A Big Mooncake for Little Star is very clever. And while it is not based in an actual myth, Grace Lin has made a story that has that feeling of Asian mythology. Her amazing illustrations make this a sweet bedtime story, but also it is the perfect anytime story. Of course, it is meant to be a bedtime. These illustrations are detailed, but in a very simplicity manner. The placing of color also is strategic and moves the story forward.
And while this is a completely fictional account of why the moon goes through its phases (first it is full, then smaller, and smaller until finally the empty sky) this might work to help young children to understand the phases of the moon.
The story is sweet and the fact that Little Star is a typical child (she brushes her teeth, goes to bed, helps her mother bake) she is also the typical child who likes to eat her favorite treat, the Mooncake, makes this seem legitimately like a real folk story. Therefore, Lin shows her genius once again by weaving a tale clever, believable and fun. The “afterward” on the jacket cover shows how Lin came about with the theme, which is based in a real Moon celebration.
Lin is an author regardless if she is creating a picture book or a novel, you will find something for all ages. And if you are looking for books with minority characters (since she bases her stories on her own life, such as Year of the Dog; which had a better cover when I read it), you will find it within her pages.