We are proudly announcing that our picture book debut,
Beijing: A Symmetrical City is available for order on June 12, 2020.
This is the 1st ever beautifully illustrated book for young reading based on the design philosophy and architectural details of Beijing, China; one of the world’s oldest cities, founded about the same time as Rome.
Moonbeam Book Awards - Nonfiction Picture Book - Gold Medal 2020
New York City Big Book Awards - Children's Nonfiction Award 2020
The layout of Beijing is deeply rooted in the ancient culture of China.
Beijing: A Symmetrical City provides background on the architect and builders that changed the course of history, unearths ancient Chinese philosophy behind the symmetrical city layout, rooted in harmony, balance and order and highlights the historical significance of the names and placement of the most important buildings in the city.
"Beautifully rendered drawings are a feast for the eyes." Kirkus Review.
Each page of this book features Fun Facts, providing knowledge overlooked not only by tourists, but also many residents of Beijing. Award-winning illustrator, and author Dawu Yu has created captivating images that highlight the little-known symmetry of one of the world s most aesthetically pleasing cities. This book features gorgeous illustrations in typical Chinese style with abundant details, presents enjoyable minuteness of each drawing and creates the immerse feeling.
This captivating read provides an immersive exploration into a unique city layout. Perfect for kids and adults with an interest in architecture, history, multi-culture, travel and beyond.
Order Now
Please visit 1plusbooks.com. Limited time discount and free shipping is available.
The book is also available for order at Barnes & Noble and Amazon
About Author
Award-winning illustrator, and author Dawu Yu was born in 1948 and grew up in the city. Almost all his childhood time was spent alongside the walls of the Forbidden City, the inner city in the center of Beijing, which preserves hundreds of years of history. When the Earth Tranquility Gate was torn down in 1954, his grandfather put him in a cart and brought him there to look at this north gate of the ancient inner city of Beijing one last time.
Dawu Yu created this beautiful book after years of meticulous research. "Decades later, I feel fortunate now about painting the old Beijing,” says Yu. “I am overwhelmed with emotions and memories, perhaps because I have deep feelings for the historic city."
Book Reviews
Beautifully rendered drawings are a feast for the eyes. Part architectural tour, part intro to Chinese history and culture, this book showcases one of China’s most famous landmarks.
Kirkus Review
A really neat book detailing the architecture and history of Beijing. This book contains gorgeous drawings and is extremely informative without being too dense. I would recommend this for children age 8 and older, specifically ones who are interested in architecture.
Mara Lyons (NetGalley)
Really enjoy this book, it feels like you're being transported to Beijing, and going on a tour in that old times. A must read book before you land first on the city itself, or even bring it with you so you can relive those emperor eras while walking around. Or like me, enjoy the book and dreaming while stay at home.
Jo Clairefontaine (Netgalley )
The book is really informative. I think the “Fun fact” and “Knowledge tips” are very good, they help you understand the whole thing better. The little maps on
corner of the pages can show you the current location and you won’t “get lost” while reading.
Annabelle Oertel, 8th grader, Germany
The book was very interesting to me. Quite a few times throughout the reading, I searched up some of the buildings because the descriptions were very
intriguing.
Sophie Zhu, 11th grader, California
I really enjoyed this book! I learned a lot! I had a friend who was Chinese and brought me a gift from the Forbidden City. She told me about the room with all
the clocks, and now I better understand where she visited.
Grace Allen, former teacher, editor, Mississippi
An amazing and precious book . Not only well written, beautifully illustrated, but also with a detailed analysis of its classical architectural design which is unique offering fascinating new insights.
Jan Hwang, Librarian of Seattle Asian Art Museum;
Former Director of Chinese Collection of Bavarian State Library, Munich, Germany.
An unusual way to explore a city, especially if complex and fascinating like Beijing: very detailed and suggestive tables, short in-depth texts that, with the evident love of those who have always lived there, help to discover it. A nice text, a real discovery.
Sara Piras (Media), NetGalley
My students (Montessori preK through 8th grade) will love the detail both in words and illustrations that this book provides. It will become an essential resource for them. I cannot wait to buy it.
Jessica Appel (Librarian)
I found the book delightful! The information gives the young people a real vision of this ancient city, and I wish I had read it before I visited Beijing in 1995! Loved all the drawings!
Marsha Gilpatrick, retired elementary school principal, California
I found this book very interesting and it's certainly an original concept that I've never seen before, which is very exciting!
Belle Hart, (Reviewer), NetGalley
One Kite is a children's picture book project jointly founded by 1 Plus Books, Eirya Foundation and Shan Fu Studio in 2018, California.
One Kite aims to introduce the best original Chinese children's picture books to English-speaking young readers and educators. One Kite specializes in curating the books with best-of-breed qualities, artistic values and cultural values; we also collaborating with talented writers, illustrators, designers and publishers in both China and America.