My Beijing
Four Stories of Everyday Wonder
Age 7+
People & Places
A gorgeous collection of stories about finding the magic in everyday life, from a big-hearted, superbly skilled artist paying tribute to his Beijing upbringing.
Yu'er and her grandpa live in a small neighborhood in Beijing—and it's full of big personalities. There's a story around every corner, and each day has a hint of magic. In one tale, Yu'er wants to swim in the Special Olympics, a sports competition for people with disabilities. But she and her grandpa don't have a pool! Their trick to help Yu'er practice wows the whole neighborhood. In another story, a friend takes Yu'er to a wild place full of musical insects. Later, Yu'er hears a special story about her grandparents. And in the final story, Yu'er and her grandpa show a cranky painter the sweet side of life.
Creators
Nie Jun began drawing at an early age by copying lianhuanhua (Chinese sequential art). He later discovered the cartooning legends of Europe, Japan, and elsewhere. He lives in Beijing and teaches drawing to university students.
Reviews
Presented in sumptuous full color, Jun’s exquisite graphics—from perfect realism (a cancelled stamp) to comical specificity (Grampa’s exaggerated backside) to the ‘natural simplicity’ of Yu’er’s own drawings—offer nonstop merriment and whimsical delight.
Booklist
A young Chinese girl and her grandpa navigate life’s challenges and joys in a small neighborhood of Beijing. In this graphic-short story collection, the author introduces readers to Yu’er, a girl with an unspecified physical disability that limits her mobility, and her loving grandfather. The first story opens with her dream of becoming a champion swimmer and a belief strong enough to carry her above her naysayers. From there, readers meet a boy who helps her fight off bullies, encounter the fantastical properties of an old mailbox, and finish by witnessing Yu’er’s reconciliation with a grumpy neighbor. Whimsical and sweet, this will remind readers of animated movies such as My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. With no fancy fight scenes or action shots, this is a slow and quiet delivery presented in a bright and warm palette of watercolors. Scenes depicted are plangent and sweet evocations of childhood, as in the ‘Bug Paradise’ retreat Yu’er’s new friend shares with her and the story her retired-letter-carrier grandpa tells her via his stamp collection. The few cultural and translation footnotes help readers who may be confused by or unfamiliar with certain Chinese terminology or history. Featuring family and friendships, this title is recommended for curious young readers looking for some magic in the everyday.
Kirkus Reviews
… contemporary young readers will easily relate to Yu’er’s longing to be part of a loving community and caring family, and identify with her good humor and grit in facing life’s obstacles.
The Horn Book Magazine
