The Weaving of a Dream (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Marilee Heyer (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Picture Puffins

Heyer retells an engrossing Chinese folktale about an old woman who weaves exquisite brocades. Full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this sumptuous book termed by PW a "breathtaking debut," Heyer retells the Chinese folktale of the old woman who spends three years weaving a brocade of a longed-for palace. When the fabric is blown away, the woman's three sons set out to find it; only the honest son succeeds. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up The Chinese legend of "The Chuang Brocade" is faithfully retold in a volume of exquisite beauty. The story is of a widow who supports her three sons by selling her finely crafted brocades. At the market one day she trades her work for a painting of a lovely palace. Obsessed with the beauty of the scene, she spends three full years copying the painting in a brocade, only to have it snatched away by a wind upon its completion. As she lies grieving, her youngest son, after the two elder ones succumb to greed, searches for the brocade in a quest that leads through fire and ice to a fairy palace on a mountain top. Heyer's 15 illustrations show a masterful artistic technique. From the silken threads of the sumptuous brocade to the tiniest wrinkles in a hand, the photographic realism of a silver necklace, the touchable softness of a fur cuff, the intricate perfection of an Oriental pattern and the fine hairs of a butterfly's wings, each painting offers an experience of sensuous delight. Small red woodcut-like squares featuring animals and birds from the paintings (meant to resemble chops) are placed on each white page of text, adding to the book's attractiveness. Heyer's skillful retelling of the ancient legend and her magnificent illustrations combine to form a book of astonishing beauty. Susan Scheps, Bertram Woods Library, Shaker Heights, Ohio
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140505288
• ISBN-13: 978-0140505283
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.2 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #483,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Anthologies

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Story to be remembered, January 3, 2003

By 

"angelinetwi" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Weaving of a Dream (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

Ok when I first read this book I was 9 years old and after the first time I found it my local library I was never able to find it again because I forgot the title and the author but I never forgot the story or the beautiful artwork. Now that I'm 19 and there's now the internet to use, I'm happy to have found this book again! I've been looking for this book for 10 years, it is worth the search and will be memorable to any child who reads it. ^_^V

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unforgettable., December 7, 2004

By 

Alexe Cinz - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Weaving of a Dream (Hardcover)

Like angelinetwi, I read this book as a small child, and it has stayed in the back of my mind since. I'm twenty-five and the book had just been published when I came across it at ~ ten. It will really inspire those of Chinese heritage, intrigue those who are new to Chinese culture, and simply mesmerise anyone who loves fantastic artwork.

Now that I make illustrations of my own, I can't help thinking that this book was a subconscious inspiration for many a drawing!

I agree with other readers that Ms Heyer's prose does not let down her pictures. Wonderful, wonderful book.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Feast For The Eyes!, June 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Weaving of a Dream (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

I found the art in this book stunning. I almost couldn't believe my eyes, it really took me into the tapestry! This book is truly a work of art with a wonderful story told in words and color! Since I first laid my eyes on it I've wanted it (and still do)! The third son is a true example of the love we owe our mothers. His mother spent blood and tears weaving the tapestry and when the wind stole it away to the fairys he was the only one who would give what was required to return it to his mother. And in doing so save her life.