The Emperor and the Kite

In my opinion, this was a spectacular story. The main character, Djeow Seow (Chinese for “the smallest one”), is a very likable character that I feel many people could find relatable, as I believe almost everyone has felt small at some point. The characters were believable in that they effectively demonstrated the gender biases that existed in Ancient China. The plot offers an interesting tale of a princess who is neglected by her family due to her small stature and assumed insignificance. The author develops an interesting conflict. For example, when the emperor, Djeow Seow’s father, is kidnapped, taken to a remote location, and locked away in a tower, all the elder, more revered children did nothing, whereas the littlest child show more made it her personal mission to keep the emperor alive and eventually free him. The solution to the conflict is very heartwarming, as is the delightful ending that places Djeow Seow on a level equal to the rest of her family. Some of the art is highly detailed, but the illustrator also uses a lot of negative space in a beautiful way. He uses the placement of the words and the negative space to show the reader just how high the tower is and how high the kite can reach. This demonstrates the monumental task that the tiny girl is. The illustrations truly help to tell the story, as the amount of detail in the drawing shows the importance of the characters. The less important characters have very little detail, both in terms of color and intricacy. The big idea of “The Emperor and the Kite” is that the least among us are capable of great things. show less

Set in ancient China, Little Djeow is the tiny fourth daughter of the Emperor. She is the forgotten one among many brothers and sisters much older and taller, but not as wise as she.

Little Djeow passes the days alone playing with her intricate kites she fashions. Daily, a monk walks past reciting a poem he makes about Djeow and herr kites.

Unrest in the kingdom occurs and her father is kidnapped by evil men. While this tiny daughter is forgotten by her father, she does not forget him. Paying attention to a poem recited by the monk, she understands that she can make a strong kite weaving pieces of her hair into the network. Grasping the kite, the emperor is freed.

Now, his tiny one sits on a small throne next to him.

I enjoyed the story show more of the smallest overcoming abandonment and loneliness, still able to love those who pay no attention to her. Using her talent and intellect, she rescues one who throughout time paid her no mind.

Three 1/2 stars show less

Although Princess Djeow Seow is the youngest, smallest and most neglected daughter of the Emperor, her father comes to recognize her worth when villains overpower him and lock him in a high tower. His other children flee the country, but tiny Djeow Seow visits him daily, using a kite to transport a basket of food to him each day to keep him alive. A passing monk inspires Djeow Seow to weave a long rope of grass, vines and her own hair, that she conveys to her father using her kite. The Emperor is then able to scale the tower wall, and with the help of his loyal subjects, he overthrows his captors. Jane Yolen once again uses her signature poetic language to tell this tale. Ed Young's watercolour illustrations, based on a traditional show more Oriental papercut technique, beautifully support the text and add authenticity to the story. It is a lovely tale of loneliness and loyalty, and the power of one small girl to do amazing feats. show less

A simple, sweet story of a girl who helps her father even though he hardly notices her. Lovely drawings, fun resolution of the conflict in the story. Put me in mind of King Richard the Lionheart whose mother and friend never stopped looking for him after he was imprisoned on his way back from the Crusades. It sounds like the emperor in Yolen's book, however, was a little more devoted to his role as king than King Richard was. (Another difference, of course, is that the emperor in this story is fictional and King Richard is not.)

This story is a really enjoyable Chinese folktale. This story shows that even the youngest and smallest person is capable of major feats. The youngest daughter of the Emperor, Djeow Seow, has to find a creative way to save the emperor. He is locked in a tall tower when he is kidnapped. All of his other children give up on him while the youngest child does everything in her power to keep him happy and alive. Eventually she figures out a way to save her father and she is praised by everyone. The illustrations are done in a way that embody Chinese art and is an amazing visual feature.

Largely ignored by her own family, Princess Djeow Seow spends her days playing with a kite made from paper and sticks. But when the Emperor is imprisoned in a high tower, only the Princess can save the day, flying her kite high up into the sky to rescue her father.

This story can be relateable for many students. This story is about a little girl who has several older brothers. Since she is the youngest and a girl, she does not get much attention from her father. She spends most of her time flying kites becuase that activity does not require more than one person. One day while her father and brothers are away at war she is the only one available to help the emperor. Whn the emperor was attacked and locked up in a tall tower she was ablw to help. With her kite she is able to save him. She ends up ruling at his side for a while and ends up being the next ruler herself.