Minli lives in a loving but poor home in a place called Fruitless Mountain. After her mother scolds her for spending what little money they had on a goldfish, Minli journeys to find the Old Man of the Moon with the hopes of bringing prosperity to her village and happiness to her mother. Along the way she makes some remarkable friends -- including a dragon -- has amazing adventures, and learns the secret to happiness.

This gem of a book is about gratitude, perseverance, and appreciating the important things in life. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is one of those award-winning books that both kids and adults will really enjoy. Minli is a selfless girl who demonstrates faith, courage, kindness, and loyalty throughout the story. Her mother begins as a bitter woman who is jealous of those with wealth and frowns upon the dreams that Minli and father share. By the story's end, she is happy and realizes (along with the rest of the characters) that money means very little, and that love and generosity trump all. In one of the fables, it is referenced that a bad man stabbed a girl, but it is not described. This is a wholesome book that would be a good choice to read aloud. It might be tricky for an eight-year-old to read alone, and may be best for a nine- or ten-year-old.

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