Confucius: Great Teacher of China

by Demi, Demi (Illustrator)

Overview

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."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781643796857
Publisher:	Lee & Low Books
Publication date:	12/12/2023
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	323,833
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 18 Years

About the Author

Demi is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred fifty 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.

Demi is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred fifty 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.

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher

11/20/2017
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. Mythical stories surround Confucius’s birth (“One adds that a comet, two protective dragons, and five old men representing the planets and stars appeared in the sky to celebrate”), and Demi explains how his desire to bring order to the social and political turmoil of his era led him to enter government. But his true triumphs came through teaching, and Demi incorporates his philosophies throughout (“In both government and private life, perhaps the most important word to Confucius was shu... which means ‘compassion’ or ‘open-heartedness’ ”), giving readers a rich understanding of his beliefs and impact. Ages 8–12. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

12/01/2017
Gr 4–6—As corroborated facts of Confucius's life are scarce, Demi blends legend and folklore with the few known truths, as well as quotations from his The Analects, to tell the story of his life. While some things may leave readers confused (such as a passing reference to the warring states with no explanation), the text adeptly presents Confucian principles and the impact his ideas have had on China to the modern day. This book serves as a solid introduction to spark reader interest in the Chinese political philosopher; however, more in-depth biographies would need to be consulted for report purposes. Demi's beautiful and distinctive illustrations incorporate style elements and textile patterns from traditional Chinese art and make good use of her signature gold paint. VERDICT A solid purchase, especially for collections where Demi's previous biographies are appreciated.—Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA

School Library Journal

2017-10-30
This deftly illustrated picture book introduces Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher and teacher, to young readers. In the preface, the author clarifies that Confucius' life is "shrouded in legend," hence the juxtaposition of mythological and realistic characters to tell his story. It starts before Confucius was born, when a mythological creature, the qilin, presents Confucius' mother with a jade tablet engraved with the words "Your child will be a king without a crown." Confucius' potential for greatness is obvious from boyhood. He believes in the importance of ritual, and of all his activities, "he love[s] reading and studying most." As an adult, Confucius sees despair in the world around him and decides the best way to influence society is through education and eventually opens a school. He welcomes not only the wealthy, but also the poor, believing everyone should be given a chance to lead, and his teachings emphasize the need to govern with compassion and just behavior. 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. (sources, notes) (Picture book/biography. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews