Mulan: The Legend of the Woman Warrior

by Faye-Lynn Wu, Joy Ang (Illustrator)

Overview

Mulan, the legendary woman warrior, comes to life in this empowering retelling of The Ballad of Mulan with stunning full-color illustrations by New York Times bestseller Joy Ang.

Mulan loves nothing more than her family. She will do anything for them—even if it means joining the army in her ageing father’s place. Since girls are not allowed in the army, Mulan cleverly disguises herself as a man. But she must look deep within herself to find her might and her courage.

Faye-Lynn Wu and Joy Ang turn this ancient Chinese ballad into an uplifting, empowering ode to young girls everywhere, showing that true strength comes from within, regardless of appearance, inspiring a new generation of women warriors. The book also includes the original ballad.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062803412
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/10/2019
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	290,662
Product dimensions:	10.30(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Faye-Lynn Wu grew up in Taiwan. She lives in California with her husband and two children. She has an extensive background in education and has taught Mandarin Chinese to students ranging from preschool to high school. Currently, she is a Mandarin Chinese teacher at an elementary school. Her children’s books include Mulan, Chinese and English Nursery Rhymes, and My First Book of Chinese Words.

Joy Ang is an illustrator who has worked in comics, video games, and animation. She currently lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband, son, and fluffy cat. See more of her work at www.joyang.ca.

Editorial Reviews

2019-06-16
When Mulan's frail father is conscripted into the Chinese emperor's army, she decides to disguise herself as a man and take her father's place.

Over many years of waging war, Mulan's strength and bravery earn her ever higher ranks and even her own command. When the emperor himself rewards her for her many victories, she is finally granted what she desires most: to return home. There, after reuniting with her family, she reveals herself as a woman to her fellow soldiers, who exclaim in surprise. Many may already know this story from the 1998 Disney movie adaptation or other versions, but this edition is unique in its accurate retelling, bordering on translation, of the original Chinese poem. Unfortunately, this strict adherence to a sixth-century text (included in the backmatter) makes for a disjointed and unemotional experience, as the poem highlights moments within the story rather than telling a fleshed-out narrative. For example, what Mulan purchased in preparation for departure is detailed, but how she evaded detection as a woman for so many years is not addressed. And of her return home, "Mulan hugged her family. / She was happy to see them." The retelling leaves many questions unanswered and emotional touch points underdeveloped. Handsome accompanying illustrations depict Mulan's beauty and strength wonderfully, though backgrounds and secondary characters pale in comparison.

This faithful adaptation's lack of narrative detail will fail to engage readers. (Folktale. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews