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Children's Books - Books about Asia |
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March 2012 This is a selection of books, both fiction and non-fiction, which are either about various countries in Asia or have characters who come from Asia. The books listed are for both Elementary and Secondary levels. Please take the recommended age levels as a rough guide. Titles newly included in this list are marked with • It is great that Mandy Clarke is now also reviewing books. Books that she has reviewed are marked MC . All prices are in Australian dollars and include 10% GST tax. However this GST does not apply to exports from Australia. If you would like to order any of the books on the list, send the orders to Austral Ed by post, fax or by email to austral@gleebooks.com.au Payment can be made by direct bank transfer or bank cheques in Australian dollars or by Credit card especially for private purchases. Freight is sent by the most economical method within Australia or overseas, depending on urgency. Recommended by Kate Shepherd and Mandy Clarke
Picture BooksLin Acacio-Flores The Quarreling Kites illus by Hermes Alegre pb 9789716301229 $22.95 This is a story from the Philippines about two kites and the father and son who fly and fix the kites with running repairs. The kites are at first quarrelsome but then love to fly together. (5 – 8 years) Francisco Arcellana The Mats illustrated by Hermes Alegre pb 9789716300406 $20.95 A beautiful story by a master storyteller from the Philippines about a father who brings back a special sleeping mat for each member of the family and he doesn’t forget the three sisters who died when very young. A wonderful book which makes us think about the joys and losses of family life. Bernard Ashley Cleversticks illustrated by Derek Brazell pb 9780006638551 $11.99 Ling Sung decides he doesn’t like school but all his problems disappear when he discovers there is something he can do that others can’t – he can use chopsticks. Krista Bell Peeking Ducks illustrated by Sally Rippin hardback 9781921136450 $25.95 Three little ducks go off to explore the mighty Li River and on their way they manage to escape all sorts of dangers. (3 – 7 years) Sarah Brennan • Chinese Calendar series by illustrated by Harry Harrison pb $14.00 each The Tale of Pin Yin Panda pb 9789881888204 $14.00 Dawn Casey The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac illus by Anne Wilson hardback 9781905236770 $26.00 pb 9781846862021 $12.00 A lively retelling of the traditional story of how the calendar years came to be named after animals. There is also information on the Chinese calendar and on the characters of people born in particular animal years. (6 – 10 years) Debbie Chen Monkey Boy Defeats Red Boy illus by Wenhai Ma hardback 9781572271005 $32.95 One of the exciting adventure stories in the classic Monkey King tradition, this is beautifully illustrated and has English and Chinese text. The first book in the series is The Making of Monkey King illus by Robert Kraus hardback 9781572270459 $32.95 Also Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven, hardback 9781572270701 $32.95 (7 – 10 years)
Hyechong Cheung and Prodeepta Das K is for Korea pb 9781847801333 $16.95 A very informative, beautifully photographed alphabet book which gives readers an introduction to the cultural background and everyday life of Korea. Yangsook Choi The Name Jar pb 9780440417996 $11.00 A story about a young Korean girl who thinks she will choose an American name when she comes to live in America in order to fit in better. However in the end she decides that her name, Unhei meaning Grace, reflects herself and her culture. A lesson in cultural understanding in the classroom. Shirley Climo The Korean Cinderella illustrated by Ruth Heller hardback 9780060204327 $27.00 pb 9780064433976 $11.00 A Korean version of this favourite fairy tale. Ying Chang Compestine • Crouching Tiger illustrated by Yan Nascimbene hardback 9780763646424 $27.95 When Vinson’s grandfather from China comes to stay with the family in the US, Vinson is intrigued by the slow Tai Chi movements which his grandfather practices each day. However he is also a little embarrassed by his grandfather’s emphasis on things Chinese. When Vinson realises that his grandfather has been training the Lion Dancers for the Parade he is most impressed and is delighted when he also gets to play an important part in the Lion Dance. Information about a number of Chinese customs and traditions are included and also small sketches of a child demonstrating various Tai Chi positions. (6 – 9 years) David Cox • Ayu and the Perfect Moon pb 9781921720222 $16.95 Wonderful to see this beautiful book back n print. Set in a village in Bali, an old woman tells three little girls of the time she dances for the whole village at a special ceremony when there was a full moon. The expressive and detailed illustrations show us aspects of life in the village and of the dancing and music. Interesting notes give more information about Balinese dance and about the author. (5 – 9 years) Prodeepta Das I is for India pb 9781845073206 $16.95 A very informative, beautifully photographed alphabet book which gives readers an introduction to the cultural background and everyday life of India. Geeta’s Day: From Dawn to Dusk in an Indian Village pb 9780711220249 $16.95 Geeta’s day is typical of children in villages throughout India. Vivid photographs and simple text show us Geeta’s family, her school, the jobs or crafts of village people and the games she plays. Prita Goes to India pb 9781845074302 $16.95 This is the diary of Prita’s trip to India to meet her father and mother’s family. She describes her excitement on visiting the Taj Mahal, New Delhi and her many relatives in villages in Orissa. Excellent photos. (6 – 10 years) Demi The Empty Pot hardback 9780805012170 $27.00 pb 9780805049008 $12.00 When the Emperor of China gives all the children seeds to grow, Ping is dismayed that his pot is the only empty pot. All the other children have grown beautiful flowers. However the emperor is delighted with Ping since he is the only one honest enough to admit that his seed didn’t grow. (5 – 8 years) One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale hardback 9780590939980 $33.00 Beautifully illustrated in the style of Indian miniatures, this is the story of a young girl who requests, as a reward for a good deed, just one grain of rice at first and then double the amount of the day before over 30 days. To the greedy Raja’s astonishment, this grows to more than one billion grains of rice which she shares with the hungry people. (5 – 12) Marco Polo hardback 9780761454335 $30.00 Beautifully illustrated this book describes in detail Marco Polo’s epic voyage to China with his uncles and also his time in Kublai Khan’s court where he stayed for 20 years. It also describes his astonishing voyage home and his reception in Venice where very few believed the story of his amazing journeys. (9 – 12 years) Anh Do and Suzanne Do • The Little Refugee illustrated by Bruce Whatley hardback 9781742378329 $24.95 Allan Drummond The Willow Pattern Story pb 9781558584136 $12.00 This is one version of the story which explains the motifs of the Chinese influenced blue and white pattern so often used on crockery. Ina R Friedman How My Parents Learned to Eat illustrated by Allen Say pb 9780395442357 $11.00 A charming and amusing story of a young girl recounting how her parents, one as a young Japanese school girl and the other a young US sailor, learned to master the difficult art of eating with the utensils of the other culture (chopsticks or knife, fork and spoon). Catherine Gower Long-Long’s New Year: A story about the Chinese Spring Festival illustrated by He Zhihong pb 9781845073992 $16.95 Grandpa and Long-long go to sell the cabbages they have grown in order to get money to buy what the family needs to celebrate at home the spring festival. Beautiful illustrations of the bustling market. Sally Heinrich The Most Beautiful Lantern pb 9780980759815 $16.95 All the children are to carry a lantern during the parade for the mid-autumn festival and Mei-Ling wants to carry the most beautiful lantern she can find. However she can't make up her mind which is best. As she searches with her grandfather or mother this becomes an opportunity for stories about the festival and the significance of some of the lanterns that she sees. This is a charming story with bright lively illustrations. (6 – 9 years)
