Once upon a morning in Hong Kong, in the alley of Tai Yuen Street, a girl is promised a mooncake with a double-yolk center—the best kind!

The special mooncake seems like the only excitement on an otherwise boring day in the market where nothing changes… until an exhausted stranger falls to his knees right in the street! He ran through forests, swam through rivers, and even stowed away on a ship, all to get to Hong Kong. Now at the end of his journey, all he needs is a bite to eat, but no one seems willing to help—not even the girl, if it means giving up her prized treat.

The girl’s ultimate decision has surprising, far-reaching consequences in this mostly true story that reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness hold the power to change lives, for the giver as much as the receiver.

Pearl AuYeung was born in Hong Kong, raised in Shanghai, and now lives in California, where she designs toys. Childhood visits to her grandma and uncle’s pajama hawker stall on Tai Yuen Street, as well as her passion for learning about people’s pasts, inspired Pearl to tell this story in her debut picture book. She enjoys cooking, perusing internet rabbit holes, and mooncakes with double-yolk centers.

Categories

• Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Asia
• Juvenile Fiction / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
• Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Values & Virtues

Product Details

ISBN: 9781645675563
ISBN-10: 1645675564
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Publication Date: October 11th, 2022
Pages: 32
Language: English

Recommended Reading Level

Minimum Age: 4
Maximum Age: 8
Minimum Grade Level:
Maximum Grade Level:

"A historically specific setting with an eternal lesson." –Kirkus Reviews

"[W]arm and reflective [...] Like a double-yolk mooncake, this tender-hearted and culturally specific nod to the golden rule should be best enjoyed by sharing." —Shelf Awareness

"The [...] first-person narrative relates events in lively, descriptive prose, with humorous touches, depicted in vibrantly detailed, animated illustrations [...]" —Booklist

"A compelling story of generosity in a delightful, cacophonous setting, this deftly told story introduces how a single choice improves the future. Children will pore over this one." —School Library Journal

"AuYeung's expressive digital illustrations depict Hong Kong's Tai Yuen Street and its people with lively details that lighten the tone." —Horn Book