The Topsy-Turvy Emperor of China - Softcover

Singer, Isaac Bashevis

3.91

23 ratings by Goodreads

9780374475888: The Topsy-Turvy Emperor of China

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0374475881 ISBN 13: 9780374475888

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 1996

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The mean and monstrously ugly Emperor Cho Cho Shang decrees that everything in China be the opposite of what it was-the just and beautiful becomes unjust and ugly; cruel and hideous is now fair and lovely. The kingdom is hopelessly topsy-turvy until a few brave souls, starting with the Emperor's own son, decide to resist the madness and put things right again.

"Gleefully parodies modern times (or any other rotten times)...This spoof speaks truth."-The New Yorker

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Language Notes:

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Yiddish

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4 Up?A newly illustrated edition of Singer's tale of a mean, ugly, ignorant emperor who, in order to deify himself, forces all of his subjects to follow his example of doing the opposite of what is true and decent. The earlier edition (HarperCollins, 1971; o.p.) was illustrated with line drawings by William Pene Du Bois. Jusim's full-color pictures are more ornate, and words and paintings are placed against a burnt-edged, parchmentlike background. The artist has decorated the text with vignettes that bring it to life. Tiny details adorn clothing, add personality to facial features and expressions, and exude irony and humor. Three of the six full-page pictures, all surrounded by the same brown-toned, surrealistic border, can be viewed upside down for a different look at the scene that suggests the author's true intent. This fable mirrors the history of China as well as the Hitler years in Eastern Europe as it teaches a lesson in human foolishness and tyrannical oppression. Paired with Lois Lowry's The Giver (Houghton, 1993) when using it with older audiences, it could provide an interesting tool for discussion.?Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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