In a small neighborhood in Beijing, there are hints of magic in an ordinary, but beautiful life. This graphic novel tells four stories of love, life, humor, and joy in the lives of a young girl with a physical disability named Yu'er, her grandfather, and their equally quirky, eccentric neighbors. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and illuminate how magical the ordinary moments in life can be, from following butterflies to meeting the love of your life. Yu'er and her grandfather's interactions highlight familial love and humor.

2019 Batchelder Honor.

Author lives in China.

France. Originally published in France as Les contes de la ruelle by Sylvain Coissard Agency in 2016. English translation by Edward Gauvin published in the United States by Graphic Universe (Minneapolis, MN) in 2016.

A 2019 Batchelder Honor Book

Yu'er and her grandpa live in a small neighborhood in Beijing—and it's full of big personalities. There's a story around every corner, and each day has a hint of magic.

In one tale, Yu'er wants to swim in the Special Olympics, a sports competition for people with disabilities. But she and her grandpa don't have a pool! Their trick to help Yu'er practice wows the whole neighborhood. In another story, a friend takes Yu'er to a wild place full of musical insects. Later, Yu'er hears a special story about her grandparents. And in the final story, Yu'er and her grandpa show a cranky painter the sweet side of life.