Shen of the Sea Book Review

Ever wonder about where Oolong Tea, Printing, and Chop Sticks came from?  In this book, called Shen of the Sea by Arthur Bowie, you will find out.  Shen of the Sea is a collection of Chinese folk tales.  This book introduces a lot of Chinese history and culture.
One of the stories in this book introduces Oolong Tea.  Did you know drinking tea in China is very popular and is offered whenever someone visits?  The story behind Oolong Tea is that a witch made a man sleep all the time, but he saved her from a dragon so she put caffeine in a plant he uses to make tea.  The creation of Oolong Tea had a big impact on China.
Another folk tale in this book is called, "Ah Mees' Invention."  In this story, a boy throws a wooden block with jam at a wall; thus inventing printing.  Printing is when you get an object and put a fluid on it and place it against a surface.  The creation of printing was a very big event in China's history.
Yet another folk tale is called "Chop Sticks."  In this story there is a really good cook who married and become king.  The wife had three brothers.  Each brother tried to kill him with a different kind of utensil.  So the king became afraid of eating utensils.  So he used two sticks.  Chop Sticks are the eating utensils used throughout China.
This book is a wonderful collection of folk tales.  I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about Chinese history and culture.
More Blog Posts in the China Unit:
Not a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony - Video
Review of Lon Po Po
Kids Tour Chinatown - Video