The Great Voyages of Zheng He

By Demi
Out of Stock

Paperback available August 19, 2025

Sail the world with Chinese admiral Zheng He, one of the greatest explorers in world history. What wonders will you discover on his quest to befriend nations?

Description

Between the years 1405 and 1431, Chinese admiral Zheng He led the greatest naval fleet the world had ever seen on treasure-seeking voyages. A brilliant, peace-loving man, He befriended and traded with people as far as the Swahili Coast of eastern Africa–bringing a message of friendship and peace between China and the other countries of the world. Through his leadership, these expeditions extended China’s influence, making China the first world superpower.

In this account of Zheng He’s amazing life, award-winning author and illustrator Demi recreates the grandeur and excitement of these naval voyages with her signature detailed artwork. She introduces readers to this larger-than-life figure who dreamed of a world of intellectual growth, religious tolerance, and everlasting, worldwide peace.

About the Creators

Demi

Demi is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred fifty books for children. She is known for her perceptive texts and elegant illustrations with golden accents, and for her biographies of major historical figures from around the world, including religious figures like Buddha, Muhammad, Jesus, and Mary. Her books have been named New York Times Best Illustrated Books, recognized with ALA Notable Children's Books and Notable Books for a Global Society citations, and won the Christopher Award, which recognizes individuals whose work makes a positive difference in the world. Demi has traveled extensively and studied art in Mexico, India, and China. She lives in Yarrow Point, Washington.

Reviews

  • "Demi's skill as a biographer is on display, with details and context that add life and clarity. . . . Especially valuable as a portrait of a hero whose adventures were driven not by the hunger to conquer, but by a desire simply to know and be known."

    - Publishers Weekly

  • "Done in her signature gold, finely patterned borders and Chinese red, Demi's images evoke a sense of time and place."

    - School Library Journal

  • "Award-winning author Demi shares the incredible story of Zheng He, the Chinese naval commander who led the Treasure Fleets of the Ming Dynasty, bringing a message of friendship and peace to countries around the world and returning with marvelous treasures."

    - Foreword Reviews

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781643797489
  • Price $14.95
  • Publication Date Aug 19, 2025
  • Trim Size 10 × 10 in
  • Weight N/A
  • Page Count 64

    • Interests

  • Imprint Shen's Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / History / Exploration & Discovery
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Historical
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / History / Asia
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Biography / Memoir, Courage, Dreams & Aspirations, Geography, Heroism, History & Civics, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Muslim, Nonfiction, Persistence / Grit, Pride
  • Languages English

    • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 9 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 4 - 7
  • Guided Reading X
  • DRA 60
  • Interest Level Grades 2 - 8
  • Lexile Level 1090
  • Lexile Measurement 1090L
  • Reading Level Grades 5 - 8
  • Bebop Reading Fluent

    • Resources

    Biography Toolkit
    Biography Toolkit

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