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BEST OF 2011

Wild Coast

John Gimlette

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Florian Schultz

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Arctic Dreams

Barry Lopez

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Replogle

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CHINA: BEIJING, XI'AN & SHANGHAI

For Kids

Buddha Stories

Buddha Stories


by Demi

  • RELIGION
  • 1997
  • HARD COVER
  • 32 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

Intended for ages 4 to 8, this book tells 10 of the author's favorite "jakatas," or moral tales of the Buddha. She has sumptuously illustrated the volume in gold printed on deep, dark blue (in the tradition of an ancient Buddhist text). (ASA16, $23.99)

China's Bravest Girl: The Legend of Mu Lan


by Charlie Chin | Tomie Arai

  • LITERATURE
  • 2003
  • PAPER
  • 30 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

The classic legend of Mu Lan is retold for readers ages 6 to 10 in this bilingual edition. Narrated in rhyme, it's perfect for reading aloud. (CHN261, $18.40)

China, A True Book

China, A True Book


by Dennis Brindell Fradin

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1997
  • PAPER
  • 48 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

A slim, illustrated introduction to China for younger readers (ages 6-8). With a color map and nice selection of photographs showing the landscapes, cities, people, and monuments of China. (CHN135, $6.95)

Cowboy on the Steppes

Cowboy on the Steppes


by Yi Nan Zhang | Song Nan Zhang

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1997
  • HARD COVER
  • 32 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

A spare, evocative account of an 18-year-old Chinese boy's year as a Mongolian cowboy. (MGL34, $15.95)

Lon Po Po, A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

Lon Po Po, A Red-Riding Hood Story from China


by Ed Young

  • LITERATURE
  • 1996
  • PAPER
  • 32 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

This powerfully illustrated Chinese variant on the story of Red Riding Hood features three sisters who outsmart Lon Po Po, or Granny Wolf, who is disguised as the girls' grandmother. For readers ages 5-9. (CHN102, $6.99)

Look What Came From China!

Look What Came From China!


by Miles Harvey

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 32 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

An illustrated guide to China, its products and inventions, for children ages 4-8. (CHN155, $6.95)

Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats

Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats


by Leslie Swartz | Nina Simonds | Meilo So

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 2002
  • HARD COVER
  • 80 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

A fun guide to celebrating the New Year, Dragon Boat Festival and other Chinese holidays. (CHN183, $21.00)

The Empty Pot

The Empty Pot


by Demi

  • LITERATURE
  • 1991
  • PAPER
  • 32 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

When the emperor distributes seeds to all the children in China and announces that his successor will be the one who one who grows the most beautiful flower, young Ping is dismayed when his pot remains barren. He goes before the emperor empty-handed and is unexpectedly rewarded for his honesty. (CHN106, $17.99)

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China


by Leonard Everett Fisher

  • HISTORY
  • 1995
  • PAPER
  • 32 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

In brief text and bold black-and-white illustrations that any age could enjoy, this storybook recounts the construction of the Great Wall of China for young children. (CHN103, $7.99)

The Story About Ping

The Story About Ping


by Marjorie Flack | Kurt Wiese

  • LITERATURE
  • 1971
  • PAPER
  • 32 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

For readers ages 4-7, this classic tale, first published in 1933, tells the story of a duckling's adventures along the Yangtze River. With delightful illustrations. (CHN101, $5.99)

Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding

Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding


by Lenore Look | Yumi Heo

  • LITERATURE
  • 2006
  • HARD COVER
  • 40 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

Chinese wedding traditions come alive in this story of a mischief-making Chinese-American girl who worries that her uncle will forget about her after he marries. With charming mixed-media illustrations. (CHN348, $17.99)

Zen Shorts


by John J Muth

  • RELIGION
  • 2005
  • HARD COVER
  • 40 PAGES
  • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8)

A charming introduction to the Zen tradition for young readers accompanied by beautiful watercolor illustrations. When Stillwell, a giant panda bear, moves next door he shares traditional Buddhist and Taoist tales with his three curious young neighbors. (CHN268, $17.99)

Ancient China, Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of China's Past

