A beautifully illustrated biography of a man whose philosophy shaped the course of Chinese history: the great teacher Confucius.
His sayings are repeated throughout the world. His teachings set the course of Chinese society for two and a half millennia. But Confucius (551 BCE--479 BCE) remains merely a name to many readers, rather than the central figure of world history that he deserves to be. Award-winning author-illustrator Demi illuminates his life and influence in this elegant biography that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Confucius loved books and learning, but he grew up during a time of great suffering and warfare in China. Troubled by the chaos he saw all around him, he devoted his life to reforming his society and government, with ideas about education and leadership that still resonate today. He encouraged everyone "especially rulers" to live moral lives, emphasizing the value of tradition and compassion. And five hundred years before Jesus set forth his Golden Rule, Confucius declared his Golden Mean: "Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself."
DEMI is an author and illustrator of more than one hundred books for children, mostly biographies and folklore. She is known for her perceptive texts and elegant illustrations with golden accents, and her books have received numerous awards and accolades, among them ALA Notable Children's Books, The New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Notable Books for a Global Society, American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, the Middle East Book Award, and the Christopher Award, which recognizes individuals whose work makes a positive difference in the world. Demi has traveled extensively and studied art in Mexico, India, and China. She liveswith her husband in Carnation, Washington.
DEMI is an author and illustrator of more than one hundred books for children, mostly biographies and folklore. She is known for her perceptive texts and elegant illustrations with golden accents, and her books have received numerous awards and accolades, among them ALA Notable Children's Books, The New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Notable Books for a Global Society, American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, the Middle East Book Award, and the Christopher Award, which recognizes individuals whose work makes a positive difference in the world. Demi has traveled extensively and studied art in Mexico, India, and China. She liveswith her husband in Carnation, Washington.
Demi is the author and illustrator of more than three hundred books for children. She is known for her perceptive texts and elegant illustrations with golden accents, and for her biographies of major historical figures from around the world, including religious figures like Buddha, Muhammad, Jesus, and Mary. Her books have been named New York Times Best Illustrated Books, recognized with ALA Notable Children's Books and Notable Books for a Global Society citations, and won the Christopher Award, which recognizes individuals whose work makes a positive difference in the world. Demi has traveled extensively and studied art in Mexico, India, and China. She lives in Yarrow Point, Washington.
"This deftly illustrated picture book introduces Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher and teacher, to young readers... Demi incorporates her subject's own words, taken from various translations of his Analects, throughout her account. Hues of blue, red, and her signature gold pop from the flat, two-dimensional scenes, which are framed in auspicious colors of red and gold. The lack of depth and perspective and the inclusion of symbolic creatures recall traditional Chinese paintings. An appealing biography done in classic Demi tradition, suitable for readers interested in Confucianism and its impact on Chinese culture and values." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Illustrating in a delicate style that strongly evokes her ancient Chinese setting, Demi introduces the life and teachings of Confucius (known as Kongzi in China), blending facts and legends surrounding the educator and philosopher... His true triumphs came through teaching, and Demi incorporates his philosophies throughout... giving readers a rich understanding of his beliefs and impact." -- Publishers Weekly