TLDR;
This is a summary of the children's book "The Nian Monster" by Andrea Wong, which tells the story of a clever girl named Xingling who saves Shanghai from the Nian monster during Chinese New Year. The Nian monster, who eats whole villages every New Year, is scared away by loud sounds, fire, and the color red. Xingling uses her wit to trick the monster into eating enormous portions of noodles, fish, and rice cake, each designed to incapacitate him. Finally, she defeats him with a spectacular fireworks display.
- Xingling cleverly exploits Nian's weaknesses and appetite.
- The story incorporates traditional Chinese New Year elements.
- The book emphasizes the importance of wit and resourcefulness.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces a reading of "The Nian Monster" by Andrea Wong, illustrated by Alina Chao, promising a story set during the Chinese New Year.
The Legend of Nian [0:15]
Three days before Chinese New Year, Shanghai is bustling with activity. Xingling asks her grandmother, Popo, about the red decorations. Popo explains the legend of the Nian monster, a creature with wide jaws and sharp teeth that devours villages every New Year. The monster is afraid of loud sounds, fire, and the color red, which is why these traditions are used to keep him away.
Nian's Return [1:26]
While Popo is out, Xingling is watching the casserole when the Nian monster appears on the balcony. He announces his intention to devour the city, unimpressed by the traditional deterrents. Xingling cleverly suggests he eat a bowl of long-life noodles first, to live longer and conquer more cities. Nian agrees and tells her to wait for him in the park.
The Longest Noodle [3:12]
Xingling rushes to the best noodle shop in Shanghai and asks the head chef to prepare a special dish for Nian. The chefs create an extremely long noodle, and Nian eats it all. He becomes too full to eat more and postpones devouring the city until the next day.
The Boniest Fish [4:02]
The next day, Nian prepares to attack from the Jin Mao Tower. Xingling stops him again, suggesting he eat fish first for good fortune. Nian agrees and waits by the river. Xingling asks a fishing fleet to catch a special fish for Nian. They catch milk fish, known for being the boniest. Nian eats the fish but his throat becomes too sore to eat more, so he postpones his attack again.
The Stickiest Rice Cake [5:41]
On New Year's Eve, Nian is ready to attack from Yu Garden. Xingling suggests he eat rice cake to sweeten his future. Nian agrees and waits at the tea house. Xingling asks Popo to make a special rice cake for Nian using glutinous rice flour, the stickiest kind. Nian eats the rice cake, but it gets stuck in his teeth, and his jaws become stuck.
Fireworks [7:10]
Xingling tells Nian that before he devours the city, they must set off fireworks to welcome the new year. She takes him to the Bund, the best place to see fireworks in Shanghai, and gives him the seat of honor. The fireworks master puts on a special show, and at midnight, a firework rocket launches Nian into the sky. The firework makers had built a spectacular firecracker, so spectacular it was a rocket.
Conclusion [8:59]
As Nian is blasted into the sky, he shouts that he will be back next year. Xingling replies that he hasn't tried her dumplings yet, implying she will be ready for him.
