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69th out of 139 books
—
409 voters
Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything
Always cast in a supporting role in the many books about Marco Polo, the great Kubla Khan now takes center stage in a splendid picture-book biography. He is a wonderful subject-a man who liked to live large, building the imperial city of Beijing from scratch, siring a hundred children, throwing birthday bashes for 40,000 guests. He ruled over the greatest empire of the tim...more
Hardcover, 48 pages
Published
September 16th 2010
by Viking Juvenile
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A pretty awesome and interesting book for children about the life of Kubla Khan, Mongolian conqueror of China and much of the Eastern world in the 1200's--in essence, a total badass (but as a ruler, a fair and wise badass). The author didn't cite her sources in the text, but she did include in the back a disclaimer that the details of Kubla's life were sketchy and a list of sources that she used. During the story, she also made statements like "according to legend" to make it clear that what she...more
Get a real sense of the great Khan who ruled over the largest empire in the world during the 13th century. This picture book biography invites readers to be amazed by what Kubla Khan managed to create and build. The emphasis is on the Khan’s achievements and the scope of his realm. There are so many little facts shared that are fascinating and engaging. They all demonstrate the largeness of his life and his achievements, from his one hundred children to the three million workers who extended the...more
Kubla Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, is a lesser known emperor usually referred to in context of Marco Polo's travels. In Kubla Khan: Emperor of Everything Kathleen Krull presents a portrait of this ruler’s life, accomplishments and the lasting impact he had on the world.
Before Kubla Khan’s life the Mongolian empire had been no empire at all, warring tribes of Mongolians fought with each other, never united. When Genghis Khan was elected “the Khan, Khan of all Khans” he united the various...more
Before Kubla Khan’s life the Mongolian empire had been no empire at all, warring tribes of Mongolians fought with each other, never united. When Genghis Khan was elected “the Khan, Khan of all Khans” he united the various...more
I found this delightful picture book in the museum shop at the Met, outside the World of Khubilai Khan exhibit. It’s brand new, published in 2010. The story is well-researched and beautifully told, with lively language and rich detail. The illustrations are phenomenal! The map of the Mongol Empire in the end pages is charming, and you can learn a lot about the Mongols and how they lived simply by perusing the pictures on each page. The book is labeled “ages 8 up” – and it is indeed far more soph...more
I enjoy reading books about the past, but most of what I've read in both children's and adult books has focused on the American experience. So I was thrilled to hear about this book. Kubla Khan was a man of contradictions. A just ruler under most conditions, his armies destroyed many villages, massacring any who refused to become part of Khan's growing empire. It was interesting to read about Kubla's mother who was determined to have her children make a mark in the world and did everything in he...more
Not as lengthy or interesting as some of Krull's other biographies, Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything nonetheless gives the young reader a glimpse into life of a dynamic and powerful leader of the times. Kubla Khan was born in 1215 and ruled the Mongolian Empire for much of the 13th Century, was a visionary and beloved leader, although cruel and barbaric in conquering other lands.
Concise and compact, this biography relies on the scant information available to us today and tries to paint a p...more
Concise and compact, this biography relies on the scant information available to us today and tries to paint a p...more
A nice kid-friendly biography on a rather mysterious, but fascinating historical figure. Krull does a nice job telling a story that will interest and engage kids. I think it is so important for kids to be exposed to non-western historical figures and realize, particularly, that the Middle Ages were a critical and fascinating time in the east as well as the west. Krull even takes pains to mention the influential women in Kubla's life - including his mother Sorghagtani (whom Krull never actually n...more
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Although lesser known, Kubla Khan was one of the greatest emperors of China. Grandson of Genghis Khan, he ruled his vast empire for over 34 years. This engaging biography sheds light on what sketchy information is known about Kubla. Kids will be intrigued as they learn facts such as Khan had 100 children, had 28,000 construction workers build his Imperial City (now present day Bejing), and had 40,000 people at his birthday parties. This is a perfect book to give great insight into the life of an...more
This picture book biography depicts the life of Kubla Khan, Mongolian warrior who became emperor of almost all of Asia at one point. He had twelve thousand body guards and threw elaborate parties for many occasions. He also was the first ruler to attempt to educate all boys (regardless of family wealth). This is a great choice for kids who like learning about people and cultures.
