How the Rooster Got His Crown
Retold and illustrated by Amy Lowry Poole
Published by: Holiday House
Long ago, when six suns blazed in the sky, a drought came to China. The heat of the suns dried up the fields, and the emperor asked the village elders to help save the harvest. The suggested that a skilled archer shoot the suns out of the sky.
There were great hissing noises as the first five suns plunged into a pool of wather. Terrified, the sixth sun fled into a cave. At first there was a great rejoicing, but the people soon faced another dilemma. With no sun at all in the sky, how would their crops grow? This time the village elders could not help. The solution came instead from an animal who was so humble and familiar that no one had considered his unique talents.
Amy Lowry Poole has eloquently retold this Miao folktake from Western China. Her exquisite paintings were created using traditional Chinese materials and techniques. Rich in symbolism and bold in color. they bring together elemets of Western and Eastern cultures to tell a story with universal appeal.
A great combination: cryptically amusing, ancient Chinese tale retold with verve and respect for the original, accompanied by stunningly beautiful, transporting artwork. This story, with many gratifying elements to explore, and exquisite illustrations to behold. . .will keep on giving with each reading.
- Kirkus Reviews
…most remarkable are Amy Lowry Poole’s amazing paintings, using traditional Chinese materials and techniques, ith bold colors breaking forth from a specially textured rice-paper background.
- The Chicago Tribune
Distinctive ink-and-gouache paintings combine with a well-honed text in this satisfying retelling of a Chinese pourquoi tale. . .executed in glowing colors and rich patterns.
- Booklist
Poole delves into the mythology of Western China for this competent retelling of a Miao Folktale with arresting illustrations.
- Publisher’s Weekly
