International Examiner

Shen's Books

on August 15, 2008 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Dragon Lover: And Other Chinese Proverbs by Yong-Sheng Xuan reviewed by
Fatima Lim-Wilson

"The paper-cut works in this book are not only unique but also breath-takingly beautiful. Xuan produces art masterpieces that are both bold and delicate. Be it a heavenly dragon in fight or a crane caught in the clutches of a clam, Xuan's works all pulsate with the tremulous joy of life. The Chinese proverbs themselves are likewise admirable in their forthright moral themes of honesty and humility. A welcome bonus is the Chinese version of the tale unobtrusively featured alongside each page. Seeing the Chinese text next to the illustrations makes one realize how language itself, in its very written form, is a beautiful art. Xuan's book bestows upon the reader the precious gift of both a fine collection of proverbs and amazingly lovely art."

Main | Archives | Multicultural Review »

View Bigger
Add to Cart

"Xuan's book bestows upon the reader the precious gift of both a fine collection of proverbs and amazingly lovely art."

-Pacific Reader

Yong-Shen Xuan, a native of Shanghai, China, began his interest in the Chinese tradition of the delicate and sometimes tedious paper-cut technique at a very young age. He studied art at several prestigious institutes, including the Central Arts and Crafts University in Beijing. In 1990 Xuan moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, and later settled in Windsor, Ontario. His other children’s books include D is for Dragon Dance and The Story of Chopsticks.

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.