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The Gale
Table of Contents
About The Book
One morning, so early that fog still sleeps on the surface of the river, a young boy accompanies his yeye seven miles north to the grassy field behind their home to cut satintail to feed the livestock. But when a massive gale scatters the hay—and a whole day’s work—important lessons will need to be learned about endurance, impermanence, and how to let go and weather the storm in a world that can often feel overwhelming and uncontrollable.
In sparse, lyrical prose interpreted by critically acclaimed author-illustrator Ying-Hwa Hu, The Gale is the first-ever picture book by the Nobel Prize–winning author of celebrated classics like Red Sorghum and Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out. It is adapted from the novella of the same name.
About The Illustrator
Zhu Chengliang graduated from the Nanjing University of the Arts with a degree in oil painting and is a member of the China Artists Association. He loves creating illustrations for picture books and is honored to be the recipient of awards, including the Feng Zikai Children’s Picture Book Award, as well as a runner-up for the UNESCO Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations. His best-known works include Flame, A New Year’s Reunion, and All in a Day.
Why We Love It
“Mo Yan’s sparse, atmospheric language is beautifully complemented by Zhu Chengliang’s evocative art, which perfectly captures the people and landscapes of the rural Chinese northeast.”
—Alyza L., Editor, on The Gale
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (August 6, 2024)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665930635
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
★ "Lyrical prose pensively explores ideas of perseverance and acceptance. The visible brushstrokes of the acrylic-on-cardboard illustrations beautifully render movement: of the wild, grassy fields, the morning fog, the afternoon clouds, and the actions of Yeye and the child. While the palette is primarily muted and earthy, the use of several perspectives and angles further energizes the pages...[g]entle yet powerful."
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "At seven years old, a child goes for the first time to collect satintail grass with their grandfather, Yeye, in this picture book debut from Nobel laureate Mo Yan, adapted from a short story of the same name...[i]n sparse, pensive prose, the narrator muses on themes of endurance and acceptance in uncontrollable circumstances. Movement-filled acrylic on cardboard illustrations from Zhu (What I Like Most), meanwhile, steadily convey the...characters’ experiences in the changing landscape."
– Publishers Weekly, starred review
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Gale Fixed Layout eBook 9781665930635
- Author Photo (jpg): Yan Mo Photo courtesy of author(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit