"The boy set off as the sun slipped
behind the hills. "I'm not going to
ride him. I'm not big enough," he
repeated along his way."
Ah-Fu has a big imagination. Still, he cannot imagine that he is big enough to bring their ox from the field when father is not there to do it. Grandfather is sure he is old enough, while also offering advice that Ah-Fu not try to ride the ox as he is not yet big enough to do that. With the reminder being repeating in his head, Ah-Fu begins his journey.
A flock of swallows have advice for him when he tells them what he is doing. They suggest that he not try to lead the ox by the horns as he is not big enough to do that. Now, he has two things he must not do. When a frog asks about his task, she advises that he not try to herd the ox for fear of it running away.
""Just don't ride him. Don't lead
him by the horns. And don't herd
him from behind," the boy whispered."
him by the horns. And don't herd
him from behind," the boy whispered."
His meeting with the ox startles him. So much so, that he rolls down a hill, hurting himself and definitely ready to admit he is not big enough. The remainder of the story is a conversation between the ox and the boy that offer some lovely surprises for readers and a most welcome end to this tale.
The attractive and engaging illustrations, which are painted digitally using traditional Chinese techniques, hold attention throughout and offer welcome changes in perspective to enhance the telling. A quiet, idyllic setting and impressive characters make it a wonderful readaloud for listeners.
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