Reviews

From Booklist , November 1, 1994
Ages 5-9. In ancient China, the emperor enjoys watching cricket fights so much that he imposes a cricket tax to be paid by all his people. A poor farmer at last catches a cricket for the tax, but his curious son peeks into its case and accidentally releases it. Magically transformed into a fighting cricket, the boy saves his family and their farm. In the appended source note, the writers comment on the tale's origin and translation and mention their focus "on elements common in Chinese folklore--magical transformation and family loyalty." Told in a fluid, narrative style spiced with dramatic dialogue, the story has the added appeal of a child as hero. Hutton's watercolor-and-ink artwork skillfully illustrates the tale. A good story to read aloud. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright© 1994, American Library Association. All rights reserved

From Kirkus Reviews , August 15, 1994
A tale of magic and loyalty, first told some 300 years ago in China. It was a time when the emperor was smitten with fighting crickets, going so far as to levy a tax to increase his cricket stable. One victim of the tax, about to be thrown in jail for failing to ante up, manages to bag the Mike Tyson of crickets, only to have it escape through the foolishness of his son. An old soul comes to the son's rescue but requires him to turn into a cricket. A series of prize fights ensues, including bouts with Crabshell Blue and Longwings, both court champions. Wei nian--the son, now cricket--prevails, becoming the hero of the court, but homesickness prompts him to attempt a dangerous escape across a chicken-strewn yard. The old soul again comes to his rescue, this time transforming Wei nian back into a boy and reuniting him with his family. The Changs know how to give the whims of authority a good lambasting without getting smug about it, and Hutton's crabbed pen-and-wash illustrations bring a Roz Chast leavening to the serious themes of the story. (Picture book. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From Horn Book
A traditional folktale tells of a farmer's son who is transformed into a cricket and engages in battles with other crickets for the emperor's entertainment. The plainspoken text is illustrated with Hutton's typically attractive and understated watercolors. -- Copyright © 1995 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

Synopsis
After the emperor of China demands a new tax to be paid in crickets and he loses his father's cricket, young Wei meets a mysterious old man who transforms him into a splendid cricket warrior to be sent to the palace to save his family.

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