A Chinese Legend Retold
There is large granite rock formation near Hong Kong known as the Amah Rock, shaped like a woman with a baby on her back. This natural rock formation overlooks the sea and is often visited by both residents and tourists. Chinese legend has it that the Amah Rock was formed when a young woman grieved over the loss of her fisherman husband at sea and climbed the hill every day to search for his return. The Goddess Tin Hau pitied the young woman and turned her and the baby into stone.
In this new book for children ages four and up, "The Rock Maiden: A Chinese Tale of Love and Longing", children's author Natasha Yim retells the story of the Rock Maiden. Yim now lives in California, but she heard the story of the Rock Maiden while growing up in Hong Kong. Her retelling of the story is enhanced by the beautiful pastel illustrations of the Finnish childrens' book artist, Pirkko Vainio. The illustrations with their varied colors capture the changing emotions of the story and show an ancient Chines world of Godesses, sampans, the sea, and the Amah Rock.
The story shows the love of the lovely maiden Ling Yee for her kind fisherman husband, Ching Yin. When Ching Yim disappears at sea in a furious storm, the faithful Ling Yee searches for him every day until the goddess transforms her into the rock. The author in her turn transforms the Chinese tale by giving the story a happy ending, rewarding both the loving wife and her husband for their loyalty and faithfulness to one another.
This is a lovely, touching little story that children and their readers will enjoy. Parents might discuss the themes of loyalty with their children and perhaps explore with them the difference between the traditional ending and the end of the story as retold in this book. The book is published by Wisdom Tales which features children's books with spiritual themes from around the world. I have had the opportunity to read and review some of their many titles which will inspire children, parents, and teachers alike. Wisdom Tales kindly sent me a review copy of this book.
Robin Friedman