Lisa Heydlauff Going to School in India hardback 9781570916663 $37.00 This is a remarkable book which describes the various ways in which children in India travel to school and also describes the types of school that they attend. Some walk up steep hills for several hours, some travel by boat, others by rickshaw, some go at night after working all day, some have huge classes but they also have their own Parliament or Development Group which make suggestions for improving the school. One school for homeless children is held in a bus. Vibrant photos and descriptive text make this an inspiring book. (7 years up) There is also a fascinating DVD Going to School in India DVD 9781888194906 $64.95 which shows some of the same children and schools and also different ones. Wonderful to watch because of the photography and also the lively engaging music. (7 years up) Minfong Ho Maples in the Mist illustrated by Jean & Mou-sien Tseng hardback 9789812613455 $24.95 A beautifully illustrated collection of very short simple poems written for children from the Tang dynasty in China (618 – 907 AD). It includes an introduction and brief notes and the poems in English and Chinese. Minfong Ho and Saphan Ros Hush! A Thai Lullaby illus by Holly Meade pb 9780531071663 $11.00 A mother tells all the creatures nearby, the mosquito, the lizard, the frog, the monkey and the elephant to hush and not to wake her baby. Illustrations beautifully capture the scene of Thai village life. Krach Maywan Shen D is for Doufu: An Alphabet Book of Chinese Culture illus by Hongbin Zhang pb 9781885008169 $17.00 An exceptional book which gives an insight into the pictographic nature of the Chinese language through 25 Chinese words and phrases. It gives a fascinating historical and cultural background through well known words such as kungfu, feng shui or more complex words like “ai” meaning “love” where the explanation shows some of the cultural differences between Chinese and western ways of thinking. Wonderful illustrations in the style of Chinese folk art. (9 years up) Ellen Levine • I Hate English! illustrated by Steve Bjorkman hardback 9780785768326 $24.00 This is an excellent book showing the difficulties of the second language learner. Mei Mei is a Chinese girl who has left behind friends and so many things she loves in Hong Kong to live in New York. She is resentful and refuses to speak English. She is fearful that she will lose her language and a part of herself if she starts speaking English. However, an understanding young teacher makes her realise that speaking English means that she will have the advantages of both cultures and of both languages. (7 – 11 years). KS Kath Lock The Tiger, the Brahmin and the Jackal illus by David Kennett pb 9781863740784 $13.50 A beautifully illustrated story from India in which the quick witted jackal saves the trusting Brahmin from the treacherous tiger and holds the reader in suspense right to the clever conclusion. Also The Sea of Gold, a traditional story from Japan 9781863740807 and Kuan Yin, a story about the Chinese Goddess of compassion. 9781863742153 Each pb $13.50 Junko Morimoto The Two Bullies translated by Isao Morimoto pb 9780091834722 $16.95 Ni-ou was the strongest man in Japan and Dokkoi was the strongest in China but when they get within hearing distance of each other they show that bravery is not one of their strengths. Illustrated with great inventiveness, humour and beauty using both traditional and modern elements of style. Greg Mortenson Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr Greg and Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and Susan L Roth, Collages by Susan L Roth hardback 9780803730588 $19.95 This picture book is written in the words of the children of the village of Korphe in Pakistan where Greg Mortenson was first nursed back to health and where he promised to return and build a school. The simply written but beautiful text describes how the children feel about their new school and how it was built. At the end of the book there are several pages with photos and more information describing the village and how the school was built. (5 – 10 years) Fran Ng The Brothers Wu and the Good-Luck Eel pictures by Arnel Mirasol pb 9789716300963 $22.95 Vibrant illustrations give an insight into a bustling Filipino-Chinese district of Manila in this true family story which describes the reason why their family never eats eel. Susan Miho Nunes The Last Dragon illus by Chris K Soentpiet pb 9780395845172 $11.00 A young boy's determination and the help of the people in Chinatown bring to life the old dragon and the young Chinese boy discovers he has many friends in Chinatown. Shazia Razzak and Prodeepta Das P is for Pakistan pb 9781847800893 $16.95 An informative, beautifully photographed alphabet book which gives readers an introduction to the cultural background and everyday life of Pakistan. Mark Reibstein • Wabi Sabi illustrated by Ed Young hardback 9780316118255 $28.99 As soon as you discover this book opens vertically, you sense that it is a most unusual picture book. Wabi Sabi is a plain, brown cat who wants someone to explain the meaning of her name. No-one can really enlighten her, so she sets off to see a wise old monkey who lives on Mount Hiei. Through her journey, and the old monkey, she eventually comes to understand, and so do we, that wabi sabi is the concept of finding beauty in common, simple, ordinary, often imperfect things. The story is told in the tradition of haibun, where short prose passages set up the haiku that follows. At the end of the book there's a short history of the concept of wabi sabi, haiku and haibun, and translations of the decorative haiku that appear throughout the book in Japanese script. The wonderful collage illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the story. (7-11 years) MC Betty Reynolds Tokyo Friends - Tokyo no Tomodachi pb 9780804838085 $14.99 This is an excellent introduction to Japanese language and culture and also some of the differences between Japanese and western customs. When Katie meets her two Japanese friends in Tokyo, they show us some of the everyday things that they do and the Japanese and English words for them. The words are written in English, in Japanese phonetically and also in the Japanese script and are accompanied by lively illustrations. (6 - 12 years) Squeamish about Sushi and other food adventures in Japan hardback 9780804833011 $19.99 pb 9780804838351 $14.99 Written in a similar entertaining format, this is a more detailed exploration of the intricacies of eating sushi and other food in Japan. (12 years up) Sally Rippin Fang Fang’s Chinese New Year pb 9781862912915 $15.99 It is great that this book is available again. Fang Fang was born in China but considers herself very Australia. When her friend Lisa is invited to the Chinese New Year celebrations, Fang Fang thinks that the celebrations are all too boring and is most surprised at her friend Lisa’s enthusiasm. In the end they both have a wonderful time. Allen Say Grandfather’s Journey hardback 9780395570357 $24.99 pb 9780547076805 $10.99 Allen Say’s grandfather made the journey from Japan to the United States when he was a young man and this story beautifully describes through text and illustrations the love that he and his grandson feel for both countries. Caldecott Medal winner. (8 years up) Tea with Milk hardback 9780395904954 $25.00 pb 9780547237473 $13.00 is the story of his mother who was born in the US and felt ill at ease when she moved back to Japan. Both stories are beautifully illustrated. Aaron Shepard Lady White Snake A Tale from Chinese Opera illus by Song Nan Zhang hardback 9781572270749 $32.95 (English and also available in Chinese & English) The story of a thousand year old snake which visits the human world in the form of a young woman and falls in love with a mortal. Beautiful illustrations give an idea of the operatic sets. (8 years up) Jessica Souhami Rama and the Demon King. An ancient Tale from India Big Book 9780711214484 $44.95 The illustrations for this retelling of the story of Rama have been adapted from Souhani’s own shadow puppets and the retelling is dramatic and exciting. Elementary. Sungwan So C is for China pb 9781845073183 $16.95 A very informative, beautifully photographed alphabet book which gives readers an introduction to the cultural background and everyday life of China. Yikang’s Day: From Dawn to Dusk in a Chinese City pb 9781847801999 $14.00 A simply written description, illustrated with photographs, of an ordinary school day in the life of a seven year old girl in Changxi in northern China. Shanyi Goes to China pb 9781845077051 $16.95 This is Shanyi’s diary of her trip back to China. She visits her relatives in Hong Kong and also on nearby mainland China. Interesting text and vivid photographs give us many different impressions of life in China. (6 – 9 years) Amy Tan The Moon Lady illustrated by Gretchen Schields pb 9780689806162 $12.00 A grandmother tells her grandchildren a story of her own childhood in China when she became lost at the Chinese Moon Festival. Holly Thompson The Wakame Gatherers illustrated by Kazumi Wilds hardback 9781885008336 $26.00 Nanami has two grandmothers: Baachan who lives in