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Shen of the Sea

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Shen of the Sea
First edition
AuthorArthur Bowie Chrisman
IllustratorElse Hasselriis[1]
GenreChildren's short story collection
PublisherE. P. Dutton
Publication date
1925
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint
Pages252
OCLC299415
LC ClassPZ7.C45 Sh[1]

Shen of the Sea is a collection of short stories written by Arthur Bowie Chrisman. It was first published by Dutton in 1925, illustrated with more than 50 silhouettes by Else Hasselriis.[1] Chrisman won the 1926 Newbery Medal for the work, recognizing the previous year's "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children".

The original title page shows subtitle A Book for Children[1] and one early dustjacket shows Chinese Stories for Children. Both subtitles have been used for later editions.[2]

Chrisman's 16 original stories are written in the style of humorous Chinese folk tales. The title story tells of a king who tries to match wits with the demons of the water in order to save his city from a flood. Other tales relate the origin of chopsticks, and an instance when mud pies are revealed to be the origin of fine China.

Stories

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  • Ah Mee's Invention - about the invention of the printing press
  • Shen of the Sea - a story about tricking demons to save a kingdom
  • How Wise Were the Old Men - a story about prophecy and the twists life take
  • Chop-Sticks - about the invention of chop sticks
  • Buy a Father - a story about morality, primarily obedience
  • Four Generals - a story about using cleverness to overcome
  • The Rain King's Daughter - a story about a young woman who uses cleverness to avoid a war
  • Many Wives - a story about a beautiful young maiden and a not so bright king
  • That Lazy Ah Fun - about the invention of gunpowder
  • The Moon Maiden - a love story
  • Ah Tcha the Sleeper - a story about tea
  • I Wish It Would Rain - a story about an over indulged queen
  • High as Han Hsin - about the invention of the kite
  • Contrary Chueh Chun - a funny story about a man who always does or believes the opposite
  • Pies of the Princess - the invention of fine china
  • As Hai Low Kept House - a funny story about following orders literally and a series of unfortunate circumstances

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Shen of the sea; a book for children," (first ed.). Library of Congress Online Catalog. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
  2. ^ Undated title pages of three Dutton editions, displayed at Google Books (books.google.com), show the former subtitle reported as 1925 and 1958, the latter reported as 1968.
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Awards
Preceded by Newbery Medal recipient
1926
Succeeded by