From the Author: Rosanna Porter
Rosanna Porter, Tofu Ling musha warrior
Tofu Ling’s character as a mouse provides the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. Tofu is young and small and sees the world filled with the same wonderment and excitement with each new adventure as a child would. I want children to understand that they have a lot to offer the world and the many things they can do despite their size to make this world a better place.
The symbolisms and meanings associated with the festival of Tango No Sekku provided an excellent backdrop for the story. Tofu believed the best way to exhibit his personal growth and strengthening virtues was through his preparation and accomplishments at the TaeKwonDo tournament and belt testing. When his grandfather was hurt, Tofu quickly offered to help his grandfather. He made a decision to put his grandfather’s needs above his own personal wants. Children sometimes confuse needs and wants and I think that this is one of the lessons in the story. In addition, through helping his grandfather he learns about the qualities and attributes of a different generation. The teamwork between Tofu and grandfather make it possible for Tofu to be able to accomplish his personal goal and earn his green belt with pride. However, his most important accomplishment was the virtues of dedication, discipline, and concern for another that earned Tofu the right to fly his carp banner higher than he could have ever imagined.
The books in the Tofu Ling Series are meant to be a read-to-me story and that is why the vocabulary is a higher level than the average children’s book. I believe that it is important that a higher vocabulary be modeled for children to cultivate their literary knowledge. As the child becomes familiar with the story it is hoped that they will be able to pick out words and phrases. Many times, parents and teachers stop reading to their children when they are able to read for themselves. I hope parents will continue to read to their children beyond the reader stage.
The story can be read over several sittings and time can be used to ask questions about the story and the characters. Parents and teachers can pose questions asking the child to suggest what might happen next in the story. Some children have trouble making the leap to chapter books because they are used to having a story told in a 15 minute time period. Hopefully, by experiencing a book over several days they will understand the gratification of anticipating the conclusion of a story.
