The Nian Monster

Written by Andrea Wang · Illustrated by Alina Chau

A clever girl faces a fearsome monster threatening Shanghai during Chinese New Year.

5.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.2/5 Goodreads · 543 ratings

32 pages· 886 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud· AD550L

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Bookroo's summary

During Chinese New Year, the fearsome Nian monster returns to devour Shanghai, starting with young Xingling. The old methods to repel Nian fail, but Xingling's cleverness might be the city's last hope. Can her quick thinking outsmart the beast and save everyone? As the city trembles, Xingling must confront the legendary creature with wit and courage. Will she succeed where tradition has faltered, or will Nian's hunger consume all? Discover the thrilling clash between ancient legend and modern ingenuity in this captivating tale of bravery and resourcefulness.

From the publisher

Tong tong! The legendary Nian monster has returned at Chinese New Year. With horns, scales, and wide, wicked jaws, Nian is intent on devouring Shanghai, starting with Xingling! The old tricks to keep him away don’t work on Nian anymore, but Xingling is clever. Will her quick thinking be enough to save the city from the Nian Monster?

Awards

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2018)

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 886
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD550L

Themes & topics

Books about Chinese New Year Books about culture Books about places and regions Books about monsters Books about China

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.5

out of 7

5.5

“A clever little girl outsmarts the Nian monster, who is no longer scared away by the loud noises, fire and color red that have kept him at bay for so long, with the help of her community and some very special New Years' traditions. I love the critical thinking and problem solving it demonstrates, the traditional (almost folk-talesy) way it's told, and of course, the beautiful illustrations.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

The author