WAN HU IS IN THE STARS
by Jennifer Armstrong & illustrated by Barry Root
As in Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat (1993), Armstrong uses her knowledge of Chinese lore to create a transcendent fable. Wan Hu is a prototype of the absent-minded professor. The Chinese poet wanders his village wearing only one shoe, wears a copper pot on his head, forgets to open his parasol in the rain. The stars distract him. What are they made of? Might a man travel among them and attain wisdom? His friend the gardener encourages his aspirations, and together they devise outlandish ways to answer Wan Hu's questions, harnessing birds, saddling skyrockets, etc. The ending is wonderfully unresolved, leaving readers up in the air with Wan Hu. Root's illustrations don't quite match the text in spiritual resonance. They are colorful and dramatic, but lack the focus of Armstrong's careful rhythms. The quiet, unforced poetry of this tale teaches a valuable lesson in the power of yearning. (Picture book/folklore. 5+)