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    The Children's Book Review

    These are the 24 Solar Terms: China’s Ancient Guide to the Natural World | Dedicated Review

    Dr. Jen HarrisonBy Dr. Jen Harrison4 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Author Showcase Cultural Wisdom Science
    These are the 24 Solar Terms Chinas Ancient Guide to the Natural World Dedicated Review
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    Book Review of These are the 24 Solar Terms: China’s Ancient Guide to the Natural World
    Sponsored | All opinions are our own
    The Children’s Book Review

    These Are the 24 Solar Terms

    These are the 24 Solar Terms: China’s Ancient Guide to the Natural World

    Written by Gao Chunxiang and Shao Min

    Illustrated by Xu Mingzhen and Li Jing

    Ages 5-10 | 123 Pages

    Publisher: Long River Press | ISBN-13: 9781592652495

    What to Expect: Nature, Farming, Chinese Cultural Heritage, Family, Tradition

    These Are the 24 Solar Terms is a fusion of non-fiction and storytelling that transports readers to the rich natural and cultural environment of China. Developed by farmers in ancient China, the 24 solar terms (recognized by UNESCO) mark the seasons, weather, and natural variations throughout the year. This geographical science-based picture book, presented in four parts (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) and containing proverbs, poetry, and activities, vividly delves into the ancient wisdom of the 24 solar terms while immersing the reader in the fun learning experience. At times it reminds the reader of the classic books of Virginia Lee Burton, visually combining storytelling with an emphasis on science and nature.

    When Yaya turns six, her family starts teaching her about the solar terms. From the 72 hou (five-day period) to the best time to start sowing the new year’s crops, there is so much to learn! Visiting her family in Shandong Province, Yaya learns how the cycle of the year turns, gaining an appreciation of how the changes in nature guide the farmers through the important work of growing crops. Her grandpa helps her understand why the farmers keep working through the Spring rains, why people often eat pears when the insects wake up for the year, and why the beginning of summer is when farmers start taking after-lunch naps. Yaya loves learning about the 24 solar terms!

    As readers follow Yaya’s experiences, they are invited not only to learn about the traditions and natural cycles around them but also to stop and notice the natural world in all its beauty and movement. Beautiful ink and watercolor illustrations bring every scene to life, and there is space throughout the book for readers to record the temperatures in their own locations, which invites interactivity rather than passive reading. This volume is packed with detailed knowledge about the earth, agriculture, traditions and customs, and industry, making it a fascinating, as well as instructive, read.

    These Are the 24 Solar Terms is a fantastic way to engage young readers in learning about the world around them.

    Buy the Book
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    Gao Chunxiang
    About Gao Chunxiang

    Gao Chunxiang, M.A. in education; lecturer; currently director of Zhongke Zhicheng Picturebook House in Geo-science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); developer of geographical science picturebooks; consultant for syllabus and coursebook R&D. She has planned and authored the science picturebook These Are the 24 Solar Terms, first of its kind in China, offered a non-profit public lecture on 24 Solar Terms and initiated syllabus research and discussion in which over 100 schools participated nationwide.

    She has received honors and awards of “Wenjin Book Award” granted by the National Library of China, “Most Influential Picturebook House Director of 2015,” “Academic Star of Suzhou” and “National Book Lovers’ Family.” Her series has been introduced to countries and regions including Ukraine, Albania, and Romania.

    Qi Deli: Headshot
    About Dr. Qi Deli

    Dr. Qi Deli, science consultant of These Are the 24 Solar Terms. He is a researcher at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); director of The Geographical Society of China (GSC); commissioner of Water Resources Commission, China Society of Natural Resources (CSNR), and member of China Association for Scientific Expedition.

    Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored, non-biased review of These Are the 24 Solar Terms. Learn more about getting a book review …

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    China Chinese Creative Non-Fiction Dedicated Review Farm Life featured Gao Chunxiang Li Jing Long River Press Nature Shao Min Tradition Xu Mingzhen
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    Dr. Jen Harrison
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    Dr. Jen Harrison currently teaches writing and literature at East Stroudsburg University. She also provides freelance writing, editing, and tuition services as the founder of Read.Write.Perfect. She completed her Ph.D. in Children’s and Victorian Literature at Aberystwyth University in Wales, in the UK. After a brief spell in administration, Jen then trained as a secondary school English teacher and worked for several years teaching Secondary School English, working independently as a private tutor of English, and working in nursery and primary schools. She is an editor for the peer-reviewed journal of children’s literature, Jeunesse, and publishes academic work on children’s non-fiction, YA speculative fiction, and the posthuman.

    2 Comments

    1. Margaret on April 18, 2022 9:33 am

      Good choices!

      Reply
    2. Linda Gawthrop on April 19, 2022 3:40 am

      Good timing with Earth Day approaching!

      Reply

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