Japan with Nanami’s family and Gram from Maine in the US. When Gram comes to visit her granddaughter in Japan Nanami is the translator between the two grandmothers who discover they have much in common since they both live near the sea and have a love of sea life and things to do with the sea. They go gathering wakame, a type of seaweed which is dried and then eaten in a variety of recipes (some of these are given at the end of the book). (6 – 10 years) Gabrielle Wang The Race for the Chinese Zodiac illustrated by Sally Rippin and Regine Abos hardback 9781742031231 $24.99 Stunning illustrations and design make this retelling of the traditional story of how the calendar years came to be named after animals an exceptional book. Also adding to the interest are chops or stamps in Chinese calligraphy for each of the animals. (6 – 11 years) Kat Yeh • The Magic Brush: A Story of Love, Family and Chinese Characters illus by Huy Voun Lee pb 9781408815458 $14.99 Together Jasmine and her grandfather Agong tell stories together and create a magical world where there are flying fish, rivers, mountains and dragons. He adds to the magic of the stories by showing her how to paint the Chinese characters for the places and creatures in this world. The brightly coloured illustrations cleverly depict the story and also show how the Chinese characters often look very like the objects and creatures they depict. (5 – 10 years) Ed Young • The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in Shanghai hardback 9780316076289 $25.00 This is the evocative story of the house that Ed Young’s father built in Shanghai as a refuge to protect his family of five children during the years of the second World War which he knew were coming. The house was large and it provided a happy and lively shelter for a number of other families as well during the long war years. The illustrations are extraordinarily innovative, using many different media including old photos, sketches of the layout of the house, collage, paintings and drawings. It is a wonderful memoir showing the closeness of the family and also the fun they had and the games they invented, making full us of the house while war raged outside this haven. (10 – 16 years) KS Song Nan Zhang The Ballad of Mulan hardback 9781572270565 $32.95 Beautifully retold and illustrated version of this traditional story about the Chinese heroine, Mulan. In English and Chinese characters. The Great Voyages of Zheng He text by Song Nan Zhang & Hao Yu Zhang illustrated by Song Nan Zhang hardback 9781572270909 $35.95 in English and Chinese This book is a beautifully written and illustrated telling of the story of the amazing voyages undertaken by Zheng He during the Ming dynasty in the fifteenth century in China. The illustrations depict vividly the Chinese court, the building of the boats, the journeys and some of the amazing places he visited. The text is informative and well written, keeping to what is known. There is also a detailed map of Zheng He’s voyages. (10 - 15 years) Monkey and the White Bone Demon illus by four Chinese artists hardback 9780722659281 $11.00 One of the wonderful stories about Monkey, that fabulous mythical character so well loved in Chinese literature. Based on an episode from Monkey by Ch'engen.Collections“Access Asia Anthologies” compiled by Anthony Bott, Lee Grafton, Carolyn Millar and Doug Trevaskis. These books contain a fascinating selection of poems, short stories and extracts from a very wide variety of Asian literature. The activities and questions are designed to prompt discussion of the ideas and experiences in the texts. Impressions: Texts from Asia for the Lower Secondary English Classroom pb 9781863664158 $17.95 Dimensions: Texts from Asia for the Upper Secondary English Classroom pb 9781863664172 $29.95 Jamila Gavin • Three Indian Goddesses: The Stories of Kali, Lakshmi & Durga pb $9781406330953 $14.95 These are three contemporary stories but each story is inspired by one of these three Indian Goddesses so important in Hindu belief. In the first story Shanti is chosen to dance for the gods at the temple by the sea. It is a great honour but she is terrified because she believes that Kali has put a terrible curse on the temple and on the dancer who dances there. In the second story, a young girl Amrita is taken by Hanuman the Monkey King to witness Sita’s kidnapping and the battle to rescue her in the famous story of the Ramayana. Finally when their cousin Durga comes to stay, there are many pleasant surprises for Anil and Kiki. The stories are very well told and the book contains a Glossary. (8 – 12 years) KS • Three Indian Princesses: The Stories of Savithri, Damayanti & Sita pb 9781406330960 $14.95 These three well known Hindu stories have been beautifully retold for a younger audience. There are background notes to the stories and also a Glossary. It is great to see these two books backing print again. (8 – 12 years) KS • School for Princes: Stories from the Panchatantra illustrated by Bee Wiley hardback 9781845079901 $32.95 These are five ancient fables about five unruly badly behaved princes who are turned into responsible and caring future kings through the storytelling wisdom of their old teacher Sarma. Jamila Gavin five original stories about the Princes and the Fables and these are interspersed throughout the collection. These stories give us a much greater understanding of the fables and their significance to the Princes and they also give us information about the period of the Panchatantra. Charming illustrations add to the appeal of this lovely hardback book. ((9 – 14 years) KS Kay Lions Malaysian Children’s Favourite Stories illustrated by Martin Loh hardback 9780804835909 $21.99 A collection of nine simple stories set in Malaysia which give an insight into Malaysian culture and environment. (8 – 11 years) Willamarie Moore • All About Japan illustrated by Kazumi Wilds hardback 9784805310779 $19.99 The book contains stories, songs, origami activities, recipes and games and these all contribute to a very helpful introduction to Japan. We also get to know two Japanese children, one who lives in the country and the other in the city. They describe where they live, their school and their activities each day and also festivals throughout the year. Lively illustrations add to our understanding of Japan. ((8 – 11 years) Jon Muth • Zen Shorts hardback 9780439339117 $29.99 Don't be put off by the Zen! Addy, Michael and Karl meet Stillwater the Giant Panda. Over the next three days each child goes to visit Stillwater, and their actions give rise to what is essentially a morality tale, based on the philosophy of Japanese Zen Buddhism. These three wonderful stories deal with generosity, fate and anger. At the end of the book there is an author's note explaining a little about the concept of zen and zen shorts (short meditations or ideas to puzzle over and discuss, that "often challenge us to re-examine our habits, desires, concepts and fears"). The illustrations have a lovely serenity about them. (7-10 years) MC Also • Zen Ties hardback 9780439634250 $29.99 When Stillwater's haiku-speaking nephew Koo comes to visit, Stillwater introduces him to Addy, Michael and Karl, and rounds them all up to visit a grouchy old neighbour who is alone and unwell. The children are reluctant, but over the next few days they learn that compassion has unexpected rewards. (7-10 years) MC Indian Tales: A Barefoot Collection by ShenaazNnanji and Christopher Corr hardback 9781846860829 $35.00 pb 9781846864261 $20.00 has a similar format. The eight stories reflect very different regions of India: Gujarat, Punjab, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala. The stories are well told and the illustrations add vitiality and colour. There are stories about magical spirits, sneaky robbers and brave heroines. I especially liked the story of Five Men in a Cart from Andhra Pradesh. The five men slavishly follow their guru’s instruction to such an extent that they are completely unable to make any commonsense decisions and this makes for absurd situations and a very funny story. (7 – 12 years) Michael Rosen South & North, East & West pb 9781406309188 $27.95 A most entertaining collection of stories from around the world, including Asia, illustrated by a variety of artists. (7 – 13 years) Kim So-Un Korean Children's Favourite Stories illus by Jeong Kyoung-Sim hardback 9780804835916 $29.00 A beautifully illustrated collection of well-loved folk tales passed down over the ages. (5 – 10 years)
