This true story of a poor Chinese peasant boy who, plucked unsuspectingly at the age of ten
from millions of others across the land to be trained as a ballet dancer, is a fairytale that
has already captivated many children and young adults. But it is a story that has always held
special charms for even very small children-Li's childhood growing up in a small village in
China-the games he played, the snowball fights, the love of his parents and brothers, and
the extraordinary day at school when his life changed for ever. It is a story that is just
perfect
for the picture book format. Now Li's story will be enjoyed by children everywhere as his
remarkable tale is brought to life visually through the beautiful artwork of Anne Spudvilas.
Once again, Li tells his story with disarming simplicity and charm, with humour and
compassion. But here he speaks directly to the small child, his special audience. He has a
personal story to tell you, and he begins by introducing you to the land of his childhood, and
to his beloved father, and to a small child who was once Li himself: he tells us of that boy
growing up in hardship, yet with love and affection, as he shares with us the lives of his large
family, the special stories in his life, the inspiring teachers, the experiences and moments
he will never forget. The seven lonely years of training at the Beijing Dance Academy, all of
the events in his life, are set against the background of China brought to life by some
amazing images from Anne Spudvilas, who travelled to China herself to witness first-hand
the life that Li remembers and to bring to her artwork an unparalleled authenticity and
passion. Li's courage as a young boy in the face of extreme loneliness, his determination to
succeed no matter what, his undying devotion to his family, make for an awesome, inspiring
and moving story that will speak to small children everywhere. It is like reading a 20th
Century fairytale.