Tricked by a mischievous and hungry tiger, a wise man appeals to other animals and tree to intervene and save his life. However, he finds that the natural world does not hold humanity in as high a regard as he had though. And even being rescued from the tiger has its dangers.
Asia
Materials from Asia
The Chinese Thought of It: Amazing Inventions and Innovations (We Thought of It)
How Chinese ingenuity changed the world. Acupuncture, gunpowder and the secrets to spinning silk are innovations that we have come to associate with China. But did you know that the Chinese also invented the umbrella? And toilet paper, initially made from rice straw clumped together, was first used in China! Through the ages, the Chinese have used the resources available to them to improve their lives. Their development of the compass and the paddleboat helped facilitate the often difficult tasks of travel and trade, and many foods associated with health and wellness — from green tea to tofu — have their origins in China. Other interesting innovations include: the suspension bridge and the wheelbarrow playing cards. With descriptive photos and information-packed text divided into sections including farming, food and games, this third book in the “We Thought of It” series explores the fascinating origins of much that surrounds us today.
Fu Finds the Way
When the warrior Chang challenges young Fu to a duel, Fu panics. His only hope is that the Master will train him, just as he’s trained all the young warriors of the village. But instead of teaching Fu to fight, the Master teaches him to pour tea. Fu learns purpose, flow and patience in the process, but will it be enough to defeat the mighty Chang? With his signature breathtaking art, John Rocco has created a modern parable full of adventure, heart, humor, and a gentle message about the importance of focus and finding joy in simple tasks.
Japan
This book introduces the people and the way they live, culture, weather, landscapes, towns and cities of Japan.
Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road
A gripping account of three dramatic journeys that changed history. The fabled Silk Road conjures up the sights, smells and sounds of faraway lands. But traveling the Silk Road took years, and those who set out encountered bandits, starvation and treacherous storms. Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road introduces readers to three great historical figures: Chinese Buddhist Xuanzang, whose 16-year journey from China to India and back (629-645 AD) is the only source we have for huge chunks of the history and geography of this time. His successful search for Buddhist scriptures changed the course of two great nations. Genghis Khan, bred from infancy to be a warrior, brought the Mongol clans together. He established the greatest empire the world had seen, which ruled the Silk Road from 1201 to 1227. Italian merchant Marco Polo journeyed through China from 1271 to 1295. He changed the way Europe saw the world, and his book even inspired Columbus to sail west across the Atlantic Ocean in search of China. Beautiful photographs and art depicting the ancient routes and peoples bring the stories to life. Maps, sidebars and an afterword that updates the story of the Silk Road are also featured.
Chenxi and the Foreigner
Love in the time of the Tiananmen Square. Anna never imagined living in such a foreign place. Fresh out of high school, she has joined her father, who works in Shanghai. She’s eager to see China beyond the bicycle-crowded streets between their apartment, her father’s expatriate community and the art school she’s attending. That’s why she’s thrilled when her father hires a cute local student named Chenxi to be her translator and guide. Too bad Anna seems nothing but trouble for Chenxi. His ideas about art already rankle the authorities, and he could do without the added attention of being with a wai guo ren, a foreigner. Even so, he is intrigued by Anna’s brashness and the freedoms she takes for granted. But when Anna turns their friendship toward passion, her actions have consequences that are intensified by a watchful regime looking to get rid of disruptive artists. Set around the time of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and inspired by the author’s time spent in China as a teenager, Chenxi and the Foreigner crackles with emotion, ideas and authenticity.
Projects about Ancient China (Hands-On History)
Includes social studies projects taken from the ancient Chinese.
Buddhism (World Religions)
“Provides an overview of the history and origins, basic tenets and beliefs, organizations, traditions, customs, rites, societal and historical influences, and modern-day impact of Buddhism”–Provided by publisher.
Guji Guji
An extra-large egg rolls right into Mother Duck’s nest. She is busy reading and doesn’t notice the new addition. Her hatchlings include a yellow duckling; one with blue spots; another with brown stripes; and a rather unusual, crocodile-shaped youngster, named after his first words. Guji Guji grows bigger and stronger than his siblings, but Mother loves all her offspring the same. When three duck-hungry crocodiles make fun of Guji Guji’s ways and try to tempt him into betraying his family, he is put to the test.
Featured in Volume II, Issue 2 of WOW Review.
American Born Chinese
A tour-de-force by rising indy comics star Gene Yang, American Born Chinese tells the story of three apparently unrelated characters: Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he’s the only Chinese-American student at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, a personification of the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype, who is ruining his cousin Danny’s life with his yearly visits. Their lives and stories come together with an unexpected twist in this action-packed modern fable. American Born Chinese is an amazing ride, all the way up to the astonishing climax.
Awards
2007 Michael L. Printz Award
Take a closer look at American Born Chinese as examined in WOW Review.