Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat

by Jennifer Armstrong

Book Overview

Illus. in full color. When Chin Yu Min's wealthy husband drowns, her life of idleness comes to an end--until she meets a mysterious ginger cat fishing with his long tail. Striking illustrations complement this original folktale of a haughty widow whose life is transformed by friendship.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517586568
• ISBN13: 9780517586563
• Release Date: February 1993
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.6" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 4

Customer Reviews

It's about treating people with repect

I was sorry to hear that other readers found this book to be about making the rich evil. I did not find that at all. The moral of the story is about treating others with respect. It's about appreciating what is around you and not taking those in your life for granted. It's a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations.

A Delight For Children Of Any Age

Chin Yu Min And The Ginger Cat, written by Jennifer Armstrong and Illustrated by Mary Grandpre, is yet another fine example of Mary Grandpre's brilliance as an illustrator. Mary Grandpre's paintings linger in the imagination long after the pages have been turned. Jennifer Armstrong does a fine job of adapting a Chinese folktale. Chin Yu Min is the wife of a wealthy man. Chin believes this puts her above everyone in her village. Chin is imperious, haughty and snobbish. When Chin's husband drowns and she runs out of money, Chin refuses the kind offerings of help from the other villagers. One day Chin meets a mysterious cat at the fishing docks who helps return Chin to her previous financial status. It is only when Chin loses the cat that she learns the real value of friendship and humility. Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat is delight for children of any age.Preston McClear...

The art is enough to buy this book!

I am a professional illustrator and got to see Mary Grandpre do a demonstration of her work when I was in art college. This book is a perfect example of what a very talented artist is capable of. Her use of color and composition make this book a joy to behold!

Favorite Book

This is my very favorite book ever. It is absolutely brilliant and heart-warming. I am amazed that a children's book could have such an effect on a crusty old adult like myself. I read it every time I'm feeling cranky, and it makes me feel better.

Children's story about growing through hardship

What a wonderful children's story! This book is complete with marvelous illustrations, tells an interesting story and teaches a valuable lesson in humanity. At the beginning of the story, Chin Yu Min is a nasty, regrettable woman. She wants for nothing materially and is too pleased with herself to realize any of her other needs. She is soon widowed with no income, and her pride propells her into poverty. At the point of desparation, an unlikely alliance with the ginger cat provides food for her body and soul.