Hello: How Nüwa Created the World

by Viola Wang

Overview

The creation of humankind begins with Nuwa, a lonely young goddess, a handful of clay, and a single "hello" in this vibrant and touching tale inspired by Chinese mythology.

"Wang breathes new life into the story of the Chinese goddess of creation. . . . Eye-popping illustrations bring the charm in this novel folktale retelling." Kirkus Reviews

Many years ago, when the world was still young, Nüwa was the only person on Earth. She loved to play with the fish and the birds, but she longed for someone to talk to. Then one day, Nüwa found a way to create a friend, and when this new little person said, "Hello," something magical happened....

This beautiful story demonstrates the importance of language, community, and communication.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781499814927
Publisher:	little bee books
Publication date:	02/13/2024
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	473,335
Product dimensions:	9.45(w) x 11.80(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD500L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

Editorial Reviews

This heartwarming and visually captivating book emphasizes the significance of reaching out and forging connections and underscores the enduring importance of communication and community.

The Horn Book Magazine

Inspired by a Chinese creation myth, this vibrant picture book demonstrates the power of connection.

Foreword

2023-11-04
Wang breathes new life into the story of the Chinese goddess of creation.

Nüwa, said to have molded humans out of mud, is commonly portrayed as a grown woman with a serpent’s body. Here, Wang portrays her as a pixie-size girl with black pointy hair and brown skin. The simple narrative reveals that “when the world was still young,” Nüwa was the only human. “She was happy, singing and dancing among the plants and animals.” Yet not one of the creatures responds when she says hello. Upset, she cries out to the universe, hoping for someone to talk to. No one replies. Stricken, Nüwa cries for three days, and a huge puddle forms from her tears. Running her hands through the mud, she creates a tiny, pink-skinned person, who finally greets her with a hello. After a fun-filled day introducing her new friend to her world, the person asks for more friends. Nüwa happily obliges, creating people of different colors who eventually spread out and build homes, cities, and families. Coming full circle, the narrator tells us that when people are lonely, all they have to do is say hello; on the next spread, we see the word hello in various languages. Busy, appealing illustrations teem with movement, while the completely black or white backdrops to each page create a stark contrast to the engaging animals, bugs, flora, and patterns rendered in a bright neon palette.

Eye-popping illustrations bring the charm in this novel folktale retelling. (Picture book/folktale. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews