Ed Young

Textured collage and paint illustration and various poetic forms are used to introduce creatures that live in difficult, dangerous places. Ice worms in "Frozen Solid," for example, "…If lurking in the deepest seas,/Why not between the glacial ice,/helped by their own antifreeze?"

Rhymes, lullabies, and songs from the Chinese oral tradition have been translated and illustrated with softly toned watercolors evocative of Asian art. Children and adults alike with recognize the universal themes of childhood in these pieces.

Lyrical questions and answers and textured collage illustrations introduce the Moon Bear and its seasonal habits. Additional information about this endangered animal is appended to add another dimension.

As midnight strikes, he appears: "Hand over hand, the ninja climbed and clambered." Just as the ninja reaches his target, he's caught by his mother with ice cream and spoon in hand!  Textured collage illustrations and spare language dramatically evoke a satisfying nighttime mystery

This is a picture book edition of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, meant for younger readers. It tells the story of a girl dying of leukemia as a result of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Though largely ignored by her family, it is the youngest daughter, tiny Djeow Seow, who saves her father, the Emperor, from imprisonment. Handsome illustrations evoke traditional Asian art to create a memorable portrait of love and loyalty.

Lyrical text and rich collage illustrations combine to tell the story of a brown cat named Wabi Sabi as he discovers the meaning of his name. As Wabi Sabi's journey unfolds so, too, does the reader's understanding of Japanese culture and sensibility.
Country of origin: Japan

Based on an ancient Chinese story (which pre-dates European versions), a girl overcomes her wicked stepmother to marry the prince. Jewel-like illustrations by Caldecott medalist Ed Young bring this variation of the classic tale to life.
Country of origin: China