Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China
Life Is What It's Called - What can we expect from you next?
Written by Ryan O’Connor
Illustrated by Xiang Minghui
Ages 6-10 | 48 Pages
Publisher: Xlibris Corp | ISBN-13 : 978-1664153189
Publisher’s Synopsis: Li Li Wang is enjoying Chinese New Year with her family when her grandparents ask her to sit with them. Before giving Li Li her holiday gift, they tell her the story of Ting Ting Wang, Li Li’s ancestor, and how she became a Chinese hero. Li Li carefully listens as her grandparents tell her about Ting Ting, the monster Nian, and the origin of the Chinese New Year celebration. Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China provides insight into China’s biggest holiday, gives a sense of its culture, and shows that girls are just as strong and brave as boys.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
Ryan O’Connor is a literature and writing teacher in Shanghai, China, and the author of the children’s book series Bobby the Bear. With a background in sports journalism and education, Ryan has turned his focus to writing children’s books. Through unique characters, Ryan provides children with moral and life lessons. Ryan has earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in education; he has also won numerous awards for sports writing. Ryan is a native of Pittsburg, Kansas, but has spent the past ten years living in Shanghai.
To learn more about Ryan and his books, visit his website at www.ryanoconnorauthor.com.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?
Ryan O'Connor - There were two things that inspired me to write this version of the story.
First, I want to share Chinese culture and stories with children in the western world. There are so many wonderful stories and traditions in China that should be shared with the world. Chinese kids learn a lot about western holidays, traditions, and stories; I want to do the same thing for the kids in the west.
Second, I wanted to write a story for my two nieces – Aidyn and Kiara – where they could latch on to a character who is a girl and the hero of a story. I think it is important girls have strong character heroes to look up to and inspire to be. Girl empowerment is so important, and I hope to do my small part through this story.
Life Is What It's Called - What will children gain from reading this story?
Ryan O'Connor - I hope children can gain a small understanding of Chinese culture, especially its most important holiday – Chinese New Year. It’s amazing how much these kids in China know about Santa Claus, even though many here don’t celebrate Christmas, and other holidays we celebrate in the west.
I want kids to learn more about other cultures around the world.
Also, I want girls to learn that they can be as brave and strong as boys. I want girls to know that they can be the hero.
Life Is What It's Called - Why is it important for kids with and without a Chinese heritage to learn about this holiday?
Ryan O'Connor - I think it is important that all people learn and understand where they come from. Coming from the United States, we all trace our heritage to some other country. Chinese people, like all ethnicities, should be proud of their long traditions and cultures.
It is also important that we all learn about other cultures and people, especially those from different backgrounds. I think the more we learn about each other and accept each other’s traditions and cultures, the more likely we will all get along better and accept each other.
Life Is What It's Called - How can this book be used in a classroom?
Ryan O'Connor - I think there are several things teachers can do in the classroom to help teach this book, especially around Chinese New Year.
First, they can have a class where they teach students to make dumplings (if the school has the proper resources).
Second, they can turn this into a play (using puppets for younger kids).
Third, making red signs to put up around the classroom (obviously using English).
Ryan O'Connor - I am finishing up my third book in my Bobby the Bear series (the first two books were published last year – Bobby the Bear and His Missing Dinner and Merry Christmas, Bobby the Bear!).
I’m also finishing up another Chinese story. The working title is The Girl on the Moon. The story centers around another Chinese holiday: Mid-Autumn Festival.
I plan to have a total of 10 Bobby the Bear books and four Chinese stories completed over the next few years.
Life Is What It's Called - Do you have any supplemental activities that go along with this book?
Ryan O'Connor - I don’t have any supplemental activities for this book, but I think it would be interesting to turn this into a classroom play using puppets.
Life Is What It's Called - How has your background helped prepare you for writing this book?
Ryan O'Connor - I have been in China for the past 10 years, and I have spent the past five with my wife’s family. I have heard all these famous Chinese stories, experienced the dumplings with the coin, the fireworks, the big dinner, and the annual television performances.
I feel I have been able to capture the essence of the holiday and its importance to the Chinese people. It is an amazing holiday and one I wish everyone could experience once.
Life Is What It's Called - What is your favorite part of Chinese New Year?
Ryan O'Connor - My favorite part of the holiday is the family gathering. It reminds me of Thanksgiving and Christmas back home. I am a teacher in China and the school calendar doesn’t allow me to get home from Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Being around my wife’s family allows me that since of family that is so important to us during our most important holidays.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a set of books by Ryan O’Connor, including Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- A copy Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China
- A Ting Ting Bookmark
- A copy of Bobby the Bear and His Missing Dinner
- A copy of Merry Christmas, Bobby the Bear
- A copy Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China
The giveaway begins June 1, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
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