I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
Founded in 1926 the China Institute in America is a non-profit educational and cultural institution that advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, business, and art in the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengthens our global community. I really enjoy their children’s books that help teach kids about the rich culture that comes from the other side of the world. Here are their new releases: Bowls of Happiness?(ages 4-8) and What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor??(ages 8+).
Piggy’s mom loves her so much that she has decided to make a special porcelain bowl just for her. As mom makes the bowl, Piggy enters the world being painted on its surface. There she meets and learns about the plants, animals, and other natural elements used on Chinese artworks and the messages of happiness and good-fortune that they convey.
Created by internationally renowned children’s book artists Brian Tse and Alice Mak, this book teaches children about Chinese artwork and culture and their universal spirit of generosity, love, and respect for nature. The loveable illustrations are coupled with photographs of porcelain art found in the Palace Museum’s collection. Children will learn about how bowls are made and be able to draw their own Bowl of Happiness after they have finished reading the story.
The first half of the book is more like a traditional children’s picture book with a story of a little girl with a cute nickname…Piggy. Each page shows the symbolism of the pictures on a bowl that Piggy’s mom makes just for her to use. The significance of bowls is explained in more detail in the second half of the book as well as artwork of gorgeous bowls and the meanings behind their decorations and basic information on features of bowls. At the end of the book is a blank bowl for kids to decorate as their very own. This book explains how a bowl is much more than a bowl in the Chinese culture.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be the Emperor of China? In this book, readers will get the chance to ask the emperor all the questions they might have about life in the Forbidden City. How was the emperor chosen? What was school like? How did he celebrate his birthday? Who were his friends? What were his favorite foods? How hard did he have to work? Could he be punished?
Through fun and engaging stories reader will journey through the average life of an emperor and learn about the real people who lived in the palace, including the prince who fought off a rebel invasion, the palace maids who lived in the Inner Court, the emperor who ruled twice, and the emperor who loved crickets. This book can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, with lively illustrations that encourage reader interaction.
This small little book is super thick and full of bold illustrations that really compliment the information presented on emperors of China. Every single fact was new to not only my daughter but me as well so I highly recommend this one for adults to read to kids because it has something for everyone to learn. Learn about the Empress and the Imperial Family and about specific Emperors and what went on during their rule. The book is written for children but is still full of very detailed information so that this is a true historical book for kids. A fantastic read for the whole family.
Teaching kids about the Chinese culture at a young age helps to build their curiosity and understanding of a different country. These are great little hardback books that are interesting and fun to read while learning more than you can imagine.
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