D is for Doufu: Renee Ting: August 2008 Archives

MultiCultural Review

By

Renee Ting

on August 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

There is a nice review of D is for Doufu in MultiCultural Review:

"The stylized illustrations accompanying each term represent a variety of cultural attributes of the ages of Chiense history... Upper elementary students as well as older children will surely take an interest in this beautiful picture book in which resides a good deal of the elegance of Chinese history and culture. It will also make a fine gift."

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

By

Renee Ting

on August 18, 2008 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books has this to say about D is for Doufu, by Maywan Shen Krach and illustrated by Hongbin Zhang:

"While this elegantly illustrated volume will hardly launch readers on the road to fluency, it does cogently explain the "construction" of Chinese pictograms and interpret how their component symbols combine to make a word with a meaning larger than the sum of its parts. As Krach explains, the pictogram for en, or grace, is formed as follows: 'A person resting [symbol] upon a square mat [symbol] means to rely upon. It is combined with the heart [symbol] below. Whoever relies on his heart achieves grace.' Not all terms are so ethereal-- dou fu (tofu), guo (China), and ma jiang (mahjongg) are among the more worldly entries-- and a paragraph or two sets each term into its cultural context. A conluding page offers Mandarin pronunciation keys and a guide to tonal changes."

Skipping Stones Honor Awards

By

Renee Ting

on August 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congratulations to D is for Doufu, the winner of the 1998 Skipping Stones Honor Award. Each year Skipping Stones recognizes books that "promote cooperation, nonviolence, respect for differing viewpoints, and close relationships in human societies." by presenting The Skipping Stones Honor Awards. The awards "promote respect for ... cultural diversity in the world" and highlight an "exceptional contribution to multicultural ...children's literature."

Parent's Guide to Children's Media Honor

By

Renee Ting

on August 18, 2008 2:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Parent's Guide to Children's Media has honored D is for Doufu, written by Maywan Shen Krach and illustrated by Hongbin Zhang, with its outstanding achievement in reference books for 1998 award.

Their review of the book reads:

"The meanings of 23 words and phrases are included in this beautifully illustrated book that explores the richness of the Chinese culture. Each word and phrase is introduced by a written image and an explanation of the spoken Mandarin language. The phrase is also accompanied by a picture representing Chinese culture and history. Of special interest is the carefully explained details of the written characters. Includes explanations of tones and sounds of the Mandarin language."

ABA "Pick of the List" 1998

By

Renee Ting

on August 18, 2008 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

D is for Doufu by Maywan Shen Krach and illustrated by Hongbin Zhang has been selected for American Bookseller's Association's Fall 1998 Children's "Pick of the Lists."

According to the ABA, "In the fall and spring, we send each season's offererings in children's book publishing to a select number of booksellers. They are not reviewers, but they are expert booksellers and they have selected your book for 'Pick of the Lists.'

Congrats, D is for Doufu!