Five Heavenly Emperors: Chinese Myths of Creation [Hardcover]

Song Nan Zhang (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Just about every civilization has stories of creation. The myths and legends of the ancient Greeks and Romans are very well known, but these 12 myths from ancient China are just as fascinating. Between Pangu separating the sky from the earth and the Northern Emperor separating man from gods, we have an array of deities as busy and colorful as those in Greek and Roman myths. They create men out of clay, mend the broken sky after the flood, and shoot down suns so that life on earth will not die.

Inspired by the art of the Ming Dynasty, this is a wonderful collection of Chinese myths of creation, illustrated by award-winning artist Song Nan Zhang.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This book begins, appropriately enough, "in the beginning," with Chinese lore about the first stirrings of the universe, and goes on to describe the creative acts of the five emperors of the title (one for each of the five Chinese elements: earth, fire, wood, gold and water). Unfortunately, the lack of thoughtful design may discourage readers. The placement of the text suggests that little attention was given to balance or presentation-in stark contrast to Zhang's (A Little Tiger in the Chinese Night) graceful, elaborate artwork. The fluidity of line and subtle colors of his illustrations echo centuries of tradition, while the sense of detail gives the work a personal stamp. The stories themselves are ably, if a bit diffidently told, and the book also includes a chart of "Who's Who in Heaven," a taichi map and an elegantly printed glossary of common Chinese words. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“The fluidity of line and subtle colors…echo centuries of tradition, while the sense of detail gives the work a personal stamp.”
–Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Tundra Books (October 13, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887763383
• ISBN-13: 978-0887763380
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,076,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice, simple reference book., November 22, 2004

By 

Allison Martin "Book Reviewer" (comeunity.com) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Five Heavenly Emperors: Chinese Myths of Creation (Hardcover)

This colorful children's book shares Chinese stories and legends of the creation of the world. Stories include Five Heavenly EmperorsYouchao and the First Dwellings, the Cowherd and the Weaving Girl, and Nuwu Mends the Sky. Chang-Er Flies to the Moon and other stories illustrate popular stories for various celebrations such as the Mid-Autumn Festival. Each story is dramatically illustrated with symbolic and mythic Chinese images. A nice reference book for children (and adults) who are interested in Chinese legends.