Nancy is helping Ni Ni (Grandma) in the kitchen when a letter arrives from China. Ni Ni grows sad when she reads that her childhood home is being torn down, along with the chrysanthemum-filled garden
Nancy is helping Ni Ni (Grandma) in the kitchen when a letter arrives from China. Ni Ni grows sad when she reads that her childhood home is being torn down, along with the chrysanthemum-filled garden and fish pond she has always loved.
After Nancy wins two goldfish at the summer fair, she comes up with an idea to keep Ni Ni's memories of the garden alive. Nancy gets to work the very next morning, and as the surprise takes shape, the familiar beauty of home brings the entire family together.
Goldfish and Chrysanthemums shows us all how one young girl can make a difference in the lives of the people she loves. This tender story is a testament to the special bonds that tie us together within families and across generations.
Interest Level
Grades 1 - 3
Reading Level
Grade 2
Themes
Sharing & Giving, Grandparents, Family Traditions, Environment/Nature, Asian/Asian American Interest
Accelerated Reader
Level: 3.2
Points: .5
View Description for teachers/educators
Andrea Cheng is the author of several children's books, including Grandfather Counts (2000), Marika (Front Street, 2002), and Goldfish and Chrysanthemums. In addition to writing, Cheng is an English as a Second Language (ESL) program director/instructor. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and their three children. To find out more about Andrea Cheng, visit her Web site: www.andreacheng.com
Michelle Chang is a full-time illustrator who earned her BFA degree from the San Francisco Academy of Art. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines including THE NEW YORKER, TIME, ROLLING STONE, GQ, FORBES, and THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY. She is also a first place winner in the annual competition sponsored by RSVP: The Directory of Illustration. Chang lives in Brooklyn, New York. This is her first picture book. To find out more about Michelle Chang, visit her Web site: .michellechang.com
View Biographical note