John Stickler Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now illustrations by Soma Han hardback 9781885008220 $26.00 This excellent introduction to Korean culture also gives us historical background to events such as the creation of the Korean alphabet. (9 – 14 years) Joan Suyenaga Indonesian Children’s Favourite Stories illustrated by Salim Martowiredjo hardback 9780794601713 $21.99 A collection of eight stories from the Indonesian archipelago. Simply told, these are appealing stories which have universal values. (8 – 11 years) Alice Terada The Magic Crocodile and Other folktales from Indonesia illustrations by Charlene K Smoyer hardback 9780824816544 $33.00 A beautifully produced and well told collection of 29 tales from Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tengarra and Irian Jaya. Brief notes at the end of each story give a little background information. ((9 – 13 years)
Fiction and AutobiographyLloyd Alexander The Remarkable Adventure of Prince Jen pb 9780142402252 $11.00 When Prince Jen sets out to discover the legendary court of T’ien-kuo he discovers much about the suffering and troubles of the people in the kingdom of China. This is a marvellous adventure written with humour and insight. The characters are vivid and Prince Jen learns much through his wanderings. (10 – 15 years) Allan Baillie The China Coin pb 9780140347531 $18.95 Leah and her parents are on a trek of discovery as they search out long lost relatives in China but their delight becomes anxiety as the events in Tianamen Square unfold. (11 up) Little Brother pb 9780143301745 $17.95 A story of courage and perseverance set in Cambodia during the traumatic times of the Vietnam war. (10 up) Krakatoa Lighthouse by Allan Baillie pb 9780143303596 $17.95 Janeen Brian Elephant Mountain illustrated by Sally Rippin pb 9780143303282 $12.95 One of the popular Aussie Bites series, this book is set in a village in a rainforest in Thailand. Kasem and Pravat are the sons of mahouts and Kasem is absolutely delighted at the chance to look after a baby elephant who has been injured but the task turns out to be more difficult than he had hoped. (7 – 9 years) Brian Caswell and David Phu An Chiem Only the Heart pb 9780702233760 $18.95 A most perceptive account of a perilous journey to escape Vietnam and the struggle while living as a refugee and trying to adapt to a new country, Australia. The personal insights and experiences of David Phu An Chiem and the writing skills of Brian Caswell make this an exceptional book. (12 years up) Sook Nyul Choi Year of Impossible Goodbyes pb 9780440407591 $9.00 A moving story set in Korea in 1945 during the time of the Japanese occupation. When the Japanese occupation is replaced by the Communist Russian troops, the family attempts to flee to South Korea. (11 – 15 years) Eleanor Coerr Sadako & the 1,000 paper cranes illus by M Yamaguchi pb 9780733617324 $12.99 The sad and moving story of 12 year old Sadako who suffered from leukemia as a result of the bomb falling on Hiroshima. (7 years up) Meindert Dejong The House of Sixty Fathers pb 9780064402002 $9.00 Courageous story of Tien Pao who is separated from his family during the Japanese invasion of China during World War 2. (9 – 13 years) Anita Desai Village by the Sea pb 9780141312712 $18.95 A moving story by this well known author showing some of the problems facing families trying to escape from the poverty of village life in India. (12 years up) Garry Disher The Divine Wind pb 9780733615900 $16.99 Set in Broome in the north west of Australia in the 1930s, this is the story of the growing love between Hartley, the son of a pearling master and Mitsy, daughter of a Japanese diver. Tensions between them grow as the Japanese advance through southeast Asia and finally bomb Broome itself. Excellent. (13 years up) Janine Fraser Abdullah’s Butterfly by Janine Fraser illustrated by Kim Gamble pb 9780207190803 $14.99 Set in a village in Malaysia this is the story of Abdullah, his love for his grandfather and his family and how he tries to bring extra money into the family by catching beautiful butterflies. Told by a visitor to the village who at first does not understand, the story is simple enough for seven year olds to read but opens up a great number of possibilities for discussion for older children as well. (7 - 11 years) Sarindi and the Lucky Bird illustrated by Kim Gamble pb 9780207199141 $12.95 A simply told and beautifully structured story of young Sarindi who lives in Yogyakarta in Java, Indonesia. His father is a becak driver (a type of bicycle taxi) and his mother makes batik They live in just one room but Sarindi knows he is lucky. A vivid and warm portrait of a family who are struggling to make a living and perhaps from a western perspective have very little. An excellent book for discussion. (7 – 11 years) Sarindi and the Lucky Buddha illustrated by Elise Hurst pb 9780732287757 $12.99 In this sequel, Sarindi’s mother is very sick and Sarindi and his father try all sorts of things to make her better but nothing seems to work. So Sarindi visits every sacred place he knows and pray there for his mother’s health. When she does get better they wonder if it is the medicine or the prayers or perhaps, as the western doctor suggests, it is the love of a small boy for his mother and his determination to help her get better. (7 – 10 years) • Sarindi’s Dragon Kite by Janine Fraser pb 9780732287764 $12.99 This is the third in the series about Sarindi and his family who live in Jogjakarta in Indonesia. Sarindi is looking forward to flying his wonderful new kite when their house is rocked by an earthquake. Sarindi and his family are lucky and are only slightly injured. However when they go to the nearby village where their relatives live, they discover to their horror that only little Agi, Sarindi’s cousin, is still alive. This is a moving and very believable story about the devastation caused by an earthquake. (8 – 11 years) Sandy Fussell Samurai Kids 1: White Crane pb 9781921150203 $15.95 I am surprised that this series works so well. The kids in the series are training to be samurai but one has only one arm, one only one leg, one is blind, one is very big and strong but refuses to fight and a girl has white hair and 6 fingers and toes. Their sensei or teacher is old but very wise in the way of Zen and Zen sayings provide much of the humour of the book. The characters come to life and the story is exciting, lively and often very funny. We learn a lot about the way of Zen and Chi, Jin and Yu or Wisdom, Benevolence and Courage. Other titles in the series are: Book 2 Owl Ninja 9781921150371, Book 3 Shaolin Tiger 9781921150906 and Book 4 Monkey Fist 9781921150913 Book 5 Fire Lizard 9781921529467 Book 6 Golden Bat 9781921529474 $15.95 each (9 – 13 years) Sally Heinrich Hungry Ghosts pb 9780734409805 $15.99 Sarah has always been impatient with Chinese superstitions and newly arrived from Singapore and trying to fit into the Australian way of life, she has enough to worry about without being haunted by an angry ghost, Pei. But in endeavouring to help Pei and find out more about her story, Sarah finds close friendship with Michael and learns more about her own talents and also Chinese traditions and the history of the Chinese in Australia. (10 – 13 years) Minfong Ho Sing to the Dawn pb 9789812610010 $12.95 The frustrations and injustices of village life are revealed in this story of Dawan, a 12 year old girl who strives to continue her education at a city high school in Thailand in spite of competition from her brother and opposition from her father. (10 years up) The Clay Marble pb 9789812329325 $14.95 Daru and her family face much danger and hardship as they flee their village in war-ravaged Cambodia and seek shelter in one of the refugee camps along the Thai-Cambodia border. (12 years up) These books are excellent. Although they deal with some of the difficulties and hardships facing villagers, they are not depressing books. They are written with humour and compassion and although the future may appear bleak there is still hope and courage. Rice without Rain pb 9789812329400 $16.95 Set in the times of the student movement in Thailand in the 1970s, this is the story of Jinda, a young girl from an impoverished rural village, who discovers that any change is brought at great cost. (13 – 16 years) Ji Li Jiang Red Scarf Girl A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution pb 9780064462082 $10.00 A deeply moving story set during the Cultural Revolution in China. Ji Li Jiang describes her own experiences as a twelve year old girl puzzling to understand the strange and terrifying events that befell her family at that time. (11 years up) Diana Kidd Onion Tears illus by D Huxley pb 9780207170287 $ 12.95 The moving story of a Vietnamese boat girl in Australia and how she is finally able to cry real tears, not just the tears that come when she is peeling onions. (7 - 14) Li Cunxin Mao’s Last Dancer (Young Readers Edition) pb 9780143301646 $19.95 This is wonderful story about an eleven year old boy from rural China who was chosen to study ballets and Madame Mao’s dance Academy in Beijing. This is the very moving story of his struggle to overcome loneliness and hardship and how he became