Ancient China, Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of China's Past


by Richard H. Levey | Jacqueline Bell

  • ARCHAEOLOGY
  • 2006
  • HARD COVER
  • 64 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)
  • COMING IN MARCH

Designed for kids aged ten and up, this thoroughly illustrated guide to the mysteries of ancient China and recent archaeological discoveries includes a time line, glossary and an interview with a working archaeologist. (CHN364, $17.95)

Buddha

Buddha


by Demi

  • RELIGION
  • 1996
  • HARD COVER
  • 48 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

Beautiful, intricately detailed, full-color illustrations make this life of the Buddha an excellent choice for children. Intended for children age 7-10. (ASA17, $21.99)

China, The Land


by Bobbie Kalman

  • HISTORY
  • 2000
  • PAPER
  • 32 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

An overview of the land and people past and present of China, with color photographs. (CHN339, $7.95)

Confucius, The Golden Rule


by Russell Freedman

  • HISTORY
  • 2002
  • PAPER
  • 48 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

An illustrated biography of the philosopher Confucius for readers ages 8 to 12 by Newberry Medal winning author Russell Freedman. Freedman conveys the depth of Confucius' ideas while placing him in his spiritual, cultural and political context. The full page color illustrations imitate Chinese-style painting while incorporating photographe natural elements and frames. (CHN335, $17.99)

Emperor's Silent Army, Terracotta Warriors of Ancient China

Emperor's Silent Army, Terracotta Warriors of Ancient China


by Jane O'Connor

  • HISTORY
  • 2002
  • HARD COVER
  • 48 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

Visually engaging and informative, this book introduces the Terracotta Army of the first Qin emperor to middle readers. (CHN182, $17.99)

Eyewitness Ancient China

Eyewitness Ancient China


by Arthur Cotterell

  • REFERENCE
  • 2005
  • HARD COVER
  • 64 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

This handsomely illustrated overview of the history, art and accomplishments of ancient China is terrific for children ages 9-12. Informative text, color photographs and detailed illustrations introduce China's rich heritage. (CHN50, $16.99)

Homesick, My Own Story

Homesick, My Own Story


by Jean Fritz

  • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
  • 1999
  • PAPER
  • 163 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

Jean Fritz recounts her childhood in Hankow, China in the 1920s. It's a candid, wonderfully written account of this turbulent time, told from a little girl's perspective. (CHN141, $5.99)

House of Sixty Fathers

House of Sixty Fathers


by Meindert De Jong | Maurice Sendak

  • LITERATURE
  • 1987
  • PAPER
  • 189 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

This classic children's novel is set in China during the Japanese invasion as a young boy makes a journey to reunite with his family. A Newbery Honor Book, illustrated by Maurice Sendak and written for kids ages 9-12. (CHN119, $5.95)

Life in Ancient China

Life in Ancient China


by Paul C. Challen

  • HISTORY
  • 2004
  • PAPER
  • 32 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

An overview of the history, geography, people, arts and culture of ancient China for grades 5-7. Also includes colorful photographs, illustrations, time lines, artwork, and diagrams with captions. (CHN340, $8.95)

Little Green, Growing Up During the Chinese Cultural Revolution

Little Green, Growing Up During the Chinese Cultural Revolution


by Chun Yu

  • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
  • 2005
  • HARD COVER
  • 128 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

A poetic reflection on China's Cultural Revolution told from a child's perspective. It's a good introduction to China's recent history for young adults or mature middle readers. (CHN239, $15.95)

Marco Polo for Kids, His Marvelous Journey to China

Marco Polo for Kids, His Marvelous Journey to China


by Janis Herbert

  • HISTORY
  • 2001
  • PAPER
  • 144 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

Travel along with the famous Venetian and do some things he may have done. (CHN189, $16.95)

Sweet and Sour, Tales from China

Sweet and Sour, Tales from China


by Carol Kendall | Yao-Wen Li

  • LITERATURE
  • 1990
  • PAPER
  • 112 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

A collection of 24 folk tales from China, spanning many eras and a variety of literary styles. (CHN370, $7.95)

The Ancient Chinese


by Virginia Schomp

  • HISTORY
  • 2005
  • PAPER
  • 112 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

