Commentary
Written for young readers, this is a picture-book biography of the creator of Confucianism, a philosophy that centers on the concepts of benevolence, propriety, and ritual. Illustrated with color paintings. Named one of the Best Children's Books 2002 by Publishers Weekly.

Publisher's Notes
Born in China in 551 B.C., Confucius rose from poverty to the heights of his country's ruling class. But then he quit his high post for the life of an itinerant philosopher. "The Analects" collects his teachings on education and government, the definition of nobility, the equality of man, and the right way and purpose of living - ideas that eventually spread to the West and influenced the great thinkers of the Enlightenment. And five centuries before Christ, Confucius set forth his own Golden Rule: "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself."

Reviews
"This is Freedman's first Asian subject and his work set furthest back in history, and it is a tribute to his writing that he can make the ideas of an ancient philosopher seem so modern and fascinating to young readers. His writing is fluent, clear, lively, and specific....Clément's ancient-looking paintings are a beautiful match for the text in this handsome volume...A must for all collections."

"Skillfully and smoothly weaving Chinese history, culture and language into the narrative, Freedman also explains Confucian philosophy succinctly, without dumbing it down ("The first task of a true statesman, Confucius said, is to face the truth, to use words honestly:). Clément's moody, ethereal illustrations complement the text yet play up the mystery of Confucius's life."

"[A] biography that rivals [Freedman's] Newbery-winning life of Lincoln....As impressive as the text are the illustrations, each one resembling a faded painting in a tattered frame, with a few bright seeds or leaves or berries scattered across it. The effect is of peering through a window onto a barely imaginable past. A beautiful and important book, not to be missed."

Elizabeth Ward

"Adults looking for a book that makes sense of our confused and troubling time might do well to introduce their children to the life of Confucius."

Elizabeth Spires