Published picture book · 2024
Ye Xian: The Chinese Cinderella
A Chinese Cinderella tale recorded in the Tang dynasty, illustrated through the clothing, landscape, and material culture of southern China.
Bing Xin Children’s Book Award · 2024
About the book
Recorded in Youyang Zazu, the story follows Ye Xian, a young girl who survives loss and cruelty with the help of a magical fish bone. A golden shoe eventually carries her beyond the world that confined her.
Artist’s note
I did not want the pictures to look like a generic historical fairy tale. I researched clothing, architecture, and landscape so that the magic would grow from a particular place and culture.
Selected illustrations
A selection from the book.
Recognition
- Bing Xin Children’s Book Award — Picture Book category, 2024
Project details
- Written by Wang Quangen
- Hope Publishing House
- Illustrated by Zhenjun Liu