The Seeing Stick

By Jane Yolen

Book Overview

The same story that captivated readers in 1977 is back in a stunning new edition Hwei Min, the only daughter of the emperor of China, has been blind since birth. Her father offers a reward to anyone who can find a cure for the little girl. It seems that no one from magicians to physicians can help her. Then, one day a wise old man with a mysterious seeing stick visits the princess. Will he be able to teach Hwei Min that there is more than one way to see the world?

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0762420480
• ISBN13: 9780762420483
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Running Press Kids
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.5" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 3 to 6 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 1

Customer Reviews

Most beautifully illustrated childrens book I've seen to date

The first thing that struck me when I browsed through this book was not the story but the illustrations. In fact, I didn't even get half way through the story as I stood there in the bookstore before I decided that it really didn't matter to me how the story ended, I simply could not NOT have this book with its fantastic artwork on my daughter's bookshelf. Even if my daughter doesn't enjoy the book, I knew I wanted this work of art on my own bookshelf. While I love the story, I do find the story's text to be a bit choppy and dry, but perhaps my impression comes from the text's inability to live up to the lush and immersive artwork by Daniela Terrazzini. I highly recommend this book and I will definitely be looking for anything else Ms. Terrazzini publishes.

"The Seeing Stick" Sees New Life

Originally published in 1977, //The Seeing Stick// is a beautifully written and gloriously illustrated tale of a blind girl who learns to see the world, not through her eyes, but through the intricate carvings on a seeing stick. Re-introduced with new illustrations, the book features renderings by artist Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, who complements what the blind girl experiences by illustrating the story in shades of gray. When a wise, old man shares his seeing stick of detailed carvings depicting his world around him, the pages burst into color. Award-winning author Jane Yolen sings the story with almost musical language that is still fresh and rich today. "Her fingers, like little breezes,"" Feel the lines in the old man's face...from years of worry and years of joy." Attentive to every detail, Yolen named the girl Hwei Ming, which translates into "the lightless moon on the last day of the month" and "becoming luminous." A rich tale pleasant for the eyes, ears and heart. Reviewed by Susan Roberts

Inspirational

I'm a Jane Yolen fan. Most of her books are tangible for classroom use. Her level of storytelling is always in-depth and allows children to explore so many possibilities. I read this story about 25 years ago and it is still as vibrant to me now as it was when I first discovered it while taking a Childrens' Literature course.

Amazing Story and Illustrations!

This is a must have for any child's collection of books. A classic tale that both entertains and teaches both with its words and illustrations. Probably most suited for kids who are first grade or older, but enjoyed by all ages. Highly recommended.

This is a fairytale like no other!

This is a fairytale like no other! A mysterious old man, a beautiful princess and the magic of seeing with fingertips. Read as the little princess's world is transformed by her new perspective. Astounding illustrations and an expertly woven story mesmerize and delight. The magic of this tale lies in sharing a new view of the world with its young readers.