Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China
By Ai-Ling Louie
The Story
A mistreated girl finds comfort in a fish with golden eyes — and when her stepmother kills it, the fish's bones become a spirit that grants her a gown and golden slippers for the spring festival.
Why It's Special
For the kid who already knows Cinderella by heart, this is the chance to discover that her story has been told for centuries, in different words, on the other side of the world.
- Big idea: Kindness and quiet endurance carry their own kind of magic, even when no one else sees your worth.
- Vibes: Hushed, glowing, and a little mysterious — like a bedtime story passed down for generations.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy fairy tales and transformation stories
- are curious about stories from other cultures
- respond well to quiet, atmospheric illustrations
- like to compare this story to other Cinderella tales they know
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What made the fish with golden eyes so special to Yeh-Shen?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Yeh-Shen felt when her stepmother killed her only friend?
- Imagination: If a spirit could grant you one magical gift, what would you want it to be?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever had a favorite thing that made you feel less lonely?
- Compare & connect: How is Yeh-Shen's story like other Cinderella stories you've heard, and how is it different?
