by Grace Lin
Little, Brown & Company, 2010. 48 pgs.
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Hardcover: $14.99
Annotation: It's fun to be a twin, but just because you look alike, it doesn't mean you are exactly the same.
Summary: Ling & Ting are Chinese-American girls who happen to be twins; however, they are quick to assure us that they are not exactly the same even if they look very, very similar. In the first chapter the twins receive a haircut and Ling sits very still, but Ting sneezes as her hair is being cut which causes the barber to cut a large chunk from Ting's bang. Now the girls are easy to tell apart. Then Ling & Tings have several adventures involving magic tricks, making dumplings, eating with chopsticks and going to the library. It's fun to be a twin and the girls vow to stay together always, even when a king gets involved.
Evaluation: This chapter book is a nice addition to a young reader's collection. The pictures are bright and colorful and I especially loved the humorous beginning and ending pages. Ling & Ting are grabbing sodas and popcorn at the beginning and the caption reads "Shhh! It is starting! -- "Oh No! Are we late?". The last page shows the girls with their drinks as one says, "Was that the end?" and the other replies "No, this is!" as if the girls are telling us the story of their lives and wanting a front row seat of the action. The girls are really darling and have different personalities which the stories showcase, demonstrating that even when people look alike on the outside they can be different on the inside and still remain friends.
Significance: The book honors a multicultural heritage in that the twin protagonists are Chinese-American. There is a chapter featuring the children making chinese dumplings which introduces young readers to an important element of Chinese culture.
Personal Choice: What can I say, I've always had a fascination with twins that started with the Bobbsey Twins and always wished to have a set some day. Sadly, I'll have to be content with those found in books. :)
Awards: Theodor Geisel Honor Award, 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment