An interesting, engaging Australian fantasy about a Chinese girl bullied in school and wrestling with her cultural identity who finds refuge in her art. ( )

This review is for a copy I received through the Early Reviewers program. This fantastical tale about the power of imagination and some quite extraordinary watercolors draws the reader in and leaves you wishing you could enter Mimi's amazing worlds. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Wang and I found it to be an excellent introduction to a wonderful writer. Although the story is obviously intended for children, I found that it was easily enjoyable by both young in age and young at heart. Mimi's escape into her art provided a way for others to escape into amazing magical worlds. I think Ms. Wang's novel does the same for her readers. I would definitely recommend this book to parents of young readers looking for a new tale to tell. ( )

While I know this is a book for children, I think a few things could be improved, even with that in mind. The plot idea is enjoyable, but things feel a little too contrived. Characters turn their point of view around at the drop of a hat, for example. I know that in the case of the characters changed by the garden, that is the point, but everything is just so *convenient.* The characters are nothing particularly unique; very much in line with their particular cliche and not moving beyond it.
As I said; the plot idea is nice, but this book could be fleshed out a little. Characters could be given a bit more depth - even by simply going outside their particular roles of cute boy/jealous popular girl/nice teacher/mean teacher once in a while. The idea of the garden changing people could also be expanded - it just seems a little too forced.
I remember the books I most loved as a child were the ones that challenged me, made me think, and made me realize that things do not always fit a particular mold. This is a nice story that could benefit from a dash of colouring outside the lines, as it were.

It is wonderful look at how to mystically heal the soul. The moral is that if you have a pure heart you can be happy and achieve. It is a mix of modern day, old Chinese mythology, and how to follow your dreams. I think it really has a moral to the story. The author paints beautiful pictures with words. It is a short and wonderful read. One moment reminded me greatly of the Polar Express and how only children who believed could hear Santa's bell. Only those who believed could see the drawings come alive.

i know it can be hard to hold kids attention but this wouldnt really hold anyones. the thing is is that kids like books like fudge and this is nothing like it. i think hat with a little more work that this story could be something but till then its like reading a rough draft.