China Books

I read this book and watched the Sagwa TV series and I want to see more stories by Amy Tan aimed at children.The two stories are well written and in my opinion would recommend it to all parents even though I am not one.The best thing I like the two children's story Amy Tan wrote is that they keep you glued to them.Thanks Amy for the two good stories and I want to read more of them.

Beautiful illustrations will entrance children of all ages as Amy Tan shows she can entertain both children and adults.

Amy has shown she can captivate children as well as adults. Her illustrations are beautiful and wonderful and my 5 yr old daughter loved them as well. Wonderful story.

In The Moon Lady, Amy Tan author of The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter, presents a small tale for young children which adults will also enjoy. Focusing on a story set in China, Tan brings her wealth of knowledge about China and its folktales as well as her love for this country and its traditions. In addition, the illustrations by Gretchen Schields add a wonderful dimension to the story since readers can also visualize the tale by viewing these pictures.

On a rainy day as grandchildren whine that they can't play outside their grandmother tells them a tale based on her own experiences as a child. Using this method Tan provides an allegorical tale concerning children and their wishes. Telling the children of her wishes as a young girl, Ying Ying tells the children a story about her own wishes at the times of the Moon Festival. And as all folk tales provide, Tan is adept at providing her readers with an adventurous tale compete with the mysterious Moon Lady and a moral to the story.

This is a good book for young children who cannot only learn about the Chinese culture but the saying "Be careful what you wish for." I also recommend this book at any age since it is also important to remember this as we move on in life.

Researchers constantly find that reading to children is valuable in a variety of ways, not least of which are instilling a love of reading and improved reading skills. With better parent-child bonding from reading, your child will also be more emotionally secure and able to relate better to others. Intellectual performance will expand as well. Spending time together watching television fails as a substitute.

To help other parents apply this advice, as a parent of four I consulted an expert, our youngest child, and asked her to share with me her favorite books that were read to her as a young child. The Moon Lady was one of her picks.

Adapted from Amy Tan's best selling book, The Joy Luck Club, The Moon Lady is a perfect book for encouraging children to read with and talk to their grandmother. The book also very subtly encourages children to take more responsibility for their own lives. The story provides a model for parents and grandparents for how to create their own stories to help children learn important lessons.

The story begins as three girls, Maggie, Lily and June, are bored because they have to stay in on a rainy day and can think of nothing that they want to do. Their grandmother, Nai-nai, is with them. Nai-nai tells them a story about when she was a young girl in China, and she ran and shouted and could not stand still also.

The story is about the day she told the Moon Lady her secret wish. Then unfolds a wonderful story of a young girl's adventure on a special trip to see the Moon Lady. Along the way, she sees many things she has not seen before, falls overboard, is rescued by a fishing family, and finds her family again after meeting the Moon Lady. In the process, she has one of those epiphanies that make all of our lives better -- that she is in charge of creating her own future.

The story is filled with references to family bonding and what is and is not proper behavior. The story also shows what family life was like for a somewhat well-to-do Chinese family in China at the beginning of the 20th century. These references are made all the more realistic by a wonderful series of drawings by Gretchen Schields with bright colors, beautiful detail, and authentic depictions of the China of years ago. It's almost like living a beautiful dream.

Then Nai-nai takes her granddaughters out to dance in the moon after the story is over.

Of all the children's books I have read, I place this one in the top ten for the 4-8 age category.

A central problem for many children today is that too much television, too many structured activities, and too little free time leave them feeling lost when nothing is on the agenda. Our misconception is that they need regimented lives like those that soldiers lead to fulfill their potential. This book will encourage you to readdress that misconception, and focus on how to make your children more competent in thinking about others, being more independent, and designing their own beneficial activities. That is all very important to actually unleashing their full potential. When you are done, think about how perhaps your own life needs a little improvement along these same lines.

Enjoy!

Donald Mitchell (donmitch@2000percentsolution.com)

The illustrations as well as the sentiment are beautiful in this book! We find new details in the pictures each time we read it. The way this story is presented does a great job of making the idea of having two "real" mothers more concrete for our 6-year old daughter. I could almost see the lightbulbs popping up above her head! We have dozens of adoption related titles; this one makes my top 5 and is easily in my daughter's top 10.

