The tale of Yeh-Shen was recorded in China at least 1,000 years before the earliest-known European version of "Cinderella." In most respects this story is similar to more familiar variants. One striking difference is the portrayal of Yeh-Shen's only friend, a fish with transformed and wondrous powers. Visual images of the fish are incorporated into the design of every page spread; the illustrations in deep-toned water colors and pastels are set within each page space in a manner reminiscent of the panels of a folding painted screen. A reproduction of the original block-printed page containing "Yeh-Shen" from the T'ang dynasty appears in the book. (4-11 years)

Told with beauty and grace, this Cinderella story from Ai-Ling Louie is brought vividly to life by Caldecott Medal-winner Ed Young’s soft, glowing illustrations.

Half-starved and overworked by her stepmother, Yeh-Shen’s only friend is a fish with golden eyes. When the stepmother kills the fish for dinner, poor Yeh-Shen is left with only the bones. But the bones are filled with a powerful spirit. When Ye-Shen is forbidden to attend the annual spring Festival, the spirit grants her a gown of azure blue and delicate golden slippers. That night, everyone marvels at the beautiful, mysterious young woman at the ball.

“Misty, jewel-like illustrations evoke the mythic past in this Chinese Cinderella story.” —Publishers Weekly