Ming the Panda - by Jake Hope (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A mother tells her child a bedtime story - the true story of Ming the Giant Panda.

Born in the mountains of Sichuan, Ming's life is traced from a tiny baby, growing up in the wild. Brought from China to London Zoo in 1938, she quickly becomes a favourite for visitors, especially children. Even Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen, comes to see her. And when the Second World War breaks out, Ming becomes an international celebrity, a symbol of hope in dangerous times.

When Ming dies in 1944 there is great sadness, but her story lives on.

Told as a story within a story, with Yu Rong's evocative illustrations, Ming's story still resonates today.

About the Author

A former distinguished librarian, Jake Hope is now a writer, reviewer and consultant for the Carnegie Medals. Jake has curated exhibitions on children's literature and written articles and chapters on children's reading, and has judged or chaired numerous children's book awards. He was the editor of and a contributor to Our Rights! Stories and Poems About Children's Rights (2023). Yu Rong is a multi award-winning Chinese illustrator of children's picture books, especially known for her use of papercutting artwork. Her previous books include Shu Lin's Grandpa, with Matt Goodfellow.