Book Reviews, Awards, and Nominations

Scroll down to read about the reviews, awards, and nominations for each of the books
in the Tofu Ling Series.

2009 Moonbeam Children's Book Award, Bronze Medal Winner

Tofu Ling and the Carp Banner

Book Reviews

"A cultural gem, Tofu Ling and the Carp Banner draws you in with its charming morality and holds you mesmerized with its whimsical illustrations. Better described as visual interpretations, the pictures in this book transcend the traditional definition of illustration. Not only do they put pictures to ideas, they take their readers on an additional journey that provides context to the story. Images of horses, dragons, and phoenixes augment the tale of Tofu Ling and his unselfish care for his Grandfather. We could all learn something from this inspirational book in how to treat our elders with respect and kindness, but also how to honor the rich visual symbolism that permeates Asian culture."

The following review is from Susan Lundberg, past member of the American Library Association's Newbery-Caldecott Committee, it provides an inspiring preview of Tofu Ling.

"Connect with this utterly enfolding tale which sparkles with beauty in symbolism! Tofu epitomizes the universal thirst to accomplish and be of value -- and the fact that while others may happily join us, the journey is stillours. The layering of lush imagery gives us much to repeatedly explore and incorportate into thought. As a member of the Newbery-Caldecott Committee, we reveled in finding books that spoke to us with this strength and imagery. This is one of those."

Tofu Ling and the Angel:

Book Review

Tofu Ling and the Angel is the third installment in the heartwarming saga about a whimsical, yet sage-like mouse whose tight-knit family provides the backdrop for lessons in compassion and family values. From his scruffy ears to his motley tail, Tofu Ling’s appearance belies a “heart of gold.” Through the healing power of art, the ragtag rodent teaches empathy for those who are sick without being preachy or off-putting. Tofu Ling is the role model that children need.

In addition to the poignant story and profound introduction of children who are confronting illness, the author and illustrator offer rich instructional activities that make the books invaluable for pedagogy that is infinitely creative, diverse, and relevant.

Tofu Ling:

Book Review

"I was instantly drawn to the spinning movement and characterizations of Tofu Ling..... It is the embodiment of the values our committee tried to find in a children's book. I found this book memorable in the rhythmic unfolding of a strong story line progressed beautifully by the imaginative, fantasized images. On all levels, the imagery has the strength of endurance. It swings to life with flowing sweeps that draw us forward. There is a constant thread of identification with a creature that seemingly goes through life unnoticed. Tofu pulls us on so many levels. We identify with him as he realizes that in the long run we must have both work and imagination in our lives."

2009 Book Award Nominations