FICTION

What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor?: Life In China's Forbidden City

by Eileen Ng
KWONG-CHIU, Chiu & . tr. from by Ben Wang. illus. by Design and Cultural Studies Workshop. 108p. (We All Live in the Forbidden City). China Institute in America. 2015. Tr $12.95. ISBN 9780989377669.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–5—Readers will enjoy dipping in and out of this introduction to imperial life in Beijing's Forbidden City between the years 1420 and 1912. While the design and structure—comprised of bright cartoons and short paragraphs of text—invite browsers, the engaging tone and presentation will lead many children to read the entire volume in one sitting. Topics covered include education (princes only got five days off a year and no weekends), different roles at court, court intrigue, symbols on the imperial robe, and household management. In addition, there is a brief introduction to every emperor who lived at in the Forbidden City. Differences between the Ming and Qing dynasty are explored.
VERDICT A fun introduction to the topic.
Reviewed by Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA , Jan 01, 2016

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Hoot Hoot
by Georgette
BOOKS

My Dinosaur Shoes
by Tassopoulos Wehner, Eleni
BOOKS

The Smushkins: ABC Zoinks
by Rueda, Claudia
BOOKS

Our World: Vietnam
by Tran-Davies, Nhung
BOOKS

Happy Chinese New Year, Little Red Panda
by Wood, Amanda
BOOKS

One Night In Bethlehem
by Lord, Jill Roman
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?