This book is absolutely wonderful! I would recommend this to anyone who is adopting internationally.

Beautiful illustrations and a lovely poem about the adoptive child's two mothers (birthmother & adoptive mother).

We brought our two adopted daughters back to Jiande orphanage as preteens in 2006 and addressed the birthmom question not for the first time ... we had relied on the "Choco" book and other fables available in the mid-90s when we first had these discussions of the "tummy Mom" and the "real Mom." Too bad this book had not been available then. However, it is such a graphically beautiful book and has such a simple message that I thought I would add it to our China book shelf. The girls tend to act disinterested in those books now--unlike when they had been younger--but a book like this is easy to flip through in a few minutes and can easily re-ignite that on-going conversation our family has been having about how it feels to be adopted.

Motherbridge of Love is a masterfully illustrated and touchingly eloquent tribute to both birth and adoptive mothers. This beautifully illustrated version of a fairly well-known poem truly illustrates how the love of two women for one child come together to make the child who she is...the result of both of their love...expressed in very different ways.

A great place for both new and old collectors a like to find information! The detailed photo's are as much of a pleasure to look at as the text is to read. I only wish the Young family would send their collection on tour!

AS A COLLECTOR AND SON OF A COLLECTOR I CAN SAY WITHOUT THIS BOOK YOU WILL BE LOST. THE SECTION ON THE MARKS COULD STAND ALONE. FOR US COLLECTORS THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN SEEING WHAT ITEM COME "OUT OF THE CLOSET" AND INTO THE MARKET!COMPLAINT, THE SECTION ON SILVER CUPS IS TO SMALL.

This is the most comprehensive book ever written about mustache cups, their history, age, and value. The photography is excellent. Not since 1972, when Dorothy Hammond published her book, has a book shown the pictures, dates, descriptions,condition, the backstamp and the value. Their book includes wonderful sets and groupings; silver cups/saucers and their marks; reproductions and fakes; and a wonderful chapter on available accessories.

Paula & Glenn should win an award for this one!

If you collect mustache cups--you need this valuable collector's guide. Written in an enjoyable format, the book gives hundreds of colorful pictures of mustache cups and saucers from around the world. There are pages of valuable potters marks to check your own with. There is even a section on quadruple plate mustache cups and marks. The history of the cups is great. And, best of all, there is a price/value guide for each cup. Now I know what my collection is worth! I'm so glad that this book has finally been written. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Not since Dorothy Hammond's 1972 book on Mustache Cups has anyone written on this subject. Pauline and Glenn are to be congratulated for producing this fine publication which, in my opinion, is long overdue.

The book is split into chapters dealing with the different types of cups and saucers and it is well illustrated with detailed photographs. No matter how many pictures the book has, though, there never seems to be enough of them and they leave you wanting more. One chapter that I particularly found useful deals with manufacturer's marks. This is an excellent reference section that should help date most marked pieces in any collection.

The authors have included valuations on most pieces which they explained should act as only a guide to real market prices. The problem with listing valuations, which Dorothy Hammond also acknowledged, is that prices may soon become out of date or not be truly reflective of the actual market prices when one considers the multitude of styles, types and condition of pieces that exist.

I know that the authors are considering a second edition: I hope they succeed.

This is the tale that has been faithfully transmitted by parents to children throughout the generations in Chinese families.

I remember I was a wee little kid of 6 when my mother told me about the Twelve Lunar Animals. I wasted no time in memorizing all the 12 animals in their order. I supposed it also helped to speed up my arithmetic too, since I would then automatically mentally figure out the Lunar Animal of all my relatives by their birth years. (How gleeful I was to discover that the fierce Aunt was naturally, a Dragon and his gentle, sheepish husband a...Sheep.) My cousin doesn't like to eat beef. He's an Ox, no wonder. My little brother was a terror. He's a Tiger.

My grandmother would have fantastic elaborations on each Animal, their strengths and characteristics and how they influence people's actions. It was and still is the coolest thing I've ever heard.

