Jia and the Nian Monster
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Each new year is marked by a monster's attack on their mountain village. This year, young Jia and her friend Deshi have decided to fight back.
For Deshi, it is the grand adventure he has always dreamed of. For Jia, it is revenge for the loss of her mother--who was taken by the monster five years before.
But it will take more than mere pluck and courage to best the beast of the mountain, which is where the mysterious stranger who has befriended Jia and Deshi comes in . . .
Based on an ancient Chinese legend, Jia and the Nian Monster blends fantasy, fable, and the invention of gunpowder into a tale of courage and friendship. Written by Mike Richardson (47 Ronin, Father's Day, and The Atomic Legion), and illustrated by the amazing new artist Megan Huang, this could be a new children's classic!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this graphic novel based on Chinese legend, headstrong 10-year-old Jia lives with her grandmother. Every year, the monster that took Jia's parents rampages through their mountain village. Jia and her friend Deshi are intent on discovering how to best the beast when a mysterious stranger offers his help. As explanation for the Nian Monster's misanthropy, Richardson takes inspiration from "The Tale of King Mu, Son of Heaven," portraying the beast as devastated when, after Mu of Zhou seeks Xiwangmu's affections to steal a Peach of Immortality, the goddess fades away. While this fleshes out the monster's backstory, it also makes him sympathetic, rendering Jia and Deshi's pursuit less triumphant than might be expected. Still, Huang's dynamic digital illustrations, in pinks, reds, and orange, effectively convey expressions, making thisan engaging entry into Chinese folklore. Ages 10 up.
