"According to Daddy, there's a lot
about Ah Bing we don't know. But
we know that he was Chinese like
us, and that he was an orchard man
from long ago. We wouldn't have
our cherry tree were it not for him.
At night, after I've washed
the cherry juice from my hands,
I imagine Ah Bing's life."
I did not know anything about Ah Bing, for whom a certain type of cherry is named. One of the reasons I like picture book biographies so much has to do with all that I learn from reading them. This immigrant story about the Bing cherry has a father telling his daughter that they have good reason to be thankful to Ah Bing for the cherry tree in their backyard. Its bounty makes both very happy. He goes on to tell her there is a lot that is not known about Ah Bing; they do know he was Chinese. He was also an orchard man who played an important role in developing cherry trees that people so enjoy.
In bed that night, the girl tries to imagine Ah Bing's life. He had to sail from China. Unlike many Chinese people, he was very tall, allowing him to wade ashore in San Francisco Bay. He may then have traveled north to find work where he was quickly hired because of his great height. The girl's imaginings create a kind and very helpful man who did what he could to offer assistance to people, birds and animals. His songs kept the trees happy and growing. He was a leader of men, who worked hard to keep the orchards healthy and producing.
Ah Bing dearly missed the family he left behind in China. He was a good friend and liked by many; still, there were people who didn't like his look and felt threatened by him. Ah Bing did his best to protect himself and his team of workers. Some of the trees grew taller and sweeter due to his care. Those trees were named for him. After many years Ah Bing returned to his family, taking the tree seeds with him and planting them at his home. Today, the girl and her father reap the benefits of his hard work so long ago. At least, that's the story she believes.
A well-written origin story, made more dramatic with digital artistic scenes that are filled with depth and clear perspective in terms of Ah Bing's size, work ethic, sadness about being so far away from family, and his humanity.
In author and illustrator notes, the creators share their interest in American folklore, their Chinese culture, and how they made Ah Bing's story come alive for readers. Further information includes what is known about Ah Bing, further reading and a sweet recipe to try.
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