Cricket's Cage: A Chinese Folktale

Stefan Czernecki, the illustrator, was first introduced to this story by Cimon Shing, who translated the original tale. Influenced by Chinese painting, Stefan utilized a number of traditional techniques to create the intensely vibrant paintings. Hundreds of years ago in China there lived a very demanding emperor whose greatest wish was to see four magnificent towers built around his new capital city. He was so impatient to see the perfect design drawn to realize his dream that he threatened anyone who failed him with the loss of their life. The carpenter Kuai Xiang is ready to accept his grim fate when the perilous task finally falls to him. Only a very special cricket can change his luck for the better. A classic story of friendship, artistry, & magic.