Margaret Chang (1)

The son of a poor farmer, Da Wei inherits a large ocean rock given to his father by a fisherman many years ago, with a promise that it would lead to treasure beneath the sea. When he sees light blazing from rock one night, and is gifted with a magical cart, he decides to visit the seaside, and seek his fortune. Led by the cart, which parts the water before him, Da Wei finds a marvelous mansion, and encounters a strange orange kitten. Taking this feline home with him, he soon finds his fortune improves, and eventually discovers that the kitten is none other than Lian Di, the Second Mistress of Embroidery in the Jade Emperor's court, cursed with the form of a cat as a punishment for offending the First Mistress. Becoming his wife, Lian Di bring great good fortune to Da Wei, and aids him when he is targeted by the corrupt local official...

Da Wei's Treasure: A Chinese Tale is the second book I have read from co-authors and husband-and-wife team Margaret and Raymond Chang, following upon their earlier title, The Beggar's Magic: A Chinese Tale. I enjoyed it immensely, appreciating both the story and the accompanying oil paintings done by illustrator Lori McElrath-Eslick. The brief author's note at the rear describes the story's source: a tale told by Raymond Chang's mother, and likely adapted from a variety of stories found in Pu Songling's Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, with some original elements (like Lian Di's cat form) added by the storyteller. I thought that this was quite interesting, and possibly reflected the storyteller's awareness of various traditions in which an enchanted animal bride appears. I'm familiar with the crane maiden in Japanese lore and the frog princess in Russian tales, but I don't think I've encountered a kitten bride before! In any case, the tale was entertaining, and the illustrations beautiful, using a deep, vivid color palette and ably capturing Da Wei's many expressions. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, especially those seeking Chinese stories.… (plus d'informations)

This story is about a poor father and son. The father has this small rock that has a house situated at the peak. The father tells his son to never throw away the rock because it will bring him fortune and the next day he passes away. The son finds the small house light up and shows him a wagon that helps him with harvesting. The wagon then brings him to the sea and which the sea parts open. He walks in and finds a palace. He comes back home with a kitten from the palace. Everyday when he comes back from the field, he finds a warm meal for him. One day he comes home early and finds a woman. The woman identifies herself as the kitten. He marries her and has a plentiful and happy life.… (plus d'informations)

When a wandering beggar-priest arrives in his small farming village, young Fu Nan, like the other children of the area, is drawn to the cheerful newcomer, who soon reveals his magical abilities. Most of the villagers, aware that the priest has taken a vow of poverty, share their food, but wealthy Farmer Wu refuses. A confrontation at the August Moon Festival leads to an unexpected resolution to their conflict, and a lesson for Farmer Wu about stinginess...

Originally collected in the eighteenth century, in Pu Songling's Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, this traditional tale is ably retold here by Margaret and Raymond Chang, and beautifully illustrated by David Johnson, whose ink, watercolor and pencil artwork has a delicate charm that is very appealing. A teaching tale with a healthy dose of enchantment, The Beggar's Magic is one picture-book retelling that young folklore enthusiasts - particularly those with an interest in China - will want to take a look at!… (plus d'informations)