I am delighted to join the Read Around the World Summer Series 2015. My recommendation is going to be enjoyed by children in the elementary school (age. 6 – 12) and their parents as well. “Adventures of the Treasure Fleet: China Discovers the World” is written by Children’s book author, Ann Martin Bowler. Ann loves culture and travel and she has written 14 books and many of them focus on world culture.
Adventures of the Treasure Fleet is not just a picture book. This beautifully illustrated book tells a fascinating story, provides facts on world history eighty-five years before Columbus and presents a theme lesson on World geography. The voyages are little known in the West, but it is an important chapter in the Chinese history and children learn about it in school. Admiral Zheng He’s adventures in the early 1400s created early trading routes, international business opportunities and overseas diplomatic relations for China. You will also find pirates in the story! This book is first written in English. Later it is translated into Chinese and the Chinese edition is available in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the U.S.
Hands-on Activity:
A craft project to go with the book and theme lesson: Making gigantic origami boats with origami papers, newspapers, construction papers, poster papers, and more. Here is a YouTube tutorial to show you how to make your own boat. How many can you make and how big is your fleet?
More Learning Resource:
Watch the conversation with Miss Panda and Ann Martin Bowler, Author of “Adventures of the Treasure Fleet” and “All About Korea.”
Book Recommendation: All About Korea
Book Recommendation: All About China
For more book recommendations on the Multicultural Kid Blogs Read Around the World Summer Reading Series you can visit the MKB website or follow the Pinterest Board! Happy Reading around the world!
(c)2015 Author: Amanda C. Hsiung-Blodgett – Miss Panda Chinese All Rights Reserved.
What a great book and resource! I love introducing my third graders to important parts of history that might be new to them. Thanks for sharing this one!
Katie, Thank you! It was great to see a book with such important historical information written in such a fun style for children. I hope your students enjoy it as well. Have a fantastic school year! ~Miss Panda