The Book Report
The Book Report
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. In this month’s Book Report, children can step into the rich world of two Chinese folktales and embark on their own journeys of the imagination.
The Weaving of a Dream
(for ages 4-8)
written and illustrated by Marilee Heyer
For three years, an elderly woman literally puts blood, sweat and tears into weaving a beautiful brocade, and it is so beautiful and complex that when she finally completes it, fairies steal it away. On her deathbed, she sends her three sons in turn to fetch it back, but only her youngest, most honest son is up to the arduous task. With gorgeous illustrations as beautiful as the brocade itself, kids will hold their breath to find out what happens in this tale.
Conclusion: Stunning illustrations and a compelling story will fascinate young readers
RMB 58 at the Lufthansa Center Foreign Languages Bookstore
The Book Report May 2008
The Book Report
Not only does music have charms that soothe and relax, but it can also unlock new worlds for kids! Here are two books that do just that.
Origins of Chinese Music
(for ages 10 and up)
written by Lim S K, illustrated by Fu Chunjiang
Can you tell the difference between the guqin (ancient zither), the guse (ancient plucked zither) and the guzheng (ancient plucked string zither)? Did you know that some Chinese instruments were once made from bone? Or the story of how two phoenixes helped a legendary figure bring music to China? Kids who love music will enjoy this title from Singapore’s Asiapac series on Chinese culture. Origins of Chinese Music includes facts about classical masterpieces and how Chinese instruments evolved over time – all presented with manga-style illustrations! Engagingly written, this book will open young readers’ eyes to the rich world of Chinese music.
The Book Report
Whether your child can barely draw a stick figure or is the next Monet, artists young and old will be ready to create something new after reading these two books on the transformative powers of art.
Badly Drawn Dog
(Ages 4-8)
written and illustrated by Emma Dodson
What’s a “scribbly, scratchy” dog supposed to do when he wants to be a “nicely drawn dog?” Ready for a makeover, Badly Drawn Dog consults the local artist for help. But he soon realizes that being redrawn isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. After each reincarnation, problems occur: too sharp to play with children, his friends don’t recognize him or he looks like every other dog. In the end, Badly Drawn Dog understands that it’s not about how you look, but who you are inside.
Conclusion: Children will enjoy both the moral of the story and the colorful, whimsical style of Emma Dodson’s illustrations.
The Book Report March 2008
A Chinese proverb proclaims, “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” These two entertaining books about the joys and tribulations of learning will be sure to inspire your kids to seek treasure!
Paper Lanterns
written and illustrated by Stefan Czernecki
(Ages 6-8)
When Little Mouse meets aging master lantern-maker Old Chen in a small Chinese village, Little Mouse wants to become one too. But no matter how hard Little Mouse begs to be his apprentice, Old Chen will only say that he already has two. And yet Old Chen allows Little Mouse to sweep up the workshop. Eventually, through hard work and perseverance, Little Mouse learns the secrets of crafting beautiful lanterns and becomes Old Chen’s heir.
Conclusion: If your kids are having trouble in school, Stefan Czernecki’s charming picture book of an aspiring lantern-maker will inspire them to keep trying.
RMB 58 at Beijing Books
