All About China: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids (All About...countries)

The All About China: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids is a perfect book for my 4th grader for a country book report. All the needed information and more is packed into this hardcover book that we can keep for a long time as a good reference source. Very educational.The book has many key sections to cover China's geography, key facts, historical events/timeline, written language/characters & culture, etc. There's many sections that cover Chinese culture very completely from traditions/customs, beliefs, food, festivals/holidays, zodiac calendar, etc. It also provides daily life from a child's perspective with activities for songs and crafts from cutout for double happiness character to a lantern, how to write Chinese characters, food recipes, etc. The illustrations are so colorful intermixed with some actual photographs. The illustrations romanticizes the endangered pandas to dim sum feast to the martial arts forms. I was interesting the simple and politically correct way to acknowledge Taiwan.As an adult I appreciate the comprehensiveness of this book with the elegant simplicity for children of all ages.

An excellent introduction to the Chinese culture, All About China covers a wide range oftopics—from songs, Chinese history, and short stories, to recipes and the game of jianzi (毽子).Many simple activities are included to teach readers about customs, exercises, and the basics ofthe Chinese language. Although many, I included, may conceive this book to be suitable for ayounger audience, All About China delineates many interesting topics.Here are some I found interesting/learned about:- The practice of fengshui and the notion of qi.- Descriptions of achievements and facts for respective dynasties.- A mango jello recipe- Different types of homes with explanations/descriptions of each. (Donut-shapedapartment buildings in Fujian!)In addition, the illustrations are unique and reflect Chinese culture, teaching through visualimagery of activities, customs, etc.This book is informational and fun to read. Highly recommend!

All About China is a lovely balance of story and history, facts and culture, stunningly illustrated on every page with color and detail that kids (and adults) will return to and enjoy, noticing something new each time. The book is a visual feast, and the illustrations do pair perfectly with the text in every single section -- so that even young readers (or non-readers) will enjoy poring over each page. From cool "did you know?" kinds of facts about China's history, to its inventions, myths, games, culture, crafts and family-friendly recipes, this is a great primer on a fascinating country. I liked very much that the author didn't drag out the usual/generic stories and facts. Her mix of information is different and useful, and seems chosen with love: from calligraphy lessons to moon cake recipes for the Chinese New Year, from typical Chinese pets to how to sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" in Mandarin. (Because, why not?)Note: other reviewers have mentioned that it's "accessible." That's true -- almost any background or reading ability will find a way to access the knowledge in this beautifully packed book. But "accessible" doesn't mean dumbed down: I studied Chinese history in college, and I still learned a few things!I bought this book for a Chinese friend's daughter, as well as for young relatives who were born in China but adopted into my family. They've all loved it. I'm considering buying another as a gift to our elementary school library.

This book is interesting and informative. I also really like the illustrations. Lots of fun to read and learn more about Chinese culture!

What a beautiful book Allison Branscombe has produced! She has covered so many worthwhile subjects that would be of interest to children and adults alike. The illustrations are beyond beautiful. Lin Wang is such a talented artist! I can't imagine the number of hours it took to produce such a wonderful volume. I recommend this to any child who loves learning about other children and other cultures. China really comes alive in all the words, illustrations, games, crafts, and all the other activities that foster learning by seeing and doing. This kind of knowledge engenders a deep appreciation and love of the chinese culture. There is no better way to do away with prejudice and ignorance. There is no better way to appreciate the chinese way of life than to understand its history, art, food, customs and folklore. This book leads the reader to do all of this through a most magnificent and enriching journey.

What an engaging and comprehensive introduction for children of all ages to the vast riches of Chinese history and culture! Opening this book is akin to diving into a treasure chest. Little nuggets of gold easily accessible thanks to both the enticing story telling and the exquisite illustrations. The presentation of the different topics is perfectly paced: ideal to hold the attention of even the very young, yet sufficiently informative for those who wish to dwell and reflect on a specific subject.Alison Branscombe has captured the spirit of China's multi-faceted culture and offered memorable stories, songs, games and more as a delightful, colorful feast for all the senses. Children will return time and again to relive the excitement and pleasure of discovery, enhancing their knowledge and just having fun! A great resource for the individual reader but also an invitation to bring readers together in group activities.

This is an excellent resource for any teacher willing to go the extra mile to enthuse students.

Damaged item and this was a Xmas present so can't return

I bought this book for my 8yr old granddaughter .she wanted to know all about China she is delighted with the book!!

Absolutely AMAZING!

Great value