Stories from the Silk Road

by Cherry Gilchrist, Nilesh Mistry (Illustrator)

Describes the ancient techniques of silkmaking and the history of the Silk Road from China to Samarkand, and provides a selection of traditional tales from each stage of the journey

Genres: Fantasy, China, Historical Fiction

80 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

Cherry Gilchrist is a lover of all things ancient and mysterious. Field research for her books has taken her into Russian forests, Silk Road Yurts and to meet stone heads on Easter Island. She has written books on alchemy, mythology, family history and personal relationships. Her latest book, The Circle of Nine relates nine feminine archetypes to everyday lives of women. Cherry has also run a vintage clothes shop, a Russian crafts gallery, taught creative writing and performed as an early music singer. She is a graduate of Cambridge University, and holds a post-graduate diploma from the University of Bath Spa. As a lecturer, she has given many talks at venues ranging from the Temenos Academy to the British Council, the Royal Academy, and the Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner. At present she lives near Stroud, with her husband, artist Robert Lee-Wade and two black cats for luck. She has two grown-up children and two granddaughters. Find her at www.cherrygilchrist.co.uk and www.circleofnine.org

Reviews

[Meanmayormary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a launch pad for a homeschool unit on Asia and Buddhism for our 9 and 6 year old. Asia, geography, trade, economics, the manufacturing of silk, the raising of silk worms, art, music, Buddhism, how the apple traveled along the silk road to our plates.

[Jaide · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Barefoot Books, ever since I found them as a kid in my school’s library. They were always beautifully illustrated and full of tales from places I wasn’t aware of. Though I’m an adult now, this one was no exception. My favorite stories included:

-White Cloud Fairy (China)—how sympathy and kindness created a unique lake in the Dunhuang Desert
-The Enchanted Garden (China)—a young man learns the hard way not to be blinded by greed
-The Magic Saddlebag (Afghanistan)—a fun, clever fairytale about not taking more than you need
-Clever Ashik (Kyrgyzstan)—how a kind boy saved his village from an evil khan and got a flying horse, to boot!

[May Sun Aung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book when I was a child. Translated version, ofc, I couldn't read English books then. That book was the most magical and atmospheric book I've ever read as a child. It was one of my favourite books. But at one point, I decided I became too old for story books and gave that book away to a younger child. And since then, I occasionally remember that book and miss it and keep wanting to read it again.

And now, the sun has shone on me. I finally found this book!! I thought I'm never gonna have a chance to read it again. And the original version!!
The original has lots of beautiful illustrations and it can really take you back to the times when the silk road was popular. I'm so glad I could find this book again.

[A.R. Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is magical.

The stories... the illustrations... the immense joy of retelling ancient tales comes through clearly.

I was in middle school when I did a report on the ancient Silk Road. It has informed my writing ever since.

Although this book was written for younger readers or meant to be read out loud, it is still a joy for older readers and those who like charming action adventure with ancient settings, mysterious characters and tons of fun.

The illustrations are gorgeous and charming without being overwhelmed with details. Historical details are present as well in the wardrobes, of the characters and backgrounds of the illustrations. (My art history nerd was thrilled! As was my inner archaeologist.)

This book has my heart more than any other book I've read about the Silk Road.

The only improvement? Please write another!
The Silk Road had hundreds of cultures and much more has been discovered. Archaeology is wonderful, but it doesn't dig up and tell stories like Cherry Gilchrist!

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a typical sample of Traditional Tales....Read it for a classroom

[Nina Hoppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and the stories are some of the kid friendly.

[Ledys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the third book I have read published by Barefoot Books, and I must say that I am very impressed by the content, quality, and the beautiful illustrations. Stories from the Silk Road was a fascinating read. It starts with the premise that the spirit of the Silk Road is taking you on an adventure along its route. Every story is a stopping point on the road. You then get a brief historical synopsis about that particular spot on the road, it's ethnic groups, what they were known for, what they traded in, followed by a legend or folk tale from that region. There is an accompanying map where you can follow along. It was a lovely book, very informative and very beautiful to look at.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

These enchanting stories are entirely new to me and each one is a treasure. We are taken upon the ancient Silk Road and each tale highlights an aspect of the country. From kidnapping bandits to heavenly goddesses, from mischievous demons leading men astray to magical purses, these stories incorporate wonders, mysteries and dangers to mere mortals. There are hardships to be endured (like the Silk Road itself) and lessons to be learned.

The illustrations are divine. Soft flowing lines envelop characters that pop with color. Each page has illustrations on the bottom as well, forming miniature counterparts to the accompanying story. It’s a terrific book. Children who like reading about far-off countries will adore this.