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DA WEI'S TREASURE by Margaret Chang

DA WEI'S TREASURE

A Chinese Tale

adapted by Margaret Chang & Raymond Chang

Pub Date: May 1st, 1999
ISBN: 0-689-81835-1
Publisher: McElderry

This enchanted adventure tale from the Changs (The Beggar’s Magic, 1997, etc.) rolls along smoothly, telling of a poor but thoughtful and diligent son of a peasant in China. Da Wei has inherited a stone from the sea, given to his father by a fisherman he once befriended; the stone is rumored to have wealth-bestowing powers. It’s true—the stone sparks an adventure that leads Da Wei to a mansion beneath the sea. Although he leaves the mansion with only a kitten, it turns into a fabulously talented embroideress from the Jade Court, Lian Di, who had a spell cast on her by jealous rivals. Lian Di’s embroidery and Da Wei’s hard work ensure their joy and wealth. A last episode, in which a greedy magistrate threatens their happiness and Lian Di works yet another bit of wizardry to save them, overplays the element of magic and diffuses all dramatic tension; readers will have to take on faith Da Wei’s cleverness, diligence, and intelligence. McElrath-Eslick’s artwork is handsome and evocative, dreamy but with enough detail to keep readers’ eyes busy. (Picture book. 5-9)