Product Description

Ling Sung doesn't like school. The other children can do things that he can't. But Ling Sung soon finds out that there is something very special that only he can do! Terry can tie up his shoes -- Ling Sung can't. Manjit can write her name but Ling Sung's letters go all wrong and Sharon can button up her coat perfectly. Ling Sung doesn't want to go back to school every again. But the next day at biscuit time Ling Sung does something amazing! He uses two paintbrushes as chopsticks to pick up the biscuits. This is something that no-one else can do, not even the teachers, and Ling Sung feels very special indeed!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #660852 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
A Chinese American boy realizes his know-how with chopsticks is a special skill; lessons on eating with chopsticks are lagniappe. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Ling Sung doesn't like his new school: everyone else seems to be getting praise for their accomplishments, whether it's Manjit writing her name, Terry tying his shoes, or Sharon buttoning her coat. Ling Sung can't do any of those things; but after the teacher notices him picking up his broken cookie pieces with paintbrushes in lieu of the chopsticks he uses at home, she asks him to help everyone else learn his skill--and they share theirs with him. A pleasant, realistic getting-adjusted story, with a cheery multicultural class appealingly characterized in Brazell's colorful, unusually perceptive art. (Picture book. 3-7) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review
"Ashley's point, that all children are good at something, is well made and should be reassuring to young listeners. Brazell's colorful mixed-media illustrations reflect an urban environment with a fully international cast of characters. A good choice for children just starting school--appropriate for classroom story hours or for parent/child sharing."--Booklist. -- Review

"Ashley's point, that all children are good at something, is well made and should be reassuring to young listeners. Brazell's colorful mixed-media illustrations reflect an urban environment with a fully international cast of characters. A good choice for children just starting school--appropriate for classroom story hours or for parent/child sharing."--Booklist.

Customer Reviews

The book is a good portrayal of one's ability to learn
When reviewing the book Cleversticks, I feel that children will find this book very appealing. Many children can relate to the conflict that occurs in the story and find it comforting when they realize that other children go through the same difficulties. The pictures are also very vivid and bright, which is very eye catching for it's young readers.

Cute story
This is an awesome story about a boy who can't seem to do anything right. He shows off his chopstick/eating talent with his preschool class. The pictures show people of diverse backgrounds, and the story is endearing.

A tale of differening abilities that really rings true
Ling Sung is a kindergartener who just can't seem to do what the other kids do. He's dejected and feeling left out, until he discovers he's the only one in the class who knows how to use chopsticks! Very cute, realistic story that acknowledges difficult feelings. You'll cheer for Ling Sung as he teaches the other kids his special talent and gets help learning new ones. Great for preschool and early elementary school grades.
My kids had to hear it three or four times in a row.

Charming and realistic pencil illustrations. The entire classroom and the teachers are matter of factly depicted as very culturally/ethnically diverse.