Kubla Khan The Emperor of Everything

This engaging picture-book biography introduces young readers to Kubla Khan, the powerful 13th-century Mongol emperor. Often relegated to a supporting role in Marco Polo's story, Khan is here presented as a fascinating figure in his own right, known for his lavish lifestyle, architectural achievements like building Beijing, and his patronage of arts and sciences. The book highlights the advanced nature of his empire compared to Western civilization at the time. With "astonishingly beautiful and detailed illustrations" and a "clever text," it offers an accessible and celebratory portrait of a significant historical leader, suitable for children aged 4-11. It's an excellent resource for introducing world history and different cultures.

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 time, one that was lightyears ahead of Western civilization in terms of the arts, sciences, and technology. With astonishingly beautiful and detailed illustrations by Robert Byrd and a clever text by Kathleen Krull, this portrait finally gives Kubla Khan his due.