Eddie Wing is a second generation Chinese boy (possibly living in Chinatown of San Francisco?). He’s crazy over kites but his parents, who own a flower stall, can’t afford to indulge him in his favourite hobby.
This doesn’t stop Eddie from flying an imaginary “kite” on the top of the city’s highest hills or watching out for the annual Festival of Kites organized by Old Chan, the neighbourhood’s richest Chinese man.
Each year, Old Chan would think of a theme for the kite festival e.g. the fastest or kite with the longest tail. This year, Old Chan would give a prize to the smallest kite.
At this point, I’m sure the reader would guess that Eddie Wing wins the kite festival but surprisingly, he doesn’t 
The story also has a sub-plot about Old Chan, who migrated to the United States with his parents when he was a little boy. A poet at heart, he did not have the opportunity to pursue his interest as he had to work hard with his parents to earn a living.
I love the book for the beautiful oil paintings by Al Van Mil, which feature rich portraits of the Chinese and non-Chinese characters. The scene from Chinatown is questionable because it’s a deserted street, which is highly unusual for a Chinese street!
However, I find that the book lacked the depth of a culturally-rich story book about a Chinese boy. The plot is predictable and cheesy enough to win over a young reader.
Personally, I find the bit of Chinese calligraphy that Old Chan is pictured penning looks more like a scrawled medicine prescription or short note rather than a piece of art befitting someone of Old Chan’s position and passion. Can a fan of Chinese calligraphy comment on this?
For a book published in 1996, I have to commend the author and illustrator for coming out with this book on Asian culture. I’m looking forward to reading more children’s books on Asian or other cultures
Rating: 
Want to read the book yourself? Buy The Tiny Kite Of Eddie Wing
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