Zhi Yong

Seven-year-old Zhi Yong is known throughout his village for his bravery and helpfulness. He collects firewood from dark forests, works in the rice fields, and never hesitates to do what needs to be done. Then jealous children start telling him ghost stories. At first, he doesn't believe them. But as more kids repeat the same tales, doubt creeps in: "What if it's true?"That single doubt changes everything.
Suddenly, every shadow hides a monster. Every sound brings terror. The brave boy has become too frightened to leave his house. His worried father prays for help-and in the magical way of ancient China, help arrives. The JourneyOne night, a silver fox spirit named Huilán appears at Zhi Yong's window. She takes him on a flying fan across moonlit skies to a sacred mountain cave, where a mysterious goddess teaches him something profound: the ghosts that haunt him exist only in his own mind.
He created them with his thoughts-and he alone has the power to control them. But there's a problem. When Zhi Yong feels scared, the ghosts interpret it as a command to be scary. They don't speak the same language. Now he must face his fears by looking them directly in the eye. He wakes with a glowing willow leaf in his hand-proof the journey was real-and his courage restored. What This Book OffersAuthentic Chinese Folklore - Features Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), fox spirits, and willow symbolism, presented with cultural respect.
Psychological Understanding - Explains how repeated thoughts create fears, why avoiding makes things scarier, and how facing fears removes their power. Beautiful Traditional Art - Seventeen watercolor illustrations in traditional Chinese painting style. Educational Value - Three bonus pages explain Guanyin, fox spirits in mythology, and willow symbolism in Chinese culture. Reading ExperienceFormat: 52-page illustrated chapter book with 11 short chapters (approximately 3, 500 words).
Works best read over several nights, though can be completed in one 30-40 minute session. Illustrations: 17 full-color watercolor paintings distributed throughout-12 full-page, 5 half-page. Some pages contain mostly text. Reading Level: Appropriate for ages 7-9. Younger children (5-6) can enjoy it read aloud but may need help with deeper concepts about how thoughts create fears. Content: Ghosts appear as shadowy, mysterious figures but are never truly frightening.
The tone remains gentle and age-appropriate throughout. Best ForChildren who are ages 7-9, experiencing real fears or worries, enjoy stories that make them think, and are curious about other cultures. Families who value meaningful conversations, want to help children understand fear, appreciate cultural diversity, and prefer reading together. Educators who teach social-emotional learning, need character education resources, work with 2nd-4th graders, and include diverse cultural perspectives.
The story provides a framework for understanding fear and a memorable metaphor-"looking fear in the eye"-that children can use in their own lives. This book bridges cultures, entertainment and education, the magical and the practical. It respects children's intelligence while honoring the power of storytelling. If you want a story your child will remember-one that teaches something valuable while taking them on a magical journey through Chinese mythology-this book offers exactly that.52 pages | 17 watercolor illustrations | Ages 7-9 | Chinese Folklore | Social-Emotional Learning