Explains how Chinese writing developed and demonstrates how to write seventy-five Chinese characters, using detailed instructions and examples.
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Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews
A fine introduction to 75 simple and not-so-simple Chinese characters: their derivation, their Mandarin pronunciation, and how to write them. Cartoons clarify the pictures made by the characters; sample character combinations (e.g., language + electricity = telephone) demonstrate the evolution of both the language and the culture. A charming, handsome book. (Nonfiction. 8+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An ambitious but well presented book on Chinese writing,
This review is from: Long Is a Dragon: Chinese Writing for Children (Hardcover)
There is a lot of information presented in this book. Perhaps too much for young children to absorb unless it is presented to them very slowly and systematically. However children of all ages definitely have a fascination for "secret codes" or "symbols" and their meanings, which is essentially what Chinese writing is to most people. The graphics are large and bold and the text easy to follow, making it an appropriate reference for grade school children. The calligraphy alongside the simple line drawings allow children to easily see the resemblance between real life objects and the Chinese pictographs. I am a teacher and often use this book when giving classroom workshops on Chinese calligraphy. Some of the characters are rather small to see from a distance so I paint larger versions of them on 8X10" cards. Children enjoy looking at the ancient pictographs first and then trying to guess what they mean. After that we try matching the modern characters to the ancient pictographs, which is another fun activity. We always conclude the lesson with trying to write some of the characters using real brushes and ink. This experience brings to life everything that this book so ambitiously tries to present.
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A perfect book for those of us struggling to learn Chinese.,
By gravett@zak.com (Spokane) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Long Is a Dragon: Chinese Writing for Children (Hardcover)
Although written to be a children's book, Long Is a Dragon is an excellent tool for adult learners of the Chinese written system. I originally encountered the book while visiting a professional calligrapher. This light hearted, well animated and fairly matter-of-factual book, takes the mystery out of stroke order, character origins and all the complexities of Chinese writing. It is also refreshing and entertaining in its whimsical approach. This book is a must for anyone accustomed to the romanized alphabet who is serious about studying Chinese.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An ambitious but well conceived book for children,
This review is from: Long is a dragon: Chinese writing for children (Hardcover)
There is a lot of information presented in this book. Perhaps too much for young children to absorb unless it is presented to them very slowly and systematically. However children of all ages definitely have a fascination for "secret codes" or "symbols" and their meanings, which is essentially what Chinese writing is to most people. The graphics are large and bold and the text easy to follow, making it an appropriate reference for grade school children. The calligraphy alongside the simple line drawings allow children to easily see the resemblance between real life objects and the Chinese pictographs. I am a teacher and often use this book when giving classroom workshops on Chinese calligraphy. Some of the characters are rather small to see from a distance so I paint larger versions of them on 8X10" cards. Children enjoy looking at the ancient pictographs first and then trying to guess what they mean. After that we try matching the modern characters to the ancient pictographs, which is another fun activity. We always conclude the lesson with trying to write some of the characters using real brushes and ink. This experience brings to life everything that this book so ambitiously tries to present.
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