Customer Reviews

The Weaving of a Dream (Picture Puffins)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

There are only a few books that have stayed in my memory from childhood, and this book would be one of the two. I got this book when I was 9 or 10, and absolutely fell in love with the art, as well as the enchanting story. I remember looking at it for hours and examening all the details. I remember it inspiering me to get art paper and pencils. I spent weeks trying to draw the cover, as well, as some of the beautiful details inside the book. I moved around a lot as a child and lost the beautiful book in one of the many moves. I never forgot the book. Now I'm 32 and I have a 2 year old son. Every time I'm looking for books I always look for a book that might inspire his creativity the way The Weaving of a dream inspired me. I wanted to purchase this book for him for when he get's older but for the life of me could not remember the title. And then recently I came across a recommendation list on Amazon called "The Most Beautiful Illustrations". And found the book listed there. I immediately bought it. I was bummed out that the Hardcover version was no longer available. I am happy to
report it's just as beautiful, and enchanting as I remember it.

Like other reviewers here, I also first encountered this book as a child. I remember spending hours staring at the beautiful pictures- wishing I could be there!

Over the years, I would remember the book fondly, wondering if I would ever see it again. Then, I just happened to find it on Amazon- of course, I ordered it right away!

When I received the book, I must say I was at first a bit disappointed. While the pictures were still beautiful, the colors were not as bright as I remembered. Perhaps my memory fooled me?

Then I started reading the story- and I once again transported to a place long ago and far away.

I was quickly drawn into the mystical tale of the old widow, weaving her dream palace with not only thread but her tears and blood. How, after it was blown away by the wind spirits, she asks her three sons to fetch it for her, otherwise, she will surely die! How after two of her sons fall pray to fear and greed, her third son succeeds by crossing the mountain of fire and the lake of ice to reach Sun Mountain, the home of the fairies. How the brocade comes to life and they all live happily ever after.

Each time I turned the page, I would gaze at each picture, taking in all the details. The picture of the palace continues to enchant me, as it had enchanted the old widow and her sons, with its "garden, the flowers, the beautiful palace, song-birds of every kind, luscious fruits and vegetables ready to pick, all in the most perfect detail." Reading the book and viewing the pictures, its almost as if I am there.

Read this book and you too can be drawn into this enchanting dream!

This book has great illustrations and a great storyline. I read it to my children now and suggest it to anyone who loves chinese folktales and art.

I gave this book four stars because of its' wonderful illustrations and because it is a great folk tale.I also like how they all have to take a journey to find the quilt of their mother.Also because the little brother did not give up.And also how her dream comes true.I recommend this book if you like folk tales and dreams.

The illustrations are absolutely superb, however a couple of them are of a slightly 'dark' nature and might frighten very young children. My 8 year old enjoyed the enchanting story and majestic illustrations - I bought this for my young niece though and am now wondering if she will like it as much.

I read this book when I was in first or second grade. The fascinating story and the illustrations still remain in a part of my heart to this day. This story is deep and inspiring and the images exquisitely beautiful.

I first read this book whilst in elementary school, about 7 or 8 or so. I have spent time since then trying to find the book, which I finally did last week. So of course, I picked it up.

The story itself is a retelling of a Chinese folktale about an old widow who weaves beautiful tapestries and sells them. She has three sons, and they help out by chopping firewood and selling it. While she's in town one day, she sees a magnificent painting that has everything she's ever wanted in it, so despite her better judgement, she buys the painting. Her youngest son suggests that she weave the painting into a tapestry, which she does for three years, and finally, at its completion, a great wind steals the tapestry away. The old widow, now on her deathbed because fo the loss of the tapestry, sends out her three sons one at a time to retrieve it for her.

I'm not giving a full summary only because I feel like it will ruin the story for anyone interested in it. The author, Marilee Heyer, beautifully retells this tale but what makes her retelling so compelling are her illustrations. These are full of rich color and detail, and textured so that everything looks more real. The story itself is only a few pages long, but I would highly recommend at least reading this to your children or grandchildren if they are interested in folktales, or even if they enjoy fantasy stories (and especially if they love pictures!)

One last thing...there's obviously something in this short tale that captivated me, since I read this story at first as a child and have been searching for it for the past 6 or 7 years...and I'm 25 now. Honestly, pick this book up and give it a look, you won't regret it.