“The Seven Chinese Brothers” by Margaret Mahy, Illustrated by Jean and Mou-sien Tseng, 1990. Scholastic Publications. Picture Book. Ages 6-9.
This is a tale of seven Chinese brothers who use their unusual individual abilities to outwit the tyrannical Chinese emperor, Ch’in Shih Huang. Hungry for fame and power, the emperor conscripts labourers from the peasantry to build his Great Wall of China. Historically, the building of the wall exacted the deaths of thousands of these conscripted labourers. In the story, the sufferings of these labourers form the catalyst for the brother’s intervention to deliver the workers. The first brother has an amazing sense of hearing and ‘could hear a fly sneeze a hundred miles away.’ The second one has an astounding snese of sight, the third has unusual strength , the fourth possesses bones of iron (literally) and so forth.
This is a highly enjoyable story. You could do further research on various aspects of the story-
history, culture, language. It is however, fiction, and therefore you need to overlook whatever
historical inaccuracies there may be in the tale and in the illustrations.
My children got really caught up in the story especially when I got them to to predict the outcomes of the brothers’ escapades. The realistically humourous illustrations add to the fascinating tale. My two kids started discussing supernatural powers and which one each preferred . I just wish I had the ability to have more time on my hands!
Here’s the 7 Brothers Activity Worksheet. Enjoy!
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