An enchanting tale of hidden beauty and fierce courage, retold in the style of T’ang Dynasty poetry and illustrated with charm and graceA young Chinese princess is sent from her father’s kingdom to marry the king of a far-off land. She must leave behind her home of splendors: sour plums and pink peach petals and — most precious and secret of all — the small silkworm. She begs her father to let her stay, but he insists that she go and fulfill her destiny as the queen of Khotan. Beautifully told and arrestingly illustrated, here is a coming-of-age tale of a brave young princess whose clever plan will go on to live in legend — and will ensure that her cherished home is with her always.
On sale: February 12, 2019
Age: 6-9 years
Grade: Grades 1-4
Page count: 32 Pages
ISBN: 9781536203769
Deborah Noyes writes fiction, narrative nonfiction, and graphic novels for all ages. Some of her titles are the picture books
Red Butterfly, illustrated by Sophie Blackall, and
Hana in the Time of Tulips, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline;
An Outbreak of Witchcraft, a YA graphic novel illustrated by M. Duffy;
Ten Days a Madwoman;
The Magician and the Spirits; and
The Ghosts of Kerfol. She lives in Portland, Maine, where she spends her free time admiring dogs, collecting seaweed for cyanotypes, and learning to play traditional fiddle.
Sophie Blackall is the acclaimed illustrator of more than forty-five books for young readers and a two-time Caldecott Medalist. Born and raised in Australia, she now lives in Brooklyn.
Written in the style of ancient Chinese poets, the text dwells lovingly on the pleasures of imperial life while splendid ink-and-watercolor illustrations poignantly capture the princess's leave-taking as well as details of palace life in images evocative of Chinese screen paintings.
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Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Lyrical, imagistic prose tells the story of a young Chinese princess who prepares to leave the bustling riches of her father’s palace.
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Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
Noyes writes with exquisite delicacy . . . Blackall composes sumptuous portraits of the imperial Chinese court.
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Publishers Weekly (starred review)
The romantic tale reflects the girl's uncertainty and longing for her own family and home as she is prepared for the arranged marriage.
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School Library Journal The illustrations, with the feel of Chinese paintings, capture the essence of China by highlighting the splendors.
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Library Media Connection