When the Power Rangers and their respective `Hidden Animal' became popular years later, I pooh-poohed it. Been there, done that.

My Mom is a Dragon And My Dad is a Boar is a collection of beautiful illustrations of the twelve Lunar Animals in paper cut form; plus a brief and easily understood monograph of each Animal. As per every Chinese calendar, the years for which each Animal represents are given as well.

The book begins with the story of the convention that the Lord Buddha held one day to determine the 12 Lunar Animals. The first twelve to arrive in his court would be selected. And the Animals set off. Why is the first Animal the Rat? And why isn't the Cat amongst the twelve? Could there be a reason why cats chase rats now? This book is an elegant and vehicle to transport this age-preserved legend of the Chinese into the generation the 21st century.

I appreciate that the animals are depicted in beautiful calligraphic fashion by the talented calligrapher and artist Kong Lee, along with their Chinese characters. Written by Asia enthusiast Tricia Morrissey, one characteristic that stands out in this book is that the total absence of any attempt to `westernize' the Animals. The pictures and descriptions are just as how my grandmother would tell them, celestial and majestic instead of barn-like.

I trust that this book will open up a whole world of imagination and thrill for your 5 year olds, and instill in them a deep sense and awe of heritage.

This is the only children's book that I proudly display on my bookshelf. It's a very special book to me.

This is a great book which tells about the 12 animals of Chinese lunar calendar. The book is beautifully printed and illustrated, you and your kids will enjoy it!

Wonderful book for introducing one aspect of the Chinese culture to all children. A simple way to explain a cultural prospective to a young child that has historical merit and not weighted with any political biasness. The graphics are sharp and crisp with an Asian musique.

This book was a wonderful introduction to Chinese culture for my children and myself. The writing is superb! It is great to find a book that my children love as much as I do. The artwork is new and different for us and lead to fun and creative projects of our own.

This book is a great find for anyone and a great resource for teachers or homeschoolers.

"Next of Kin" is a remarkable first-person memoir that reads like a novel. Tom Reilly's story will take your breath away, whether or not you accept all the details. This is not another war story that revisits battles and the soldiers who fought them. Instead, this is a coming-of-age story that is catalyzed (but not defined) by the Vietnam War. Thanks to clean, straighforward writing, Reilly's story is a breeze to read. Critical readers may wish to see additional corroboration or evidence of this harrowing journey. The more casual reader will take it at face value and may appreciate the brotherly bond that made this story possible. May we all be so fortunate to experience such devotion.

Just a great story about the caring relationship between two brothers, about love and commitment, set in the era of Vietnam.

An adventure that covers half the world by an 18 year old from the midwest who lost his brother. He had to know what happen and it was clear, it was not war reltated.

This was a great read, a story that was hard to put down at night and when the book was finished, I felt like I lost a
friend.

The book is outstanding. I had my daughter pick me up a signed copy because the author lived in my town and I have always been interested in Vietnam as it was from my era.
I had no idea that I would be so enthralled from the very first page. I feel like I know the whole family and recognized all the places that the author speaks of. The pain and courage of both of the brothers reached out from the pages into my heart.
This book was so great I hated to have it end.

What a great story. What a dedication to a brother. we all could learn from this man. This is what family is all about. I highly recomend this read to everyone.

I am a woman in my early 40's and don't usually read books on war or enjoy hearing about war, but I couldn't put this book down. It was written so well that I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. It begins with young Tom Reilly, losing both of his parents and how his brother, Ron, was a constant in his life. Tom, at the age of 19, goes to Vietnam to find out the truth about his brother's death and his "adventure" over there. Tom has written a wonderful, loving dedication to his brother that will touch each and every person that reads this story. It doesn't matter if you are a man or woman, young or old, this is a book you'll want to read. You'll have such a good feeling when you finish.

This remarkable tale appeals to all ages. It's about the wisdom that comes from reflecting on history, the value of courage in facing one's fears, and the importance of love. Best of all, it features an artist who happens to be Chinese and demonstrates that "the brush is mightier than the sword," even in "slaying" a dragon.

