The Rock Maiden: A Chinese Tale of Love and Loyalty

K-Gr 2—Long ago, when Hong Kong was still a small fishing village, Ling Yee and Ching Yin fell in love and married. After Ching Yin is lost at sea in a storm, Ling Yee straps their infant son to her back and spends her days standing on the rocks, scanning the waves for her husband's return. Over time, Tin Hau, the patron goddess of fishermen, takes pity on the grieving Ling Yee and turns her and the baby to stone so they will feel no more sadness. Eventually Ching Yin finds his way home. His tears turn Ling Yee and their son back, and they live happily ever after. This book is based on the legend of Hong Kong's Amah Rock—a natural formation that looks like a woman and infant—but Yim gives the tale a satisfying and happy ending instead of leaving Ling Yee waiting in stone forever. The author's note about childhood lunches near the rock invites further exploration about Hong Kong. Vainio's soft watercolors evoke the Old World misty melancholy of the romantic story.