The most beautiful lantern by Sally Heinrich

Lothian, 2007.
(Age 6+) Beautifully illustrated, this story follows Mei-Ling's quest to have the most beautiful lantern in the Grand Lantern Parade. As she searches the market for the perfect lantern, she is enticed with a sparking fish, a tiger lantern, an iridescent crimson bird, a rocket, a musical rainbow lantern, and a jade rabbit. With each find of a possible lantern, Sally Heinrich includes a description of the mythology behind it. The illustrations are marvellous – on the one hand we see Mei-Ling enjoying her daily life, eating with her grandfather, shopping with her mother and looking at old photos and then her vivid imaginary life is brought alive with wonderful colour, gorgeous swirls and fantastic animals.
The story gives children the opportunity to find out about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, and the mythology and meaning behind many things like mooncakes, how one sun appears in the sky, and why the moon is always bright on the fifteenth day of every month. The visual depiction of a close family life is a joy, and Mei-Ling's final choice of a lantern is delightful.
This would be a great addition to a class or school library.
Pat Pledger