This is a lovely story on multiple levels with a visual presentation that captures the attention of young children. I've been reading many picture books to my little one and it's always a pleasure to find a book that honors their innate intelligence and provides a positive message. I find it one of those rare gems that delights the young and more mature alike.

This is the most wonderful children's book I have ever read. I loved it and my seven year old daughter loves it also. It tells a wonderful story about Chinese culture,love and courage. The illustration is absolutely beautiful!I've recommended it to many friends with children.

The Paper Dragon has captured the heart of all the readers I have given copies to (I am on my eighth copy). The story of a humble artist sent to task against a fierce dragon, is portayed colorfully in word and pictures. The gate style print of the pictures lend themselves to become an intergral part of the storyline.

A touching lesson is given to us all, when we find that the dragon is thankful to be released from his reign of terror, and allowed to sleep again. I have heard my five year old tell the story to her friends.

This peaceful story is a lovely way to introduce another culture to young readers, and Robert Sabuda's artwork is beautiful. Mi Fei is an artist who is content to paint scrolls and live within his community until the villagers hear that a dragon has awakened to threaten the countryside and nominate him to face the foe. After a long journey, Mi Fei finds the dragon, who offers him a series of riddles/challenges to perform. Sabuda, better known for his pop-up masterpieces, brings the story to life with breathtaking images of vibrant color and flowing imagery.

Wonderful tale.

In this second volume of her series for collectors, Barbara Conroy shares the details of hundreds of manufacturers that produced dinnerware for restaurant and transportation companies. The section on each manufacturer includes a detailed history, examples of the backstamps they used (along with date charts where applicable), copies of period advertisements, and *lots* of fantastic photographs showing the range of wares produced. This book is an invaluable reference, and a must-have for the serious commercial dinnerware collector!

I have had this book for 3 months and still have not put it down. Great source to I.D. all kinds of china and the date codes. I can't wait for Volume 3!

Two Words - "Invaluable Resource!" Any collector of Restaurant China should not be without this identification and reference guide. Can't wait for Volume 3.

I have been using both of Mrs. Conroy's books extensively for the past 2 months in preparing for the biggest research project I have ever done with restaurant, railroad, steamship, and hotel china. Book 2 on the date codes has been a lifesaver. It was not until about 2 months ago that I really realized just how much time and effort she had put into it making these possible. Having a handy reference (especially for backstamp dating of pieces) is beyond valuable. It is a "masterpiece."

A superb reference book for the serious collector / dealer. The appendix sections devoted to distributors, restaurants and hotel chains are special interest. Often collectors interests are in a narrow field - such a book helps to widen their appreciation of other collecting opportunities.

This is a wonderful heartwarming story about a strong little boy and a determined group of people who would not give up on him. Once you start reading the book I found it hard to put down. It was a very easy book to read. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures as it added so much to the story. I also enjoyed reading about the cultural differences that they encountered in their every day lives while living in China. Having adopted a child from China myself I know what a difficult and lenghtly process it can be at times but in the end it is so rewarding.

This an awesome book that clearly illustrates the power of God. I read it in one sitting, with a box of tissues. It's definitely a favorite! I would love to read more books by this author.

I loved reading this book, in fact my husband and i read it together and we both were struck by the simple powerful honesty of lisa's writing. How amazing to watch with her as a hundred different people give love not just to one special little man; but then also pass that love on to those of us who are inspired to do the same just by reading their wonderful story. I would sit beside her and listen to her tell the tale again and again and hope it never leaves me the same!

This book is a must read for anyone considering adoption. This true story will broaden your perspective. I could not put it down and read it in 3 days!

This book shows true love and compassion in the world today! It was such a joy to read how God works through each of us. Levi is truly a blessing!

Author Morrison has done a service by compiling a book of recollections about one of the most unknown events of our time: the air evacuation of Hmong General Vang Pao and many of his Hmong soldiers from Laos in May 1975. The Hmong were a staunch and effective American ally against the North Vietnamese and Lao Communists, but went down to defeat along with the Americans. Except for a few Americans, notably Jerry "Hog" Daniels of the CIA, the Hmong would have been abandoned to die in Laos.

