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Houyi Shoots the Suns brings one of China's most iconic legends to life in simple, beginner-friendly Mandarin that even new learners can enjoy. Retold with clear language, full pinyin support, and natural English translation, this book transforms a timeless myth into an engaging reading experience designed to build vocabulary naturally through story. Readers follow Houyi, the legendary archer whose compassion drives him to save the people from ten blazing suns that scorch the earth. Through his courage on the mountain, the dramatic fall of nine suns, and the tender, heartbreaking tale of Chang'e rising to the moon, learners absorb essential Chinese words in a meaningful and memorable way. Rather than memorizing vocabulary lists, readers learn through context—experiencing each new word as part of a living narrative. Expressions rooted in nature, emotion, action, and daily life appear organically throughout the chapters, helping learners internalize the language as they follow the characters' journey. Whether witnessing the suffering of the people, the calm focus of Houyi as he draws his bow, or the quiet longing between Houyi and Chang'e across the distance of the night sky, every moment strengthens comprehension and fluency. Designed for HSK learners, beginners, and anyone seeking a gentle, effective approach to reading Chinese, this book includes the full story in simplified Chinese, followed by pinyin, English translation, and a sentence-by-sentence breakdown for deeper clarity. Houyi Shoots the Suns is more than a legend—it is a bridge into Chinese language and culture, turning study into enjoyment and reading into confidence.
Chong Shipei is a Singaporean native Chinese writer and educator who specializes in creating accessible, meaningful Chinese readers for learners of all ages. Shipei's professional background spans early childhood education, social work, and volunteer service with children from diverse backgrounds, including special-needs students and underprivileged youth. She scores distinction for her Chinese during her "O" level. Her readers are known for their clear structure, carefully controlled vocabulary, and warm narrative voice. She often writes using simplified language frameworks such as HSK-aligned vocabulary, making her books especially suitable for beginners, young readers, and independent learners. Beyond everyday stories, her work also includes retellings of folklore, history, and Bible stories, written with sensitivity and clarity for early learners. Through her writing and teaching, Chong Shipei continues to help learners build not only their Chinese proficiency, but also confidence, curiosity, and a lasting love for reading.
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