On March 14, Chinese Culture Connection hosted a cross-cultural family storytelling event at the CCC office in Malden. The event welcomed a large number of families from diverse cultural backgrounds across the Malden community and the Greater Boston area, creating a vibrant and inclusive space for shared learning and connection.
Families gathered to enjoy two classic stories from different traditions: the beloved picture book The Gruffalo and the Chinese folktale Fox Borrows the Tiger’s Power. Through interactive storytelling and hands-on activities, children explored themes such as cleverness and courage while experiencing how stories from different cultures can connect in meaningful ways.
We are very grateful to Linda Zalk from Malden Reads and artist Liang Cao for leading such engaging and creative storytelling sessions.
Linda used puppets to vividly bring The Gruffalo to life, guiding children through emotions in the story while incorporating hands-on activities such as coloring, sticker crafts, and puppet-making. They also experienced tactile learning by touching materials that represented the Gruffalo’s sharp features, such as its spikes. By combining storytelling with crafts, sensory exploration, and character interaction, the session helped children connect more deeply with the story.
Building on this interactive experience, the second part introduced traditional Chinese shadow puppetry. Liang Cao shared the cultural background of this important form of intangible heritage. Together with his family, including his adorable daughter, they performed Fox Borrows the Tiger’s Power, allowing audiences to experience this cultural art form up close. Their family-based performance reflected the warmth and beauty of family connection, and many participants especially enjoyed trying shadow puppetry themselves.
This program highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and community connection, bringing together families across Malden and the Greater Boston area to learn from one another and celebrate diversity.
We are grateful for the support of Malden Community Connection grant and thank all the families who joined us to make this event so meaningful.
