LITTLE HELPER

Author/illustrator Linke digitally re-creates traditional Chinese gongbi and xieyi techniques for this breathtaking story about a young boy who’s quick to lend a helping hand.

Though Ah-Fu may be small, he has a big imagination and a strong sense of confidence. As the book opens, he tells a friendly magpie of his plans “to fly my kite, go for a ride in Grandfather’s oxcart, [and] have a picnic” on this beautiful day. Alas, his kite gets stuck in the branches, and the ox wryly remarks, “Maybe it’s not such a perfect day after all.” When Ah-Fu seeks assistance, however, everyone is too busy, which only makes the child more eager to help out. Cousin Li-Na must prepare sticky rice for the market, Grandfather must run his errands on foot instead of with the oxcart because of a tree blocking the roads, and friend Bo-Lin must return home for his breakfast before he can remove the fallen tree. Struck by inspiration, Ah-Fu shares Li-Na’s sticky rice with Bo-Lin, who quickly clears the road, allowing Grandfather to make Li-Na’s delivery. And Ah-Fu finally gets his perfect day after all. Linke’s thoughtful narrative cleverly reveals the interconnectedness of the villagers’ lives. Her meticulously detailed art—an enhanced realism in gorgeously soft, full color—is a splendiferous delight. Landscapes and characters’ clothing and features suggest a rural Chinese setting.

 A stunning reminder that helping others reaps joyful rewards.