An author's note is included, as well as a bibliography.
An author's note is included, as well as a bibliography.
A great picture book introduction to Kubla Khan's life and to an awareness of the vastness and accomplishments of his Mongol empire. The text and detailed illustrations give a good sense of the times and cultures involved as well as create an appreciation for the complexity of the man. There is lots of biographical detail and a list of sources for both old and young readers. Grades 2-5.
Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything by Kathleen Krull tells the very interesting true story of the Asian ruler who built Beijing, threw parties for 40,000 people, and met with Marco Polo. Robert Byrd created detailed and beautiful illustrations about this amazing man who lived in a time we don't read about very often.
I am not much of a nonfiction reader, so kid's nonfiction often suits me just fine. Kubla Khan is the perfect example. I might not read a lengthy book about the subject, but I loved this picture book biography. Engaging text, interesting topic and very atmospheric illustrations. Very good book for kids and adults.
Audience: 3rd-6th grade
Appeal: This book would be a great book for history lovers. It is more geared towards boys rather then girls and has a great truth to the story of Kubla Khan and how he came to be very famous. This would also make a great book for a History teacher to bring into a class lecture.
2010 School Library Journal Best Non-Fiction Books
Appeal: This book would be a great book for history lovers. It is more geared towards boys rather then girls and has a great truth to the story of Kubla Khan and how he came to be very famous. This would also make a great book for a History teacher to bring into a class lecture.
2010 School Library Journal Best Non-Fiction Books
Great book for older readers wondering who was Kubla Khan and why he was important to China and world exploration. This would be a good nonfiction book for Columbus Day for upper elementary and middle school; the story ends with explaining why Christopher Columbus sailed for China.
Just the right amount of text and formal history provides students with the background information about Kubla Khan. Even better: descriptions of some of the astounding accomplishments and extraordinary excesses of Khan. Highly detailed illustrations are a bonus.
Audience: Primary grades. Students interested in history or other cultures.
Appeal: Great illustration and an insight into one of the most influential historical figures.
Award: 2011 Nonfiction award winner-The Children's Book Guild of Washington D.C.
Appeal: Great illustration and an insight into one of the most influential historical figures.
Award: 2011 Nonfiction award winner-The Children's Book Guild of Washington D.C.
Yes, I know Kathleen Krull is consistently excellent, but this one really impressed me. This book is informative and entertaining in equal measures. The illustrations by Robert Byrd contribute to the whole, as well.
In my quest for learning more about Chinese history, I picked up this book. Very simple story line, great illustrations and informative. I want to read a book with more facts about Kubla Khan, a non-Chinese emperor.
This is a fascinating piece of well-told history. It kept my sons' attention as a read aloud and led to discussion about rulers and war. If the art was more to my taste I would give it five stars.
Nice illustrations, good text - not too scholarly but not dumbed down. Good read - I wish we'd had it last year when we studied ancient history!
Generally, I like Krull's nonfiction, but this one didn't stand out much for me. Overall, it was okay.
A totally kid-accessible biography of Kubla Khan, plus totally awesome illustrations.
Krull always does a nice job with her subject matter. It was fascinating to read about Kubla Khan and his rule.
Beautiful
fascinating
amazing
able to see influence on western culture
Wow!
learned a lot
fascinating
amazing
able to see influence on western culture
Wow!
learned a lot
Engaging biography, handsome illustrations.
I love that Kathleen Krull has found a way to turn her extensive research of historical figures into an income for her and a legacy for readers. She has a knack for plucking interesting tidbits which she serves up to young readers. Robert Byrd's lavish illustrations further bring the time, place, and persons to life.
Very interesting and entertaining, but I found the book somewhat unfocused. And I thought there were occasional missteps in using "current" words, like referring to Kubla Khan's entourage (heh) as his "posse".
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