one of the top dancers in the USA and then in Australia. The adult edition (hardback 9780670029242 $49.95 pb 9780670040247 $32.95) has been an immensely popular and has been made into a film. The adaptation by Li Cunxin emphasises his childhood. (11 – 15 years) Also available as a picture book illustrated by Anne Spudvilas The Peasant Prince hardback 9780670070541 $29.95 Grace Lin • Where the Mountain Meets the Moon hardback 9780316114271 $28.99 pb 9780316122696 $16.99 Spirited young Minli lives with her family in a poor village and together they work hard in the fields all day. Minli buys a ‘lucky’ goldfish from a travelling salesman, only to set it free in the river as she feels so guilty about the few extra grains of rice needed to feed it. To her surprise and delight, the fish speaks, thanking her and encouraging her to pursue a quest. Inspired by the fish, she sets off to find the Old Man of the Moon hoping to turn her family’s fortune around. Along her journey, Minli learns about the nature of jealously, greed and anger, and the goodness that comes from friendship, honour, courage, loyalty, and respect. Her homecoming brings happiness and good fortune to the entire village, not just her overjoyed parents. This is an enchanting mix of fantasy and Chinese folklore. (9-12 years) MC Kathryn Lomer The Spare Room pb 9780702234774 $19.95 Written from the viewpoint of a Japanese student who is sent to Australia to learn English at college and to stay with an Australian family, Akira is bewildered by his Australian family and only gradually realises that the family has suffered a great loss and is not coping well. The contrasts between the two cultures add to the interest. (13 – 16 years) Adeline Yen Mah Chinese Cinderella pb 9780141304878 $19.95 This is the story of Adeline Yen Mah’s childhood up to the age of 14 years. The full story of her determination to overcome the pain of being an unwanted child and to make something of her life was told in the very popular adult novel Falling Leaves. This book has been well adapted for younger readers. (10 - 14 years) Chinese Cinderella and the Secret Dragon Society pb 9781865088655 $15.95 Set in the time of the Japanese occupation of China, this is an exciting fantasy adventure based on the many stories that Adeline Yen Mah wrote as a school girl in Shanghai. When Chinese Cinderella takes refuge with Grandma Wu in her Marital Arts Academy she learns many skills and then is involved in a dangerous secret mission. (10 – 14 years) Chinese Cinderella and the Mystery of the Song Dynasty Painting pb 9781741146363 $15.99 A famous painting inspires this historical mystery when Chinese Cinderella has dreams going back in time to the time of the Song dynasty. (10 – 14 years) Ruth Manley • The Plum-Rain Scroll pb 9780702235054 $19.95 An exciting and amusing fantasy quest in which Tar,o an odd jobs boy, and a number of companions, including the ghostly Hiroshi , the blue Oni Tsuki and the Cherry-Blossom Princess, pledge themselves to finding the Plum-Rain Scroll which holds the secret to defeating the evil Lord Marishoten who seeks to overthrow the Mikado. Ruth Manley draws on her knowledge of Japanese folklore to create an inventive and delightfully witty story. (10 – 14 years) KS
Michael Morpurgo Kensuke’s Kingdom pb 9781405221740 $14.95 When Michael is washed up on an island he struggles to survive on his own. He is about to give up when food appears. He is not alone. This is a wonderful story of survival and of the secrets of Kensuke who lives on the island. (9 – 15 years). Greg Mortenson Three Cups of Tea pb 9780141034263 $26.95 This is the remarkable story of a mountaineer who in 1993 after a disastrous attempt to climb K2 wandered exhausted and dehydrated into an impoverished village in Pakistan. There the villagers nursed Greg back to health and he was so moved by their kindness that he vowed to return and build a school for their children. That happened in 1993 and since then he has set up a fund and built over 60 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Three Cups of Tea (Young Reader’ Edition) pb 9780143304630 $19.95. This Young Reader’s edition has many photographs of children from the villages and also of his own family who have also become very involved with this endeavour. There are also maps and a question and answer section with Greg’s daughter Amira and a Timeline and a Glossary. (9 – 14 years) Stones into Schools pb 9780141047140 $26.95, follows chronologically from where the first book ended and so it goes from 2003 to the end of 2009. It is perhaps even more fascinating because of the descriptions of the group of Pakistani men and one Afghani man who work with Greg in Pakistan and Afghanistan and how by the end of 2009 they had managed to build 131 schools. The logistics of getting schools built and then staffed in remote areas of Pakistan is difficult enough but in remote areas of Afghanistan, the challenges are mind-boggling! Lensey Namioka Ties that Bind, Ties that Break pb 9780141317151 $14.95 Set in China in 1911, Ailin is a headstrong and determined child who rebels against the ancient habit of having binding girls’ feet. This shows the difficulties Ailin faces as she grows up in a very restrictive society. (9 – 14 years) Huynh Quang Nhuong The Land I Lost: Adventures of a Boy in Vietnam pb 9780064401838 $9.00 These are marvellously evocative stories of Nhuong’s village childhood in the Highland of Vietnam before the wars and the biggest dangers were from wild tiger, hog or snakes. (8 up) Water Buffalo Days: Growing Up in Vietnam pb 9780064462112 $9.00 These stories describe the exploits of the particular much loved and respected family water buffalo called Tank. Linda Sue Park A Single Shard pb 9780547534268 $11.00 Set in Korea in the twelfth century, this is a story about a young orphan boy who helps a master potter and grows to love this difficult craft. A beautifully written story with a wealth of information about Korean life and traditions of that period. (10 – 15 years) When My Name was Keoko pb 9780440419440 $11.00 An absorbing and moving account of life in Korea under the Japanese occupation. Set in 1940, Sun-hee and her family are proud of their Korean heritage but are forced to take Japanese names and to learn and speak just Japanese. (10 – 15 years) Margi Preus • Heart of a Samurai hardback 9780810989818 $24.00 pb 9781419702006 $12.00 Well-written and absorbing story of the life of Manjiro, a fisher boy from Japan who was shipwrecked onto a rocky island outcrop and rescued by an American whaling boat. Manjiro takes the opportunity given to him by the kindly Captain and goes to America where he is educated. When he finally goes back to Japa,n he is temporarily imprisoned but later is appointed as a samurai, an amazing honour for anyone of such lowly birth. The story is based on fact but has been dramatised and a few characters added to provide more interest to younger readers. (10 – 14 years) See also in Non-fiction • Shipwrecked! The true adventures of a Japanese boy by Rhoda Blumberg pb 9780688174859 $13.00 which tells the story of Manjiro’s life with many informative illustrations, photos and maps. KS Alice Pung Unpolished Gem pb 9781863951586 $26.95 Alice Pung gives a wonderfully evocative and comic account of her family’s first responses as they arrived in Footscray in Melbourne as immigrants. They were of Chinese background who had lived first in Vietnam and then in Cambodia during very difficult times. This is the story of how her family adapts to their new life in Australia and the story of how their daughter Alice/Agheare grew up in both cultures, the old and the new. It is at times a hilarious account, richly comic in its descriptions but it also gives vivid and heartbreaking descriptions of the family’s previous life in Cambodia and also of the difficulties they encounter in adapting to their new life in Australia. Her Father’s Daughter pb 9781863955423 $29.95 looks further into the background of her family and also her relationship with her father. (12 years up) Sally Rippin Just One Wish pb 9780143304463 $12.95 When Little Pumpkin arrives in Australia from Shanghai, everything is so difficult. She has very little English and she has to share a room with her hateful cousin Betty. However she gradually discovers there are many kind people who help and even decides to her surprise she doesn’t need to use the one magic wish her grandmother gave to her. One of the Aussie Chomps. (7 - 10 years) Chenxi and the Foreigner pb 9781921351358 $19.95 Anna is living in Shanghai eager to learn Chinese painting but she finds there are difficulties in living in a foreign city. When she meets Chengxi, a mysterious young artist she is convinced they are destined to be together but she has much to learn about Chengxi and about China. This is a vivid compelling story. This is a new adapted version of