Title: The Hunter

Author: Mary Casanova

Illustrator: Ed Young

Copyright date: 2000

Publisher: Atheneum Books

Summary: The Hunter is a Chinese folktale about a young hunter who is given special powers by a spirit. He uses his powers to bring an abundance of food to his village. When his powers allow him to overhear the animals speaking about a terrible storm approaching, the hunter must share his secret with the villagers to save them. He is turned to stone for sharing the spirit's secret, and when the villagers return after the storm, they place his statue atop a high hill and remember that they must always listen to whatever others have to say.

Media for illustration: Pastel and gouache

Perfect student: This book is perfect for readers who enjoy adventure, animals, and nature. It would also be good for students of Chinese background.

Common Core State Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.2 Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral. This book works well with this standard because it is a folktale. It could be used by students to study the characteristics of folktales, would be easily understood, and has clear messages that students could recount.