Genghis Khan by Demi

As the son of tribal leaders, Temujin grew up hunting, riding, and training to fight. When Temujin was nine-years-old, his father was unexpectedly poisoned leaving Temujin to become the leader of a large Mongol tribe. Proving himself through acts of courage, wisdom, and harsh loyalty, Temujin fought his way to become the commander of the world's most powerful army. His army ended up conquering much of Europe and China. Few people knew him as Temujin because he was known throughout the world as Genghis Khan.

This new edition of Demi's biographical picture book (previously published as Chingis Khan in 1991) is a dazzling interpretation of Asiatic art. In the style of woodblock prints and brushed color familiar to Asian culture, the pictures benefit from an extra element of metallic overlay which gives the images an authentic gold-leaf embellished feel. Demi's Asian interpretation goes so far as to include traditional red ink signature stamps, marking her work and adding legitimacy to the images. Genghis Khan is an excellent simplified historical text with stunning images. A great resource for ages 8 and up.

Full Review Found on The Children's Book and Play Review:
https://ojs.lib.byu.edu/spc/index.php/CBPR/article/view/18682/17413

Tutankhamun by Demi

Tutankhaten is born to Pharaoh Akhenaten and his minor queen, Kiya. Nine years later, Akhenaten dies leaving his son the throne. Because Tutankhaten is too young to rule, two men, Ay and Horemheb, rule in his stead. Both men try to influence the young pharaoh towards their differing religious beliefs. Horemheb sways Tutankhaten enough to have him change his name to Tutankhamun to honor the sun god, Amun: a god Akhenaten banished all his subjects from worshipping.

Tutankhamun is more than a biographical picture book describing the young pharaoh's short life. Demi takes readers back several generations to describe how royal power and religious beliefs affected Tutankhamun's reign. To illustrate Tutankhamun's life, Demi's models her images after the silhouettes, lines, patterns, and colors found in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, jewelry, and sculptures. But Demi takes the Egyptian theme even further by applying mediums commonly used within that geographical location. A beautiful resource to introduce young readers to the world of ancient Egypt.

Marco Polo by Demi

At the tender age of seventeen, Marco Polo travels across the world with his father and uncle to serve the emperor of China. Through many hardships and adventures, Marco gains the emperor's favor and becomes his ambassador. Even though Marco is very successful, he still yearns for his home in Venice. After seventeen years of waiting, the emperor finally grants Marco's wish. However, once Marco returns home, he is entangled by the Genoa war.

Demi writes and illustrates an engaging depiction of Marco Polo's life in his stunning biographical picture book. The world is familiar with Marco Polo's life because of his imprisonment during the Genoa war. While in prison, he entertained his inmates with tales of his adventures in China. His stories lead to the creation of The Travels of Marco Polo. To extend the exotic element of Marco's life, Demi uses Chinese inks and gold overlays for the main illustrations, along with intricately patterned embroidery on silk. A fascinating introduction for children to the life and influence of Marco Polo.