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Ying Chang Compestine
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The Runaway Rice Cake Hardcover – Picture Book, January 1, 2001

by Ying Chang Compestine (Author), Tungwai Chau (Illustrator)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 46 ratings
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It's the Chinese New Year, and the Chang Family has only enough rice flour to make one nián-gão, a special New Year's rice cake, for the entire family to eat. But this delicious little nián-gão has other ideas. "Ai yo! I don't think so!" it cries, coming to life and escaping.
Ming, Cong, little Da and their parents chase the nián-gão all over the village until it runs into a hungry, old woman and sends her tumbling to the ground. Though Da is a small boy, his heart is big enough to share the treat with her, even though that leaves Da's family with nothing to eat for their own celebration. But the Changs' generosity doesn't go unnoticed. When they return home, they find the Kitchen God has left a wonderful surprise for them.
Ying Chang Compestine's heartwarming story conveys an important and poignant message about sharing and compassion. Tungwai Chau's soft and evocative illustrations complete this tender holiday story.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    5 - 8 years
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD570L
  6. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.3 x 11 inches
  7. Publisher
    Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
  8. Publication date
    January 1, 2001
  9. ISBN-10
    0689829728
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0689829727
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Although they have rice flour enough for only one nián-gäo--the Chinese New Year's rice cake--the Chang family is determined to make the best of their holiday treat. But when Momma takes the cake out of the steamer, "something incredible happened--the rice cake came alive!" Stunned, the Changs watch as it pops out of the pan and rolls right out of their kitchen, crying, "Ai yo! I don't think so!" Much like the family in the traditional classic, The Gingerbread Boy, the Changs chase that pastry all through the village, but it eludes them every step--until it runs smack into an old woman. Generous Da, the youngest son, upon discovering that this woman is hungry, too, offers to share the nián-gäo. This leaves nothing for the Chang family's New Year's feast, but their kind-hearted deed reaps them benefits they never imagined from the approving Kitchen God.

Ying Chang Compestine's tale of compassion and generosity teaches a valuable, perennially fresh message. Tungwai Chau's acrylic paintings of the family celebrating their most important holiday are rich with details of traditional Chinese life. A note about the Chinese New Year includes recipes for nián-gäo, the good-luck cake that is said to bring safety and fortune to the entire family all year long. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 4-A tale of tenderness and sharing. It is Chinese New Year's Eve, and the Chang family is preparing to celebrate the holiday. Although they have very little food, they have enough rice flour to make one New Year's rice cake. However, when the ni n-gao is cooked, it comes to life, pops out of the pan, and leads the Changs on a merry chase through the village. The errant cake is finally caught after it collides with an old woman and knocks her to the ground. When the family discovers that she hasn't eaten for several days, the youngest son suggests that they share the cake with her. Their generosity is later rewarded, as several villagers bearing gifts of food arrive at the Chang house. Magically, more and more food appears on the table, until there is enough for everyone to eat. Figurative drawings, while reminiscent of the art in various retellings of "The Gingerbread Boy," have a softer and more whimsical nature. Each page combines a vibrancy of color with more muted background tones. A brief pronunciation guide, along with information about the New Year and two recipes, extends the story. A welcome addition to stories such as Karen Chinn's Sam and the Lucky Money (Lee & Low, 1995) and Leo Politi's classic Moy Moy (Scribner, 1960; o.p.), which highlight other aspects of this holiday.-Tina Hudak, St. Bernard's School, Riverdale, MD

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; First Edition (January 1, 2001)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0689829728
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0689829727
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 - 8 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD570L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.3 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 46 ratings

About the author

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Ying Chang Compestine

Ying Chang Compestine

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Award-Winning Author and Inspirational Public Speaker, Ying is the versatile and prolific author of picture books, novels for young readers, and cookbooks. Named one of "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" by the Author's Show, Ying has authored over 20+ books to her name. Frequently sought after by the media, she has been featured on numerous national television programs and is regularly profiled in prestigious news media, such as the New York Times, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, and Huffington Post.

Her newest MG novel, “Morning Sun in Wuhan,” captures the uncertainty and panic when COVID first emerged in Wuhan through the eyes of 13-year-old Mei who, through her love for cooking, makes a difference in her community.

Her upcoming picture book, “Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon,” is a fresh folktale retelling from a Chinese perspective, inspiring readers to find power through embracing their culture.

Her picture book, “Dragon Noodle Party,” is a joyous tale about the animals of the zodiac preparing for a party, highlighting Chinese customs and traditions. A kid-friendly recipe is included.

Ying frequently visits schools throughout the US and abroad, sharing with students her journey as a writer, how her life in China inspired her writing, and the challenges of writing in her second language.

Ying was born and raised in Wuhan, China. Her highly acclaimed novel about her life growing up in China during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party, has received over 33 national awards. Her website is www.yingc.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
46 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Wendy
5.0 out of 5 stars More than just the Gingerbread Boy story!
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2010
Verified Purchase
I bought this for an ongoing compare and contrast lesson for my first graders. We've been reading various versions of the story of the Gingerbread Boy and then discussing how they are alike and how they're different. (Sometimes we make a Venn diagram for this.) In addition to the classic U.S. version, we've read The Gingerbread Girl, Gingerbread Fred, The Runaway Tortilla (set in the Southwest U.S.--instead of a fox, it's a coyote), The Gingerbread Cowboy (set in Texas), The Runaway Bun (from Russia), and now this. This story was similar in some ways but it had much more depth, including Chinese New Year traditions, and a really nice lesson on compassion and helping others. Great story!
2 people found this helpful
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C - Mama Likes To Read Book Blog
5.0 out of 5 stars Kids loved this story
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2017
Verified Purchase
Purchased for a teacher friend, this was used in a lesson on Gingerbread man. Kids loved this story.
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Mynn Kitchen
4.0 out of 5 stars Ripped Cover, Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
I’m taking one star because the cover was ripped. Otherwise, this is a great book!
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Vluca
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2018
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great condition
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Loretta J Elliott
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
Nice book for reading to kids about the tradition of Chinese New Year.
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Dad
5.0 out of 5 stars great book about sharing
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2008
we loaned this book from library, and it fascinated my 3 yr old. It's a typical Asian morality story, but with vivid characters and country theme illustrations. the rice cake recipe works really well.
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Deborah R. Stietenroth
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the classroom!
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2004
I teach 3rd-4th graders with learning disabilities who often also have short attention spans. This book held their interest until the very end. Our class made the recipe for rice cake that is provided in the book. We baked it while I read the story. It is a beautiful story with a nice moral about being unselfish. Illustrations are wonderful too. I loved it and so did the kids. I highly recommend.
4 people found this helpful
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Susan Morris-Jackson
4.0 out of 5 stars bought for Chinese New Year
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2006
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This is a variant of the gingerbread man. It also has magic and a moral. My older daughter, 6 enjoyed this and took it to school.
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Top reviews from other countries

Highlight
5.0 out of 5 stars ENJOYABLE & LOVELY ARTWORK
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
Bought this book for myself. I like the artwork so the story was a bonus which the family enjoy me reading at festive times as it seems to get the digestive juices going and improve the appetite. Arrived within a few days of ordering, well packed.
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kAREN wIGGAN
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2013
Verified Purchase
Nice story which we shared with the children over the Chinese New Year. The children enjoyed it and liked the illustrations
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