Shen of the Sea by Arthur Bowie Chrisman (first published 1925) is a collection of stories taking place in China and featuring Chinese traditions. Although some of the tales are interesting reading, the lack of authenticity and subtle racism of the past make it a questionable book to give young children today. There are many better “Chinese Stories for Children” today that should be read before this one.
The stories contained some magical myths and others were tales of clever people. Some tales gave background stories to the invention of kites, chopsticks, and fine China, to name a few. But a few plot aspects and characters seemed out-right contrary to Chinese tradition as I have previously encountered it. For example, the dragon was more of a western-style “hungry to eat humans” dragon rather than a powerful symbol of luck, which is how they have always been in Chinese traditions I’ve read. (Read my recent review of The Truth About Dragons.)
I am not Chinese and I don’t have any claim to the culture. However, reading these tales felt like an obviously dated approach to what I know is a rich land. Instead of celebrating a culture, it treated the Chinese as “other” and foreign. It didn’t sit right with me. I can see why it was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1926, but I don’t see it as a sustained classic for children a century later.
Newbery rating scale:Â FANTASTICÂ |Â REALLY GOODÂ |Â PRETTY GOODÂ | OKAY | BLAH
What to do with this Newbery: KEEP IT AND READ IT | MAYBE IF YOU HAVE TIME | DON’T BOTHER
Instead of this one, read Chinese Menu (see my review!)
