Strongman from Shandong

　　To the left of the mountain was... a gorilla strongman.
　　He was incredibly strong, moving sheep with ease, but moving a mountain...
　　Uh! He hit a snag and failed miserably, having to make a quick exit!
　　How will the strongman save face and successfully lift the mountain,
　　winning the sheep's admiring gaze?
　　And to the left of the mountain... another strongman was born,
　　but this time it was a little lamb. What's going on?
　　"The Strongman to the Left of the Mountain" is a lively, well-performed, and highly theatrical show,
　　guaranteed to amaze you and keep you laughing.

　　Escapism may be shameful, but it works!
　　Don't want to let down expectations, afraid to truly be yourself...
　　If you want to shed your persona and take a breather,
　　open this book!

　　The simple plot of a gorilla moving a mountain, under the lively direction of both text and illustrations, creates a vivid and striking protagonist: a strong gorilla who is arrogant, showy, concerned with appearances, and full of confidence... but deep down, he cares what others think, is fragile when he fails, and worries about his image collapsing. Coupled with the sheep's unthinking, blindly worshipping follow-the-leader mentality, the contrasting perspectives of the different characters present humor with an underlying tone of satire and reflection.

　　The two interesting characters collaborate, sometimes using sequential paneling for cinematic effect, sometimes adding vocalizations to heighten the atmosphere, and sly, cunning dialogues to aid their plans... The fast-paced storytelling, with its clear narrative structure, makes this amusing play come alive, creating an excellent atmosphere of joy. Reading it will bring a smile to your face and a sense of happiness.

　　Under the eager anticipation of the sheep, facing the predicament of an unmovable mountain, the initially high-spirited strongman vividly portrays how he transforms into his true "loser" self! Watching him deceptively trick everyone to pass the test of moving the mountain, or repeatedly using his "bathroom break" excuse to avoid others seeing through his true abilities, is not only hilarious but also shows him shedding his idol persona without regard for his image. Through humorous satire, he reveals a facet of his true personality, conveying that while avoidance may be shameful, it can be useful in facing and acknowledging one's shortcomings. This is a comedic story for both adults and children in a high-pressure era, allowing them to let go of their inhibitions, laugh, and relieve stress.

Awards

　　★35th Hsin-Yi Children's Literature Award for Picture Book Creation - Honorable Mention

　　*Recommended age: 3-8 years old
　　*Includes Zhuyin (Bopomofo)