All About China: Stories, Songs, Crafts and More for Kids is a captivating, comprehensive one-of –a-kind introduction to China, integrating page after page of colorful illustrations with folk stories, history, beliefs, amazing facts, and engaging activities. Young readers will learn about the daily lives of Chinese kids while visiting its breathtaking landmarks and exploring its cultural and historical tapestry.  The book seamlessly connects the dots between customs, culture, history, inventions and holidays through folk tales, learning activities, anecdotes, games and amazing facts.  This is a beautiful introduction into fostering and cultivating world citizens.

In  All About China, children (and adults) will fall in love with China’s spirit and:

  • Delve into China's family traditions and famous inventions
  • Learn about yin and yang, “saving face” and how to “feng shui” a bedroom
  • Take a crack at solving some tangram puzzles 
  • Learn how to play Chinese games, count in Mandarin, make a mask, paint a panda
  • Learn how to say “Happy New Year” in Mandarin 
  • Read folktales about the earth’s creation and the origin of the Moon Goddess
  • Discover what foods mean good fortune, what colors to wear, how to give gifts
  • Learn which Chinese gods can help stop nightmares
  • Learn about centuries old healing techniques still used worldwide today
  • See how many things we use everyday that were invented in China
  • Try out Chinese recipes and make lanterns for special holidays
  • Find out about China’s endangered species and what you can do about it

Reviews

Opening the review copy of All About China: Stories, Songs, Crafts and More for Kids, I turned randomly to “Chinese Zodiac animals,” and read, “did you know that Cat and Rat used to best friends? How, and why, did they become fierce enemies?”

I was hooked as I explored each of this marvelous book’s 62 richly-packed pages. All About China opens with engaging, easy-to-grasp sections on history, geography, government, and China’s place in today’s world, enlivened with folk stories, cultural insights, hands-on activities, and more. My favorites include Chinese homes, calligraphy for making personal cards and great kid-friendly recipes.

“I loved learning how to feng shui my bedroom,” says Phoebe, my 14-year-old China-born daughter. “and how yin and yang combine to create balance. And that during the Qing dynasty, Chinese women developed their own language. And how important family is.” Though the book is geared for grades 3-6, Phoebe agrees with me that its appeal is far broader. “I wish I’d had it back then,” she says. “I sure would have used it for reports.”

Practical information abounds throughout: how to count in Pinyin; how to give new Year’s gifts without risking offense; how to find what you can do to help save pandas, and other endangered species, plus Chinese beliefs, superstitions, and stories.

Phoebe: “make sure to read how the earth was created by Pan Gu, a giant, and later saved from destruction by Nu Wa, a beautiful goddess, who restored yin and yang. Don’t miss how Chinese New Year started when a monster was scared away by a child wearing a red coat, and people began using red lanterns and scrolls, and firecrackers too, to keep him away.”

The book’s visuals are lavish—opulent, even.  Succulent foods, costumes, dances, and historical dwellings are rendered in warmly evocative tones that fire the imagination.

Phoebe: my favorites are the map in the beginning that shows where products come from, the musicians playing atthe heavenly Palace, and the gods and goddesses—especially Guan Yin, Goddess of Compassion and healing, who looks like she’s comforting someone.

Giftwise, this book is the perfect way to share your child’s cultural background with others. I’d say every household needs a copy.

Phoebe: “we disagree fairly often, but this time my dad’s totally right.”

Phoebe Brock-Dolas was born in Chenzhou, and attends high school in Berkeley. Darryl Brock is the author of three novels, numerous stories and articles.

Reprinted from The Journal of Families with Children from China, September 2015

"There is no shortage of books on China today. However, there are very few books for young readers.  All About China is well written, beautifully illustrated and creatively captures what is important for all children to know about China."—Tsui Yi-Wen, Reporter, World Journal

"An eye-popping journey for kids of all ages—and grown-ups too. Enjoy this beautifully illustrated, information-rich ride through centuries of Chinese festivals, food, family and fun—and so much more."—Melissa Ludtke, Producer, Touching Home in China

“This is truly a resourceful book on China for young readers and for the whole family.”—Miss Panda Chinese

Allison Branscombe has used her personal connections within the Chinese American community, her in depth research skill, and her love for her two Chinese born daughters to create a book that pleases all the senses. "All About China" works on a myriad of levels. The illustrations delight the eye and could be quickly summarized by an adult reading to a preschooler. The information, while highly readable, is extensive enough to enchant middle, high school, and adult readers as well. All can benefit from this book about a country that is becoming increasingly influential in our world.  Chris Winston, Founder of Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network

 “Written by Allison “Aixin” Branscombe and illustrated by Lin Wang, the book gives children a great overview of China and its culture. Given this is an immense topic to delve into, I thought the book did a great job of providing important highlights in a kid-friendly manner. This beautiful 64 page full-color illustrated hardcover book...would make a great gift for not only Chinese-American children, but any child who is curious about the world."—Bicultural Mama

 “This fine book gives a good overview of the country, the people, and the culture. This comprehensive picture book is a real treasure for curious young people of elementary school age. A glossary and list of books and websites for further study complete this terrific book.”—San Francisco Book Review

“This is a great activity-filled, information PACKED book that teaches you about life as it is and was in China. It talks about the dynasties of China, daily life in China, games and traditions of China, and much more! There is a huge diversity in the things to read about. Ms. Branscombe has written a wonderful encyclopedia-like resource. Lin Wang’s illustrations bring the book to life. They are realistic and captivating. I could see schools or homeschool families using this book to teach a whole unit on China.”—This Kid Reviews Books

“This books celebrates, with an impressive scope, the cultural riches of China and its epic history—with plenty of hands-on projects along the way.”—Booklist

“The surprise and delightful nature of this book are the many unique and unexpected topics that illustrate the fascinating culture of China and its people.”—Adoption Today Magazine

“There are stories, songs, crafts, and a ton more in this amazing book, that fits right in with our third grade world cultures and traditions unit we are currently doing. Amazing photos, music, and crafts. Fun games and activities.”—Journey of a Substitute Teacher

“All About China gives a wonderful overview of what it is like to live in China. The book is full of information, stories, crafts and recipes. In the beginning the reader is introduced to two Chinese children who share their lives throughout the book. […] Like all of Tuttle Publishing's books, The pages are beautiful. They are full of pictures to give the child a full understanding of what it is like. It is full of information including history, geography, government and more.”—Crafty Moms Share

"All About China is educational, informative and extremely enjoyable. The illustrations are delightful and make this book a joy to explore from cover to cover! Allison Branscombe's book is an entertaining, well-researched jewel for both kids and adults."—Helen Yee, Former President, Chinese Culture Foundation, 2009-2010

“This is a great activity-filled, information PACKED book that teaches you about life as it is and was in China. It talks about the dynasties of China, daily life in China, games and traditions of China, and much more! There is a huge diversity in the things to read about. Ms. Branscombe has written a wonderful encyclopedia-like resource. Lin Wang’s illustrations bring the book to life. They are realistic and captivating. I could see schools or homeschool families using this book to teach a whole unit on China.”—This Kid Reviews Books

“Interested in Chinese culture? This book will take you on a journey across China – from ancient to modern. It gives well-rounded information, and includes Chinese characters and crafts, stories and songs and makes learning about China a family fun time.”—Skipping Stones Magazine

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