An illustrated introduction to the emperors, philosophers, poets and peasants of ancient China for middle schoolers. (CHN338, $9.95)

The Ch'I-Lin Purse, A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories

The Ch'I-Lin Purse, A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories


by Linda Fang

  • LITERATURE
  • 1997
  • PAPER
  • 118 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

An illustrated collection of 10 stories from classic Chinese opera and novels by professional storyteller Linda Fang. With a pronunciation guide and glossary. (CHN334, $7.99)

The Year of the Panda

The Year of the Panda


by Miriam Schlein | Kam Mak

  • LITERATURE
  • 1992
  • PAPER
  • 82 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

Rich in detail of the plight and rescue of the giant panda, this chapter book is written for readers 8-12. In it, ten-year-old Lu Yi and his father find an orphaned da xiong mao (giant panda) and nurse it back to health. (CHN105, $4.99)

Yeh-Shen, A Cinderella Story from China

Yeh-Shen, A Cinderella Story from China


by Ed Young | Ai-Ling Louie

  • LITERATURE
  • 1982
  • PAPER
  • 31 PAGES
  • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12)

A southern Chinese Cinderella story, familiar yet distinctly foreign in its details. It's a beautiful book, based on T'ang-era (618-907 A.D.) manuscripts. (CHN107, $17.99)

Bound


by Donna Jo Napoli

  • LITERATURE
  • 2004
  • HARD COVER
  • 192 PAGES
  • YOUNG ADULTS

In this retelling of Cinderella, Napoli includes all the familiar elements -- evil stepmothers, servitude and lost slippers -- but infuses it with myth and history and sets it in 14th-century China. (CHN236, $16.99)

Chinese Cinderella and the Secret Dragon Society


by Adeline Yen Mah

  • LITERATURE
  • 2006
  • PAPER
  • 256 PAGES
  • YOUNG ADULTS

In this retelling of the classic children's fairy tale, set during World War II, Cinderella joins the Chinese Resistance after being kicked out of the house by her wicked stepmother. For ages 10 and up. (CHN363, $7.99)

Red Scarf Girl, A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution

Red Scarf Girl, A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution


by Ji-Li Jiang | David Henry Hwang

  • BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR
  • 1998
  • PAPER
  • 285 PAGES
  • YOUNG ADULTS

An engrossing, harrowing memoir of Ji-Li Jiang's experiences as a teenager during Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution. For readers ages 12 and up. (CHN104, $6.99)

Chinese Fairy Tales and Fantasies

Chinese Fairy Tales and Fantasies


by Moss Roberts

  • LITERATURE
  • 1980
  • PAPER
  • 258 PAGES
  • FAMILY

Moss Roberts combed 2,500 years of the Chinese folk tradition for this excellent, family-friendly anthology, decorated with woodcut illustrations throughout. (CHN146, $16.95)

Favorite Children's Stories from China and Tibet

Favorite Children's Stories from China and Tibet


by Koon-chiu Lo | Lotta Carswell Hume

  • LITERATURE
  • 2001
  • HARD COVER
  • 120 PAGES
  • FAMILY

A highly recommended collection of 19 Chinese and Tibetan tales, collected and retold by an American doctor's wife who lived in Hunan province from 1906 to 1928. The illustrations practically leap off the page. (CHN93, $16.95)

Mulan


by Tony Bancroft

  • CULTURAL PORTRAIT
  • 2004
  • DVD
  • FAMILY

In this animated Disney film of the classic legend, Mulan, a young Chinese girl disguises herself as a boy and goes to war against the Huns to help her family. (CHN324, $29.99)

The Magical Monkey King, Mischief in Heaven

The Magical Monkey King, Mischief in Heaven


by Youshan Tang Ji-Li Jiang

  • LITERATURE
  • 2004
  • PAPER
  • 113 PAGES
  • FAMILY

A retelling of 18 classic tales featuring the rascally Monkey King. With accompanying black and white illustrations. For ages 7-10. (CHN344, $8.95)

 

Longitude provides recommended reading for travelers in partnership with the leading tour operators and travel programs for hundreds of destinations worldwide. We've got the classic, new and hard-to-find books and maps to help you get the most out of your adventures.