This Is the Greatest Place!: The Forbidden City and the World of Small Animals

Gr 1–3—This little gem is an elegant package that can be read on several levels. The bulk of the book tells of small woodland creatures encountering a man who must build a great palace. He tells them they live in the finest place of all because of the natural beauty that surrounds them. It is his job to re-create a palace that represents all the elements of nature. One of the most intriguing and delightful pages in the book is a spread containing lift-up flaps, each with the name of a natural element and how it will function in the Forbidden City; for instance, "tree trunks…become the pillars in the palace." The images are beautifully illustrated with soft hues. A double-page fold out at the center depicts a typical Quinming Festival during the Ming Dynasty with incredible detail. There are numerous explanations at the front and back of the book that supply additional information and background about the Forbidden City. This would be a wonderful addition to any collection that needs more multicultural titles, but it will take special care to introduce children to the finer, more intricate and sophisticated qualities of the book.—Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID