revision of old Chinese tale - really nice!! ( )

A beautiful story about a watchful spirit and a simple, honest man. I would use this book in the classroom to explore other cultures and their folktales.

Tuan is a hardworking, honest, and respectful man who spends his time working in the fields. He is lonely and the matchmaker couldn't help him. One day a dinner appears on his table, and Tuan's luck suddenly changes.

This book was about a boy who lost his parents at a young age. His neighbors took him in. He grew up to be a lonely man that couldn't find a wife. One night he found a really big snail and took it home where he cared for it. After he brought it home everyday after he got off work dinner was waiting for him. He was curious as too who was preparing his dinner so one night he came home early and saw a beautiful lady. He asked who she was and she said she was a fairy, that the lord of heaven felt bad that for him because he was so lonely. Because Tuan was such a good person the lord sent the fairy to look after him. She had to leave but he was instructed to always keep her shell full of rice and he would always have food. Tuan eventually found a wife and lived happily ever after ( )

I think that the illustrations and art work really enhance this story. It flows very gracefully on the pages yet is very simple.