Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, is probably one of my all-time favorite stories to read to the children.  Lin has a fantastic way of writing that incorporates Chinese folktales into an adventure!  The summary is as follows: 

                Young Minli lives in the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, where she and her parents spend their days working hard in the fields.  At night, Minli listens to her father's tales about the Old Man of the Moon, who knows the answers to everything.  Minli sets out on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon---he will know how she can bring good fortune to her family.  Along the way, she meets many magical friends, including a talking fish, a powerful king, and a dragon who can't fly! 

Minli has a strong heart.  She wants to bring happiness to her parents, and to her village.  She is brave as she journeys to find the Old Man of the Moon, and does not waver in her quest. Her parents learn many lessons as they too, are faced with trials because of Minli leaving.   

I really liked how this fun story was subtle, yet strong in teaching good morals and values thru the different things that Minli and her parents go through.  The illustrations that are scattered throughout the story are fun, and are a good representation of the Chinese art style. 

As a family, we rate this story 5/5!