the novel which was originally published in 2003. (14 years up) Gillian Rubinstein Shinkei is the third book in the very popular Space Demons series. In this book the Australian children manage to visit Japan and much of the book describes their reactions to this country so different from Australia. It is now only available as the full trilogy. Space Demons The Trilogy pb 9781862916302 $26.99 (10 -14 years) Also, Across the Nightingale Floor pb 9780733623370 $24.99 written under the name of Lian Hearn Set in feudal Japan it has many of the traditions and customs of that period but there is also a fantasy element which adds surprise and charm to this story of intrigue, courage, danger and beauty. Also Grass for His Pillow 9780733623387 and Brilliance of the Moon pb 9780733623394 $22.99 each (13 years up) Harsh Cry of the Heron 9780733623400 is the final sequel pb $22.99 Heaven’s Net is Wide by Lian Hearn pb 9780733622847 $22.99 is the fascinating prequel. Suzanne Fisher Staples Daughter of the Wind pb 9780744590111 $16.95 Set in the Cholistan Desert in Pakistan, this is the story of the high-spirited Shabanu and her family and their love for the desert and camels. (Published as Shabanu in the USA.) (11 years up) Ruth Starke Nips X1 pb 9780734401137 $15.99 This is the very amusing story of Lan, who loves cricket and of his determination in getting together a cricket team of kids of many ethnic backgrounds. Very interesting in its crosscultural interactions between kids and adults. The sequel is Nips Go National pb 9780734404749 $15.99 is equally entertaining. (9 – 13 years) Noodle Pie by Ruth Starke pb 9781862917637 $17.99 When Andy and his father make a trip to Vietnam to visit relatives, it is for Andy’s father his first trip back since he escaped from the country in a rusty fishing boat when he was just 15 years old. For Andy who is 11 years old and was born in Australia, it is his first visit to Hanoi and the first time he has met any of his many relatives in Vietnam. The book is written mainly from Andy’s point of view and at first much seems very strange to him. Gradually as Andy comes to understand more about this family, we also understand so much more about Vietnam, its recent history and its people. A marvellous book written with humour and insight. (9 – 12 years) Jeff Stone The Five Ancestors: Tiger pb 9780340932155 $15.99 This is the first volume of an exciting martial arts style adventure epic. When Canzhen Temple is destroyed and its warrior monks killed, the grandmaster instructs his five youngest pupils to seek out the secrets of their past. Each of these pupils has a different fighting style hence Tiger is the first book and 2. Monkey 9780340932162 , 3 Snake 9780340902325 , 4 Crane 9780340902332 , 5 Eagle 9780340902349, 6 Mantis 9780340902356 and 7 Dragon 9780340902363 are later titles. They will be very popular with martial arts fans. pb $15.99 each title (10 – 14 years) Gabrielle Wang The Garden of Empress Cassia pb 9780143300274 $17.95 Mimi is a Chinese Australian girl who becomes more enchanted by her Chinese background when she is given a box of magical pastels which enable her to draw a truly alive Garden of Empress Cassia. (8 – 10 years) The Lion Drummer illustrated by Andrew McLean pb 9780143303138 $12.95 One of the popular Aussie Bites series. Lulu has a growing passion for playing the drum to accompany the lion dance. Through perseverance she succeeds in having lessons from a master drummer which is quite an achievement because this is normally reserved only for boys. Her enthusiasm and dedication are also rewarded when she is able to play in the Easter dragon parade. This is a lively and entertaining story and also tells us a lot about the traditions of the lion dance and the accompanying lion drumming. (7 - 10 years) A Ghost in my Suitcase pb 9780143303794 $16.95 This is a story about ghosts and the power to tame them. After the death of her mother, Celeste goes to China to visit her grandmother and learns of a family secret about ghosts and this brings danger and adventure. (11 – 14 years) Trudy White Japan Diary pb 9781863665940 $19.95 This book contains the two diaries of two exchange students, each of whom live for 6 months with the family of the other student. Amy Cameron goes to Japan to spend six months with the family of Taro Nakagawa, while he comes to Australia and lives with her family and attends the same school in Lower Secondary. The contrasting diaries make the cultural shocks fascinating. (11 – 15 years) Carole Wilkinson Dragonkeeper pb 9781742030593 $19.99 An intriguing fantasy novel set in Ancient China where a slave girl saves the life of an aging dragon and together they make an epic journey across China. The Garden of the Purple Dragon pb 9781742030609 and Dragon Moon pb 9781742030616 $19.99 are the exciting sequels. A prequel Dragon Dawn has also just been published. This is the story of Danzi, Kai’s father and the first dragon that Ping cared for as a young girl. pb 9781742030623 $12.99 (8 – 14 years) Wu Ch'engen Monkey pb 9780141024943 $16.95 This is the C16th epic which tells of the wonderful adventures of Monkey and his friends. (12 up)
Non-FictionChina Land of Dragons and Emperors by Adeline Yen Mah pb 9781741754674 $15.95 A very readable introduction to the history of China, from the time just before the Beijing Olympics back 2,200 years to Ancient China. It is attractively presented with many maps, photos, drawings, and paintings giving us a greater understanding of the very different periods of Chinese history. (12 – 16 years) Made in China: Ideas and Inventions from Ancient China by Suzanne Williams hardback 9781881896142 $29.95 A detailed description of some of the many scientific discoveries of Ancient China, including bronze making, paper, silk, printing, the compass, porcelain, abacus and acupuncture. Illustrations and photographs. (9 - 15 years) True Stories from Ancient China series by Zhu Kang Illustrated by Hong Tao and Feng Congying hardback $19.95 each Distinguished Doctors and Miraculous Remedies 9781592650361 Engineers and Architects 9781592650378 Fantastic Inventions and Inventors 9781592650392 Science and Scientist 9781592650385 Told in cartoon format, these stories describe the lives, often from childhood of famous scientists, doctors, architects and inventors and of their inventions and their work. The stories are extremely interesting, the illustrations charming and the stories are told with humour and irony. In addition there are diagrams of many of their inventions, observations and constructions. (9 – 16 years) The Life of Rice: From Seedling to Supper by Richard Sobol hardback 9780763632526 $29.95 Photographer Richard Sobol shows how important rice is to Thais and how the planting of harvesting of rice forms the basis of their calendar and their culture. He is invited to the Royal Plowing Ceremony for the Thai National Celebration of Rice held in May and from then on he describes through text and photos over one year how the rice is planted, cared for and finally harvested. He describes its importance as a crop, as a food and as an important part of Thai culture. (9 – 12 years) Eyewitness Modern China (2007) by Poppy Sebag-Montefiore pb 9781405318594 $19.95 Many photos, paintings and illustrations with detailed captions give us a huge range of information about daily life, people and places, and culture and customs in modern China. There is also information about its history. There is a Timeline, Glossary, Index and also a wallchart and clipart CD. (9 – 16 years) • Shipwrecked! The true adventures of a Japanese boy by Rhoda Blumberg pb 9780688174859 $13.00 The amazing story of Manjiro, a 14 year old boy who was working as a fisherman when the boat he was on was shipwrecked in the early 1800s. At that time of Japanese isolation, any person who left Japan was threatened with execution if they returned to Japan. He was picked up by an American whaler and ended up in America where he received an education.. After working on another whaler and then in the Californian goldfields, he decided to risk returning to Japan. He was imprisoned but when later released his knowledge played an important part in negotiations with Commodore Perry who at that time was forcing Japan to open its ports. Manjiro was awarded samurai status, something unheard of for anyone from such an impoverished and lowly background The story is all the more fascinating because of the use of beautiful Japanese woodblocks depicting Japanese life at that time, and detailed illustrations showing life on board an American whaler, and also illustrations by Manjiro himself, or by Japanese artists following his descriptions, of a train, of telegraph wires and other technical advancements quite unheard of at that time in Japan. This is a fascinating story, giving us insight into a period of Japanese history and also into whaling in the early 