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The Asian Hall of Fame
juvenile nonfiction
juvenile fiction
The Discovery of Fireworks and Gunpowder

The Discovery of Fireworks and Gunpowder

The Asian Hall of Fame

by Phil Amara and Oliver Chin

Illustrated by Juan Calle

Published by: Immedium

Imprint: Immedium

40 Pages, 9.50 x 10.00 in, Color illustrations throughout

Hardcover
9781597021425
Published: November 2018

$16.95

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Description
Authors
Praise

Explore the first English children’s picture book on how fireworks and gunpowder were created! This action-packed adventure features amazing illustrations which make history come alive.

This is the second adventure in our series on cool inventions created in Asia. The cute red panda Dao transports the kids Emma and Ethan back in time to learn how fantastic creations came to be! This exciting journey investigates fireworks and gunpowder.

It is like Globe Trekker meeting Back to the Future! The trio begins their trip 2,000 years ago in China! Alchemists discovered the secret formula for explosive powder and ancient dynasties used it.... even in war. Witness the evolution from flamethrower and bomb to gun and missile. However, fireworks also spread across the globe! Zip through the centuries to see how scientific advancements made new colors and shapes. Now everyone can celebrate happy occasions with dazzling light shows in the sky.

Adults and children will enjoy this sequel to The Discovery of Ramen like. This story vividly introduces interesting facts (even chemistry) with globe trotting. Readers will learn lessons never taught in school, plus see how these creations made possible modern pyrotechnics for festivals and holidays, from the Fourth of July to New Year’s. Discover more amazing inventions from The Asian Hall of Fame in the future!

Teachers and librarians will appreciate how students eagerly absorb history, culture, and key words. Fans of comics and graphic novels will delight in the dynamic artwork, scenes so spectacular that you can see the sparkles and smell the smoke coming off the printed pages.

“an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.”
- Midwest Book Review

Oliver Chin wrote the children's book series Tales from the Chinese Zodiac and Julie Black Belt, as well as the sports commentary The Tao of Yao: Insights from Basketball's Brightest Big Man. Phil Amara was an editor at Dark Horse Comics, and wrote The Nevermen, The Treehouse Heroes, and So, You Wanna Be A Comic Book Artist? He is an elementary school teacher in Boston, MA.

Oliver Chin is the author of the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series, The Adventures of WonderBaby: From A to Z, Julie Black Belt, Timmy and Tammy's Train of Thought, Welcome to Monster Isle, and Baltazar and the Flying Pirates.

Justin Roth is a professional illustrator, animator, and character designer. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, he illustrated Baltazar and the Flying Pirates and The Year of the Rabbit.

Juan Calle founded Liberum Donum Studios (Bogotá, Colombia) which works on TV, film, and video games. Juan created the children's book Good Dream, Bad Dream and illustrated The Year of the Rooster and The Asian Hall of Fame series: The Discovery of Ramen, The Discovery of Fireworks & Gunpowder and The Discovery of Anime & Manga.

"The second title in the Asian Hall of Fame series features returning characters Emma and Ethan, who observe a fireworks display for a Chinese festival. Their peppy animal friend, a red panda named Dao You, whisks them into the past to learn about alchemists and early gunpowder, followed by an overview of how fireworks began to be used in celebrations. Amara and Chin pack as much STEM information into Dao You’s history lesson as there is metallic powder in pyrotechnic stars: 'In a mortar, the lift charge ignites to launch the shell up to 300 miles an hour, more than 1,000 feet high.' Calle’s bright cartoons infuse energy and enthusiasm into each spread."
- Publishers Weekly

"We found this absolutely fascinating from both the perspective of enjoying a slice of Chinese history that made a huge contribution to something that people all around the world can enjoy at different times of the year, but also from the technical perspective of learning some of the intricate secrets of how fireworks actually do their thing. With a simple yet brilliantly explained set of facts worked into the story, and some really gorgeous illustrations, we'll be keeping an eye on Immedium's fabulous publications from now on." - Read it Daddy

"“The story carries a good balance between science and entertainment. Education, history and folktales blend to make a fun and engaging children’s book. The storytelling style intrigues readers to turn the page. It is a great read for children to encourage curiosity and adventure." - Sampan

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