Xiao Xin believes he is a Red Fire Warrior but his family are always telling him to be careful. They believe the world is a dangerous place. Too dangerous for a little boy on his own. Xiao Xin, meaning Little Heart, might be little on the outside, but on the inside he is a Red Fire Warrior. When Xiao Xin gets fed up with his family over-protecting him and worrying about him – that he will fall, that he will get sick or cold – he runs away from home.
As Xiao Xin turns to his inner Red Fire Warrior, his family looks for him, and they all learn that for Xiao Xin to grow up they all have to face their fears and let him grow. Renowned storytellers Alice Pung OAM and Sher Rill Ng bring to life a beautiful and tender story about learning to conquer your own fears – as a child, and as an adult, and how the past can shape the future.
Pung is a widely acclaimed author of adults and children’s fiction and non-fiction. Her memoir Unpolished Gem, as well as her novels Laurinda and One Hundred Days have paved the way in telling stories of the Asian-Australian experience. One Hundred Days was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award this year, and it’s clear that Pung’s wonderful storytelling ability translates well into children’s fiction. She explores the experiences of an Asian-Australian family with utter warmth here. Be Careful, Xiao Xin!, is told in both English and Mandarin. It’s fantastic to see a bilingual picture book for children who can read both languages, are learning to read them, or to simply celebrate the diversity of languages in Australia.
Ng is a talented digital designer who has written and illustrated books including Our Little Inventor. Xiao Xin and his family members are all stunningly portrayed through Ng’s illustrations. They are detailed and atmospheric – you can see the frustration in Xiao Xin’s face, and the fear of his family when he runs away. I could imagine this picture book as a short film or animation. Xiao Xin will be a relatable character for children who are gaining independence and wanting to do things without their parent’s help, or without being told what to do. Every kid has their own version of the Red Fire Warrior within them – they sometimes just need to be given the space to become that new version of themselves. With wisdom about families, different cultures, growing up and learning to let each other grow, Be Careful, Xiao Xin! explores these universal themes that will engage inquisitive children.
Be Careful, Xiao Xin! is a stunning picture book for children aged 4+ that draws you in with the breathtaking illustrations and keeps you engaged with these timely and important themes. I will be recommending Pung and Ng’s book to many.
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