imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world''s literature.  (less)

kites came to be.  Long ago in China, holy painters would paint the townspeople's wishes on paper to be left in temples for the gods to see and grant.  But one day, an impatient mother who wanted her son to grow up strong and wise, had a holy painter paint a dragon, the symbol of strength and wisdom, on a kite.  She then flew the kite up to the heavens where the gods lived so they would see the wish sooner and grant it more quickly.  Kites also explains the significance of different kinds of kite symbols, provides information about kite festivals celebrated around the world, and gives clear, kid-friendly directions for making and painting kites. Demi combines, beautiful artwork, an easy story-telling style, and good solid information about one of the world's most popular hobbies."Extravagantly detailed parade of kites flies across the pages."—iThe Horn Book Magazinebr/ibr"In brilliant colors and on spacious double-page spreads, Demi depicts the origin of the Chinese holidayiCh'ing Yang/ior The Double Ninth Festival, a festival of kites that takes place on September 9, the ninth day of the ninth month. Long ago in China . . . [a woman] went to a painter of holy pictures . . . and requested a picture of a dragon, 'a symbol of wealth, wisdom, power, and nobility,' but instead of an ordinary holy picture she requested the painting on a kite, in order to 'fly it right up to the sky [so] the gods in heaven will see it immediately.' Soon everyone wanted kites for their wishes and prayers, and finally,iCh'ing Yang/iwas born and is celebrated to this day. The kites are what's important here, an?Р (less)

Using cardboard, a ruler, and other everyday items, learn how air currents work. Twirly-Whirlies, made out of pencils, cardboard, scissors, and thumbtacks, demonstrate how helicopter rotors operate. With an empty spool, discover the power of centrifugal force. Create a variety of paper airplanes, gliders, and kites and watch them zoom into the skies. Some of these projects can even involve the whole family! And while you're having fun, you're effortlessly gaining a real understanding of Bernoulli's principle, and Newton's law of gravity. 128 pages, 75 b/w illus., 5 3/8 x 8 1/4. NEW IN PAPERBACK.BRBR  (less)