1800s. (9 – 16 years). KS • A novel of Manjiro’s life is called Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus hardback 9780810989818 $24.00 pb 9781419702006 $12.00 • Rhoda Blumberg has also written Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun (pb 9780060086251 $15.00) which describes how Commodore Perry forced the Japanese to open up their ports to American ships thus bringing huge changes to the Japanese way of life. (9 – 16 years). KS Little Nippers Festivals series pb $16.95 My Divali 9780431186368 , My Id-ul-Fitr 9780431186399 My Chinese New Year 9780431162676 My Baisakhi 9780431162669 Very simply written and informative series for young children. In each book we follow a young child getting ready for the celebrations of the festival. (4 – 7 years)Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars! By Betty Reynolds hardback 9780804836586 $19.99 This book takes us though a year of holiday celebrations in Japan. Each celebration is vividly illustrated and described so that we gain an insight into the decorations, foods, dress, gifts and activities for each festival. The words are written in English, in Japanese phonetically and also in the Japanese script and are accompanied by lively illustrations. (6 - 12 years) Carol Stepanchuk Mooncakes and Hungry Ghosts: Festivals of China by Carol Stepanchuk and Charles Wong pb 9780835124812 $24.95 A detailed look at festivals of China (12 - 16 years) Images by Maggie Hegarty pb 9781863662352 $21.95 An introduction to a variety of visual and performing arts in a number of Asian countries and the part they play in cultural expression. Chapters on festivals, costumes, symbols, kites and puppets. (9 – 13 years) Families and Their Faiths series pb $13.00 each Titles in the series Families and Their Faiths are: Hinduism in Bali 9780778750253 Islam in Turkey 9780778750260 Sikhism in India 9780778750284 (7 – 10 years) * First Peoples of the World series by Trish Sertori hardback 9781420268003 $31.99 each First Peoples of Asia This book gives an introduction to the original peoples of three regions in Asia: the Ainu of Japan, the Bali Aga of Indonesia and the Karen of Burma. It looks at their history, their life now, their customs and culture and how their lifestyles are likely to change in the future. Colourful photographs help to show us more about these peoples. There is an index and glossary. (8 – 12 years) This is my Culture series (2008) hardback $29.95 each China 9781740703918 Indonesia 9781740706360, Thailand 9781740703949 Vietnam 9781740703932 These books are written in the first person, from the point of view of young people whose families came to live in Australia from overseas. It discusses their families, how they came to Australia, their festivals, food and celebrations, and their culture and history. This personal approach and the many photos of the family and cultural events add considerably to the interest. Each book includes maps, a recipe and several activities. (9 – 14 years) • Introductions to Chinese Culture series pb $22.95 each This is a new, very informative and exciting series which has will eventually have 37 volumes featuring various aspects of Chinese culture. The series is well designed and is well illustrated by many beautiful paintings, illustrations and photos. Each book is written by an expert in the particular field. Chinese Calligraphy by Tingyou Chen 9780521186452 is an excellent introduction to the history of calligraphy from the beginning of the Chinese written language. It describes various methods and styles used by different calligraphers through the ages and the influence that calligraphy has had on modern art round the world. (14 years up) • Other titles in the series are: Chinese Architecture 9780521186445 Chinese Calligraphy 9780521186452 Chinese Clothing 9780521186896 Chinese Furniture 9780521186469 Chinese Bronze Ware 9780521186858 Chinese Ceramics 9780521186483 Ancient Chinese Inventions 9780521186926 China’s Museums 9780521186902 Chinese Music 9780521186919 Chinese Wine 9780521186506 This series is highly recommended as it provides detailed information in a very interesting, and accessible format. ( 14 years up) Letters from Around the World series pb $22.95 each Letters from Bangladesh 9781842345832, Letters from China 9781842345337, Letters from India 9781842345719 pb , Letters from Indonesia 9781842345894. Titles in this series have recently been revised and updated and published in paperback. The books give a lively introduction to these countries in the form of letters and information about the life of a child of about 9 years old in each country. (7 – 10 years) * China: Land, Life and Culture series by John and Jackie Tidey hardback $31.99 each net History and Government 9781420224597 Land and Climate 9781420224603 People and Cities 9781420224610 Plants 9781420224627 Wildlife 9781420224634 Published in 2008, this series gives many insights into the life, geography, history and culture of China. It also includes short personal accounts adding to the factual information on this vast and varied country. Excellent photographs, charts and maps. Each book has a Glossary and Index. For upper Elementary and Middle school. *India: Land Life and Culture series by Rosemary Sachdev hardback $31.99 each nett Living in Australia series (2008) hardback $29.95 Chinese Australians hardback 9781740704809 $29.95 The book describes the history of Chinese Immigration to Australia and how many Chinese follow Chinese traditions as they live, work and go the school. The book gives information about China today. There is a map of China and also a traditional Chinese story and a Glossary and an Index. (10 – 13 years) Also Vietnamese Australians 9781740704793 in the same series. The Really Big Food Project by Emma Barnard and Thomas Cho, with help from Sally Rippin hardback 9781863665827 $42.95 This excellent title is a large book written in the form of a special project on rice which school students, Emma and Thomas worked on together as a project. They decided to look at how people eat rice in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. In their description of the many different types of rice and its uses, they use Fact Bites, photos, illustrations and either a recipe or a traditional story about some aspect of rice in each country. The book demonstrates for students how a project can be set out and the use of a variety of research methods including interviews, Internet, email and books. There is also a large map of the region. An extremely useful resource. (8 – 14 years) The Really Big Beliefs Project by Emma Barnard and Thomas Cho with help from Meredith Costain hardback 9781863665988 $42.95 This time Emma and Thomas decide to do a project on beliefs and work out the best way is to interview lots of people. Their descriptions of these interviews are fascinating and give descriptions of the way their religion affects the daily lives of people who are Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Shinto and Taoist. They also interview the school cleaner who is secular. They also go to a number of ceremonies. Both Tom and Emma write project Diaries in which they give their thoughts and questions as a result of their interviews and visits. They are surprised by the many similarities of the various religions. This again is an extremely useful resource demonstrating as it does a variety of research methods. (9 – 15 years) Snapshots of Asia by Sue Ledger and Richard Ledger $105.95 net for the pack KIT000165 3 Big Books on China, Japan, Vietnam are in this pack. Each country is introduced through a family and stories of daily life and fact files on environment, school, getting about etc help capture various physical and cultural aspects of life in each country. Bright coloured photos are contrasted with appealing cartoon style drawings and each book also contains a map, a board game, shopping lists, a cooking recipe and instructions. The books aim to help develop literacy while introducing Asian content. For the lower and middle primary classroom, it would also be very effective with ESL students. Three extra Big Book titles India, Malaysia and Philippines are also available in a pack in the Snapshots of Asia series. 