Boy Dumplings

A hungry ghost in old Beijing meets his match in a crafty boy. Tongue-in-check scary fun like Halloween with a bilingual Chinese translation.

Recipe for a Delicious Story:

1. Begin with one hungry ghost.

2. Add a tasty looking boy.

3. Mix them for an outrageous result!

Long ago in China, a ghost can’t wait to sink his teeth into his next meal — a plump boy! The child will need to think fast if he doesn’t want to turn into a midnight snack. What will happen when the boy convinces the ghost to make the mouthwatering “Boy Dumplings” recipe?

This hilarious tale is redesigned, featuring revised illustrations and a new bilingual simplified Chinese translation. Inspired by her son who enjoyed making dumplings, author Compestine adds a clever young protagonist who can befuddle any spirit! Plus Yamasaki's colorful art mines comedy from seemingly scary circumstances.

Every fall, the Ghosts Festival is like the Chinese Halloween: people leave offerings of food at night for hungry ghosts. Boy Dumplings plays with this cultural tradition and adds a humorous twist. The Chinese translation is ideal for students and teachers of language classes, schools, and immersion programs. The book includes an author’s note on the history of China’s Ghosts Festival, plus a delicious dumplings recipe.

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"Exciting storytelling and Chinese culinary traditions create a delicious book for young readers”

- San Francisco Chronicle

“[Boy Dumplings is an] entertaining tale for young readers — with a toothsome recipe thrown in for parents, too!”

— Smithsonian BookDragon

"Great story with colorful illustrations by James Yamasaki that would be perfect during the Ghost Festival, Halloween or any time of year..."

— Hooray 4 Books

“This exciting and witty Chinese folktale will leave readers hungry for the end of the story and for dumplings as well!"

- Good English

“In vivid, engaging illustrations, the story exposes students to Chinese culture - in terms of food and holidays - and a unique literary motif that students will come across in many American fables.”

- Comprehension within Text