Enter the world of Bronze and Sunflower: a small village in Mainland China during the Cultural Revolution. The villagers of Damaidi live close to the land as subsistence farmers. Bronze is mute after an early trauma; Sunflower is the daughter of one of the artists sent to a nearby work camp who died suddenly, leaving her an orphan. They form an incredible bond tried by poverty, adversity and famine. Beautiful lyrical text (translated from the Chinese by Helen Wang) gives readers a true glimpse into life half a world away and 50 years ago. Bronze and Sunflower feels a bit like Little House in the Big Woods, going deeply into the business of farming, hunting, and attending school but in 1970’s China. Cao Wenxuan (last name is Cao) is a professor of Chinese literature at Peking University and one of China’s most beloved children’s authors. He is the recipient of the 2016 International Hans Christian Anderson Award. We are so lucky that Ms. Wang and Candlewick Press made it possible for Americans to enjoy it too. Unforgettable. Read it to someone you love.