Eighteen Vats of Water

By Ji-Li Jiang

Illustrated by Nadia Hsieh
 

Freeman Book Award Winner

Junior Library Guild Selection

Eureka Honorable Mention

NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Book

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The award-winning author of Red Scarf Girl presents another compelling true story of Chinese culture and history. As long as he can remember, Xian has wanted to be a great calligrapher like his father. Calligraphy is more than writing — it’s painting — and Xian learns how much work and creativity go into what look like effortless strokes. Based on the actual history of Xian and his famous father, Eighteen Vats of Water is about creativity, learning to see, and determination,as well as the importance of family traditions.

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"Synopsis: As long as he can remember, Xian has wanted to be a great calligrapher, like his father. When he turns six, he's finally old enough to start studying. Calligraphy is more than writing — it's painting — and Xian learns how much work and creativity go into what look like effortless strokes. Based on stories still told about Xian and his father, famous calligraphers of the 4th century, "Eighteen Vats of Water" by the team
of author/storyteller Ji-Li Jiang and artist/illustrator Nadia Hsieh is about determination, creativity, and learning how to see, as well as the importance of family traditions.

Critique: With truly elegant illustrations in full support of an inherently interesting and original picture book story, "Eighteen Vats of Water" is a truly memorable and highly recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for young readers ages 7-11."
— Midwest Book Review

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