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."
Awards: August 2008 Archives
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."
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."
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!
"Opens up the very rich and ancient traditions and history of China to young readers..."
-American Booksellers AssociationMaywan Shen Krach is the author of "I Love China: A Companion Book to D Is for Doufu." She was born and educated in Taiwan, but came over to the United States when she was 23 years old for graduate studies. After teaching ten years in the public school systems, she started Shen's Books as a publisher and a distributor of children's literature that affirm universal values. "D Is for Doufu" is her first book.
Hongbin Zhang was born in Beijing, China, and was accepted into the prestigious Beijing Central Academy of Arts at the age of 14. He used many uncommon painting surfaces to create the illustrations in "D Is for Doufu," including silk, hand-made paper, rice paper, and brocaded fabric, all of which added extraordinary visual effects to the book.
Shen’s Books is a publisher of multicultural children’s literature that emphasizes cultural diversity and tolerance, with a focus on introducing children to the cultures of Asia.
Through books, we can share a world a stories, building greater understanding and tolerance within our increasingly diverse communities as well as throughout our continuously shrinking globe.

















