While conducting library storytimes for children six times a week, featuring a new program each week, a cherished theme has been Chinese New Year. The children's very favorite book during these storytimes - every year - has been Chili Chili Chin Chin by Belle Yang. This book flies off our library shelves with a long reservation list for it at all times.

To read one-on-one with your favorite child, Chili Chili Chin Chin is a feast to the eyes with colorful illustrations, each one a work of art. You can't help falling in love with Chili Chili Chin Chin, a donkey with a mind of his own. I found it to be a pure, innocent, yet deep story of a loving friendship between a little boy and his donkey. Lessons of kindness and acceptance are just under the surface of this fun book that is a quick read and will definitely be a number one bedtime story choice of all kids who experience it. "Read it just one more time," should be expected by all parents.

As a book to read to a group of children, it is perfect. The story is fun (watch out, don't get on the wrong side of Chili Chili Chin Chin!); the children are gleeful when Chili sticks up for himself. The repetition is fabulous for youngsters. They learn the phrases quickly and feel good about themselves, participating happily with every page. The bright artwork captivates children in even the largest groups, and Chili is just adorable. We've used bells with this story and have used this book as a catalyst for introducing Chinese culture to even our youngest preschoolers. This book fits perfectly with a multitude of themes including friendship, pets, multicultural stories, animals, China, favorite books,etc. For anyone conducting storytimes of any sort, I highly recommend Chili Chili Chin Chin.

My babies are nearly grown now, but I bought this book for future grandchildren. It is one they will love and will remember. And it is one you will be happy to read again and agin. Enjoy.

I was unsure what to make of this book when I first ran across it. The title and colorful cover pulled at me, but the delightful story-telling style kept me reading.

It's a sophisticated story about the adventures of a young Manchurian boy, an Oriental version of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, if you will.

I enjoyed the story, but now that I have a son it takes on a whole new dimension. I'll be reading it to him years before he'll be able to read it for himself. It'll join the stories of Ruyard Kipling and J. R. R. Tolkien.

Highly recommended.

I read the description & bought 2 copies - one for my father-in-law and one for me. It may have encouraged him to finally start writing down some family stories but he made no comment about the book which means he didn't like it. I could not get into my copy although I have tried several times -- and I usually finish every book I start. I did not think the writing was that good & it did not get my interest.

This is a great book. I came across this book by accident and loved it. The book is written as a series of short stories from the perspective a small boy growing up in 1930's China. Yang provides the reader will a taste of life in China during the 1930's.

The author painted the pictures in the book. The paintings add zest. Very talented.

The book garnered starred reviews in both the "Library Journal" and "Kirkus Review" and so I had to read it for myself. The author writes as well as she paints. A fresh voice. It is one of those rare creations that is hard to place. Is it fiction or non-fiction? History or literature? I'd say both. It is a fresh look at China from the eyes of country folks, those who disappeared without a murmur in the chaos of war. I would recommend it to lovers of literature and lovers of history.