I always enjoy picking out books to read to my girls that have something to do with a different culture. I like the fact they are learning about something new and different and that it is based off true information from around the world. My oldest daughter has taken an extra liking to books about other cultures so I was super excited to share with her these two new books that came out last month.
The China Institute in America, the oldest American organization devoted exclusively to China, created a cross-cultural learning experience and new book series based on the Forbidden City and they are educational not only for my girls but for myself as well!
Ages 5-9, Oct 2014, China Institute/ Tuttle Publishing
Created by internationally renowned children’s book artists, this book teaches uses one of the world’s most fascinating landmarks, Beijing’s Forbidden City, to show young readers how nature’s influence can be seen around us, and how people and animals can live together in harmony. Features a gatefold spread and lift-flaps.
Rabbit is eating breakfast with his friends Baby Squirrel, Young Porcupine, and Little Brother Panda when an unexpected visitor arrives. He is a master builder, searching for inspiration to design a great palace for the Emperor of China. Together, Uncle Builder and the little animals explore how nature supplies us with the wonders that enrich our lives.
Created by internationally renowned children’s book artists Brian Tse and Alice Mak, the book teaches children about Chinese architecture, how nature’s influence can be seen around us, and how people and animals can live together in harmony. The illustrations capture the majesty of both the natural world and the Forbidden City and are enhanced by interactive components for readers, including a gatefold spread and lift-flaps. Tse and Mak are well known for their heartwarming and educational stories for children. They are the creators of the iconic cartoon characters McMug and McDull, who have been featured in numerous award-winning works including books, comics, television shows, and movies.
Ages 9+, Oct 2014, China Institute/ Tuttle Publishing
Serving as the seat of imperial power for six centuries, the Forbidden City is one of China’s most famous and enigmatic landmarks. Accompanied by a mischievous cat, readers will tour this colossal architectural structure, discovering the secrets hidden inside the palace walls. They will encounter the people who have walked through its halls and gardens, including emperors, empresses, and rebel leaders, and hear exciting tales about the power struggles and intrigues of everyday life.
This large format book conveys the grandeur of the Forbidden City through highly detailed line drawings of its buildings, gardens, and courtyards with numerous foldout spreads. Each page is populated by a large variety of characters and peppered with entertaining anecdotes. Every book includes a plastic magnifying glass for looking at the drawings more closely.
The creator of the book, Chiu Kwong-chiu, is an artist, designer, and professor who explores Chinese traditional visual arts along with adopting groundbreaking ways to interpret and promote Chinese art and culture. He founded the CnC Design and Cultural Studies Workshop in Hong Kong, where he provides guidance and leadership in the research, interpretation and promotion of traditional and contemporary design and Chinese culture.
This book comes with a plastic magnifying card so that you can really check out all the tiny details that are on every single page. She loves to point out all the little things to me while I read it to her.
My 6 year old daughter is truly fascinated by these books and thinks they are amazing. I have read them several times now and they don’t get old for me either. I think it is so important to teach children about other cultures and these books do it in a fun and exciting way without being “boring” which is important if you want kids to keep reading the books. Check out the website We All Live in The Forbidden City for fun games, acclivities, quizzes, activities and more information on this place. These books are a great way to get kids interested in Chinese culture.
