days (Grace Lin)
• Pashmina (Nidhi Chanani)

Conclusion

There is a lot to learn from reading a different genre than you’re used to, so we hope this list will inspire you to check out some writings by more diverse authors, especially in the category of modern folktales and fantasy!

If learning more about language and writing is also on your list of priorities, you’re in the right place. Future Academy has small group tuition classes for PSLE English that will nurture and sharpen your child’s English language abilities. For gifted and high ability students, we also have a GEP English class to support their accelerated learning.

Come and learn from our expert tutors, get personalised feedback, and jump up the grades in English!

Want more reading suggestions? Discover more books for children here:

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7 Meaningful Stories About Family For Primary School Readers

Escape Into Fantasy With These 7 Books For Young Readers