Paper Lanterns

Almost every day the small boy called Little Mouse watches Old Chen make paper lanterns. He wants to learn to make them too, but everyone thinks he's too small. Little Mouse spends every spare moment he can watching the master paper lantern maker Old Chen at work. Every night he secretly practices the master's techniques and waits for an opportunity to prove his growing skill. When Old Chen becomes too sick to create the dragon masterpiece, the little boy takes over and proves his worth to his friend and mentor. Brightly illustrated with strong colors, this story demonstrates the importance of patience and perseverance. Stefan Szernecki is an award-winning illustrator and author. His book The Cricket's Cage earned the 1997 Aesop Accolade. Most of the more than a dozen books he has illustrated, written, or co-written for children are stories that are set in other countries. He makes his home in Vancouver, Canada.