The Runaway Rice Cake
Although they have rice flour enough for only one  nián-gäo--the Chinese New Year's rice cake--the Chang family is  determined to make the best of their holiday treat. But when Momma takes the  cake out of the steamer, "something incredible happened--the rice cake came  alive!" Stunned, the Changs watch as it pops out of the pan and rolls right out  of their kitchen, crying, "Ai yo! I don't think so!" Much like the family in the  traditional classic,The  Gingerbread Boy, the Changs chase that pastry all through the village,  but it eludes them every step--until it runs smack into an old woman. Generous  Da, the youngest son, upon discovering that this woman is hungry, too, offers to  share the nián-gäo. This leaves nothing for the Chang family's New  Year's feast, but their kind-hearted deed reaps them benefits they never  imagined from the approving Kitchen God.Ying Chang Compestine's tale of compassion and generosity teaches a valuable,  perennially fresh message. Tungwai Chau's acrylic paintings of the family  celebrating their most important holiday are rich with details of traditional  Chinese life. A note about the Chinese New Year includes recipes for  nián-gäo, the good-luck cake that is said to bring safety and  fortune to the entire family all year long. (Ages 5 to 8)--Emilie  Coulter