Brenda Williams, illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe,
Lin Yi’s Lantern
Barefoot Books, 2009.

Ages 5-8

Lin Yi is helping prepare for the Moon Festival by doing the shopping. The list includes items such as moon cakes and star fruit, as well as peanuts for his Uncle Hui.  He asks his mother if he can buy a red rabbit lantern and her answer is different to what most of the book’s young readers/listeners might expect: she tells him, “Well, that’s up to you. […] I have no more money to spare, but if you bargain well at the market you may have enough left for a red rabbit lantern.”

A very determined Lin Yi sets off for market, cycling through the moon gate for luck on his way.  One trader tries to tempt him with a toffee apple and a toy catches his eye, but he manages to turn away.  Time is also against him – he notices that the lantern seller only has two small red rabbits left.  The seller explains that he can’t hold one back for Lin Yi because he needs to make enough money so that he too can buy food for his family.   Then, just as Lin Yi finds himself with enough money left, he suddenly realises he’s forgotten Uncle Hui’s peanuts.  Bitterly disappointed, he fights an inward battle with his conscience.  He comes to the right decision, and heads for home.  When Uncle Hui joins them, he is delighted with his peanuts – and has a special surprise for Lin Yi.

This delightful story contains just the right balance of inevitability and surprise to captivate its young audience.  There’s a subliminal message about the value of money; and the illustrations combine authentic detail (including sumptuous collage-effect fabrics) with a cartoon quality that will, again, appeal to children.  An added bonus is a retelling of the legend of the Moon Fairy at the end, which would make a delightful bedtime story by itself.  There are also instructions on how to make your own paper lantern, as well as information about “Market Life in China.”

Lin Yi’s Lantern is a special story about childhood yearnings, disappointment and elation that will strike a chord with young readers everywhere.

Marjorie Coughlan
June 2010