Eenie Meenie Minie Moe.

Eenie Meenie Minie Moe is a delightful story within a story. Kevin and Robin share a bedroom which is always messy and for which neither feels responsible. They adore their uncle, who is witty and clever and who loves to tell them stories with intriguing twists and exaggerations. On this occasion, noting the state of their room, he relates a story first in his accented English, which he mixes up with his native Chinese. He then decides to tell a traditional Chinese folktale in his own language. The story is about three monks who live together but who do not cooperate in sharing daily chores and as a result they experience a near disaster. The latter story is itself charming, whimsical, and wise and has a lesson hidden within it for the children pertaining to their untidy room. Robin and her brother learn that doing one’s duty and sharing responsibilities with others can have positive results. The lesson they learn is direct but not heavy handed or moralizing.

In a country like Canada where so many of us are immigrants, this book’s use of a traditional tale from an old country, applied in a new country and modern setting, warmly links cultures and generations. The illustrations by Wei Xu complement the story very well. When Uncle is chatting with the children the illustrations have a Western setting and flavour, but as he moves into the story the illustrations capture the atmosphere of traditional China. The illustrations are rich and detailed, reflecting and enhancing the content of the text. Children aged 5 to 10 would be perfect candidates for this book, and it can be utilized very effectively in many ways in a classroom or story time, as well as being good read with or by an individual child. Recommended.