Bowls of Happiness {Book Review}

Bowls of Happiness {Book Review}

When it comes to teaching the kids about different cultures, I’m thankful we have many options available, such as museums, art displays, food and even books! But it can be difficult to find age appropriate material, especially for young ones, that they will understand. But that’s one of several reasons I’ve enjoyed sharing Bowls of Happiness with my kids.

Piggy’s mom loves her so much that she has decided to make a special porcelain bowl just for her. As mom makes the bowl, Piggy enters the world being painted on its outside. There she meets and learns about the animals used on these Chinese artworks and the messages of happiness and good-fortune that they convey.

Created by internationally renowned children’s book artists Brian Tse and Alice Mak, this book teaches children about Chinese artwork and culture and their universal spirit of generosity, love, and respect for nature. The lovable illustrations are coupled with photographs of porcelain art found in the Palace Museum’s collection. Children will learn about how bowls are made and be able to draw their own Bowl of Happiness after they have finished reading the story.

This is a beautiful story about a girl called Piggy by her family. And we find out that her mother makes pottery, and we begin to explore a lovely story about symbolism and artwork from the Chinese cultures.

For example, the book explains that butterflies represent happiness entering a home, while the color of golden yellow was reserved for royalty!

While the first part of the book is a story about Piggy and the bowl her mother makes for her, the second half is almost like a “guide” to those symbols and meanings behind what an artists displays on their pottery. I like how each bowl or vase has a description and explanation about what that particular piece would mean in the Chinese culture.

I loved going through the book with the kids as we talked about designing our own bowls! It really opened up new discussions not just about the book itself, but also other cultures, art forms, and the kids’ favorite topic: food.

So whether you’re looking for a book that gives an introduction to Chinese symbolism on a child’s level or just want to explore a new topic with them, be sure to check out the beautifully illustrated Bowls of Happiness by Brian Tse. You can purchase it today on Amazon.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in this article in exchange for my honest opinion.  Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small compensation. Regardless, I will only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”