Morrison gives little background and explanation for the events of May 1975, but plunges into the story with quotes from the participants, especially the Hmong. There are a number of rare and valuable photographs and good maps. The stories themselves are often priceless, first hand vignettes of history: for example, Gen. Heinie Aderholt's tale of hearing of the evacuation and his forthright -- and irregular -- finding and hiring of a C-46 pilot to fly the Hmong out of Laos.

Much of the material is compiled from the Hmong themselves, whose voices have only barely been heard in America. These were people on our side who deserved better at the bitter end of the Vietnam war. If you're not familiar with the outlines of the story some background reading may be useful. Roger Warner's, "Backfire" (also called "Shooting at the Moon") is good.

Smallchief

There will be many people (beside the Hmong) thankful that someone has taken the time to record this important event in history. The book has a distinct niche (human) in my education on the "happenings" in Laos. This is my fifth Laos subject book and is a must read! USAF in Thailand '69 veteran.

I truly enjoyed this book. I came away with a very different point of view. I was directly involved with the evacuation of DaNang, Nha Trang and Saigon in April '75 and to some extent in Loas in May of the same year and saw the refugees, in mass panic carrying babies and what possessions they could, trying to flee before the communists came. Gayle related the evacuation of Long Chen (20A) from the eyes of the Hmong refugees. It is a view that I never saw and hope that I never have to witness again.

Gayle Morrison has written an excellent book on the history and plight of the Hmong people in Laos during the Secert War in Laos. Her book's focus is the last battle these brave people fought, defending their mountain headquarters in northern Laos. Morrison is a talented writer who captures the feelings and spirit of what it must have been like to have been there. An excellent read.

Morrison interviewed a lot of Hmong participants in those last days, as well as American pilots Jack Knotts, Dave Kouba, etc. Eye-opening insight into the abandonment of one of America's most clandestine installations of the secret war in Laos. Detailed accounts of Matt Hoff's and Les Strouse's final flights into 'LS20 Alternate' as well. Some truly rare photos -- Long Tien in 1972, '73, '74, '75. Knotts and Kouba at the evacuation ramp on May 14, 1975, the last day. The Hmong -- from top leader Vang Pao to in-the-street tribespeople, no less proud, and no less tragic.

Finally, a haunting pair of photos -- top secret Long Tien in 1973, and another one, as mysterious as ever, from exactly the same angle and height (about 1000 feet above the runway), in 1995.

A compact, tightly-woven and compelling tale.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone planning a trip to the Everest region. Loved the book, only wish I could get a hard cover version.

Some years ago, I travelled through Nepal, but didn't take as many splendid photos as Tim Hauf, the author of Solu-Khumbu: The Trek to Everest. His book brings all my own travel experiences back most vividly, as well as simultaneously taking my breath away. The author's diary notes bring the physical hardships of travelling in those remote areas precisely up front and personal (to say the least regarding "GI" interruptions!). It was a treat to view his photos, as they made me feel I was walking right along side of the author, seeing and feeling with all my senses all that those haunting and mesmerizing mountains and Nepal's friendly people offer to the Western trekker. I'm too old, now, to attempt that kind of travel, but I open this book and lo and behold, I'm "on the road, again."

Kudos to Tim Hauf, and a heartfelt "thanks for the memories".

The author has captured, perfectly, the land and people of eastern Nepal. This is a photo journal one can read over and over with great pleasure.

My husband and I made the trek to Everest three years in a row and like another reviewer said, Tim took the pictures we wish we'd taken. We started out treks in Lukla and the pictures made us wish we had started in Jiri. The text is excellent, but the photos are incredible. They show just what the trek is like and we've gone thru the book several times since we received it, reliving the three most memorable vacations of our long lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who has made the trek and to anyone who would like to!

This is a personal tale of the approach to Mount Everest rather than the often told climb of Everest. In this the author gives the reader a feeling of the Himalayan people, the livestyles of those generous and courageous helpers to the trekker. By sharing his own story of trekking alongside his gorgeous photos, Tim gives the reader a personal excursion without the toil. The reader celebrates the end of those 29 days of trekking as a heroic act that he also has just completed. I can't recommend this book highly enough, and I am not a trekker!