The Boy Who Swallowed Snakes by Laurence Yep, Jean Mou-Sien Tseng, 1994 first edition.

$32.00

Written by Laurence Yep. Illustrated by Jean and Mou-Sien Tseng. First Scholastic edition, 1994. Scholastic Inc, New York."

"A long time ago, in southern China, forests still covered the hills. In their great, green shadow a small village huddled, and in that village lived a boy named Little Chou and his widowed mother. They were so poor that they had no land to farm."

FRONT FLAP

"On the day Little Chou discovers a poisonous ku snake buried in a basket of silver coins, his life changes completely. Anxious to prevent more evil from spreading, the brave boy swallows the snake...with most unexpected results! ...

"Jean and Mou-sien Tseng's watercolor paintings take readers to the lush forests of southern China. The lucky charm on the title page is a symbol that was used to ward off evil and disease. The Chinese character for "long life" is surrounded by the five poisonous animals (clockwise): scorpion, snake, toad, centipede, and lizard."

Little Chou, brave and pure of heart, is rewarded, and entertained by not one, not two, but eventually thousands of snakes! Until rich Mr. Owyang hears about it and realizes that Little Chou found his basket of silver. All does not end well for greedy Mr. Owyang, but Little Chou and his mother prosper from their own hard work and good hearts.

Laurence Yep (1948 - ) is a native of Chinatown, San Francisco, and the award-winning author of many wonderful children's books, all of which are worth exploring. Yep authored the Golden Mountain Chronicles, the Dragon Series, the Chinatown Mysteries, City Trilogy, The Tiger's Apprentice, and the Ribbons books. Dragonwings and Dragon's Gate were Newbery Honor books; Child of the Owl, a Golden Mountain book, won the Boston Globe-Horn Book award; in 2005 he won the biennial Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal for contributions to children's literature.

Jean and Mou-Sien Tseng met at university in Taiwan and immigrated to the United States in 1974. Their beautiful work includes The Khan's Daughter, The City of Dragons, The Ghost Fox, and The Seven Chinese Brothers.

Etsy.com/shop/TheCharmedBookshop
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more fine books for young readers and collectors.

Condition*: Near Fine/Near Fine. Dust jacket: Mild shelf wear; obscured name on front pastedown. Closed tear on lower edge of page 7 else pages are clean, undamaged, and complete.

Shipping from United States

Processing time

1-3 business days

Estimated shipping times

  • Australia : 1 - 3 business days
  • United States : 1 - 3 business days
  • North America : 1 - 3 business days
  • Europe : 1 - 3 business days
  • Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
  • Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
  • Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
  • North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
  • Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery

Privacy policy

* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gift wrapping and packaging

I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.

Care instructions

1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.

I also recommend the following care instructions.

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA

2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.

3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.

Order processing time

I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.