The Runaway Wok facts for kids
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| Author | Ying Chang Compestine |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's books |
| Publisher | Dutton Books for Young Readers |
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Publication date
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January 6, 2011 |
| ISBN | 0525420681 |
The Runaway Wok is a picture book written by Ying Chang Compestine and illustrated by Sebastia Serra. The story follows a boy named Ming and his adventures with a magical talking wok who grants wishes.
Plot summary
In preparation for the Chinese New Year, the poor Zhang family sends Ming to the market to trade eggs for rice. At the market, an old man persuades Ming to trade the eggs for a magical talking wok. When Ming's mother goes to reprimand him, the wok asks her to polish it. When she finishes cleaning the wok, it jumps away and rolls down the road. It returns three times with food, toys, and money taken from the greedy Mr. Li, taking from the rich and giving to the poor of the village. At the end of the story the family shares the gifts of the wok with the community. The story is based on a Danish folktale called The Talking Pot, and also alludes to The Gingerbread Man.
The book concludes with an author's note and a recipe for "Festive Stir-Fried Rice" and also includes information about the symbolism of the wok and Chinese New Year's foods.
Characters
- Ming - Protagonist, poor, young boy
- Mama Zhang - Ming's mother
- Poppa Zhang - Ming's father
- Old Man - Previous owner of the wok
- Wok - Magical wok
- Mr. Li - Antagonist, Richest man in Beijing
- Mrs. Li - Mr. Li's wife
- Lan Li - Son of Mr. and Mrs. Li
Awards
- 2013-14 Iowa Goldfinch Award Nominee
- 2013 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee
- 2012 Storytelling World Resource Award
- 2011 Lasting Connections Top 30 Titles from Booklist