9781863665797 Cost is $105.95 net China 186366413C , Japan 186366413J, Vietnam 186366413V and also India 1863665684 , Malaysia 1863665692 and Philippines 1863665706 can also be purchased individually $44.95 net each Big Book. Snapshots of Asia Teachers’ Guide pb 186366413G $32.95 net The teachers’ guide contains additional information, classroom activities and blackline masters. Images of Asia series $49.95 each big card set Beliefs 9781863665711 Environment 9781863665728 Innovations 9781863665735 Symbols, Patterns and Designs 9 781863665742 Inside King Sejong's Gate - Our Time in Korea by Laura and Alex with helpfrom Geoff Ainsworth and Julia Fraser pb 1863664459 $21.95 A detailed account of Laura and Alex's trip to Korea with their year 6 class mates. They describe their stay with a Korean family, the school they attend and sightseeing trips. Exploring Korea is the accompanying teacher resource which enables the story to be extended into comprehensive units of work. pb $32.95 Teaching about Other Countries: A teaching model for primary and middle school teachers by Mark Wildy and Francine Smith pb and CD ROM 9780958103510 $32.95 I recently heard Mark Wildy give a talk on this topic and found it fascinating. His ideas are demonstrated very clearly through the many examples in this book. The book shows how teachers can assist students to explore what they already know about a country and to further develop their understanding of the concept of what a country is. It looks at countries as political and economic identities and is helpful in developing geographical skills. As the Introduction explains: “It involves designing and interpreting maps, looking at physical and built features, climate, land use, exploitation of resources, human and economic activity, culture, language, customs and traditions, tourism and symbols of nationalism. The model adopts an integrated approach and gives teachers scope for incorporating literacy, art, drama, music, technology, health and mathematical activities.“ Asian countries are included in many of the examples given. This is an excellent resource for teachers. Access Asia Series These books provide practical ideas for activities for teachers who wish to introduce the studies of Asia into the classroom. Each book covers a variety of topics. Key into Indonesia by Sally Heinrich pb 9781863667715 $39.95 This very useful teacher resource has background information on a wide range of topics about Indonesia as well as detailed suggestions for activities which will allow students to discover more about Indonesian geography, culture, environment, traditions and language. (Elementary and Middle) Key into Japan 9781863667722 and Key into China 9781863666978 also by Sally Heinrich are similar combining factual information and helpful activity ideas. pb $39.95 each Indonesian Kaleidoscope by Helen Agostino and Kathy Kiting pb 9781863663830 $42.95 A teacher resource which provides activities, factual information, traditional stories and resource sheets for the Indonesian regions of Irian Jaya, Bali, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Java and Sumatra. (Access Asia series) (Middle and upper primary) India Kaleidoscope by Sally Heinrich pb 9781742003122 $42.95 Published in 2010 this book contains a wealth of information that will be helpful for students and teachers wanting to learn more about India. Jack is an Australian boy who goes on a journey across India over a year with his parents. His narrative about his experiences provides the basis for the book and to this is added many fact files providing interesting background information about the culture, the geography, the government, flora and fauna, the many languages of India. There are many activities suggested. This is an extremely helpful book which will provide much information about India as well as being a helpful guide to lesson formation. Go Philippines! CD-ROM 9781863665629 $49.95 This CD-ROM aims to enable children to explore the geography, history and cultures of the people of the Philippines through interactive landscapes, fact files, quizzes etc on this CD-ROM. (9 – 12 years) Go Indonesia! Has an interactive CD-ROM and a teachers’ resource book $59.95 Asia Counts Primary: Numeracy and Studies of Asia pb 9781863664868 $35.95 Asia Counts Secondary: Numeracy and Studies of Asia pb 9781863664875 $35.95 each by Jan Kiernan and Howard Reeves This is a unique concept in that it contains a wide ranging selection of units of work for teachers that can be used to improve students' numeracy skills while enhancing their understanding of Asian countries and ways of life. There are lesson plans, student work sheets and extension activities. Inspirations: Art Ideas for Primary and Middle Years
by Ann MacArthur pack 9781863665865 $59.95 Videos and DVDs Families of the World series: available in DVD $49.50 each There are DVDs on the following countries – Afghanistan 5060094290287, China 1888194316, India 188819426X , Japan 1888194294 , Korea 1888194375 , Thailand 1888194278 and Vietnam 1888194456.I have only viewed the video on China which, like all the other videos, has two separate segments on the lives of two children and their families. In this video on China, we are introduced to the daily life of the children at home with their families and also at school from the time they wake up in the morning till they go to bed at night. The children are delightful and describe their activities, the food they eat, where they live and their families and schools. There are many interesting insights into their lives. The little boy takes rice in a metal container to school and then all the children add water and this is cooked slowly at the school over a hot stove so that all the rice will be ready at the same time at lunchtime. The girl is older (9 years old) and her school is much larger. All the children salute as they enter the schoolyard. There are 58 students in her class and the whole class performs daily exercises. There is much to discuss and children will be able to compare their lives with those of these children from many different countries and cultures. Running time is approx 30 minutes. There is also a Teacher’s Guide for each country. These contain the script and additional information on each country and also ideas for discussion. pb $9.95 each (6 - 10 years) A Child’s Eye View of Festivals 1. Chinese New Year, Divali, Eid-ul-Fitr and Hanukkah DVD 5060094290270 $49.95 2. Easter, Vaisakhi, Wesak and Christmas DVD 5060094290287 $49.95 For each festival we follow the celebrations both with the family and at school of a young child. Ian is 5 years old and shows with delight the presents he receives for Chinese New Year, the celebrations with his family at home and also when they go out to see the festivities in Chinatown. The next day we see the activities that the school has organised, including writing Chinese characters and storytelling and a song about Chinese New Year. The same format is followed for each of the festivals. The series is set in the United Kingdom and the children and their families seem to come mainly from Manchester or Leicester. This series is an excellent introduction to a variety of festivals for 3 to six year olds. A booklet containing background notes, stories, songs and activities is also included with the video. The overall running time is approx 55 minutes and each new festival has its own beginning. (3 - 6 years) Land of the Dragon: A Documentary of China DVD $49.50 With a young woman Liu Hui Ping as a guide, we are introduced to many different aspects of China. We see both modern and older parts of Beijing and learn a little of the history of China as we visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. We are also shown the southern province of Anhui as well as the Yangtze River and the Yellow Mountains. The narration is mainly in English but Liu Hui Ping also speaks in Mandarin with English sub-titles. We are introduced to many Chinese fruits and vegetables and Liu Hui Ping gives their Chinese names. She also takes us to visit her family. The DVD is recent, 2006. Running time is 30 minutes. (7 years up) Going to School in India DVD 9781888194906 $64.95 This is a very enjoyable and entertaining film showing children going to school in so many different ways and in so many different places. It shows a 12 year old girl in Kashmir going to school across a lake by boat, a homeless boy in Mumbai goes to school in a bus and in fact the school is the bus, another girl goes to school in the dark (since she works to help her mother during the day she goes to school at night), another boy goes to school in a wheel chair and there are children who walk to school across the mountains and others who walk across the desert to a padlocked box which contains the chalk and slates which is basically their school! The settings are often exotic and the photography is beautiful with an emphasis on music and movement. There are 9 segments each showing a different school and each segment can be watched individually. The whole film lasts for approx 75 minutes. There is also a book called • Going to School in India by Lisa Heydlauff hardback 9781570916663 $39.95 which complements this DVD beautifully. (7 years up) All prices are in Australian dollars. If you would like to order any of the above books, send orders to Austral Ed to austral@gleebooks.com.au For additional lists of recommended books and newsletters from Austral Ed, visit our website www.australed.iinet.net
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