Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything
What’s inside...
Always cast in a supporting role in the many books about Marco Polo, the great Kubla Khan now takes center stage in a splendid picture-book biography. He is a wonderful subject—a man who liked to live large, building the imperial city of Beijing from scratch, siring a hundred children, throwing birthday bashes for 40,000 guests. He ruled over the greatest empire of the time, one that was light-years ahead of Western civilization in terms of the arts, sciences, and technology. With astonishingly beautiful and detailed illustrations by Robert Byrd and a clever text by Kathleen Krull, this portrait finally gives Kubla Khan his due.
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kubla Khan
Discussion points
What do you think made Kubla Khan a great leader?
Can you imagine what it would be like to live in Kubla Khan’s empire? What would you see, hear, and do?
Why do you think Kubla Khan wanted to create such a grand palace?
How do you think the people felt living under Kubla Khan’s rule?
What qualities do you think are important for a leader to have, based on Kubla Khan’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
To spark a rich conversation, encourage your child to think about leadership and architecture in relation to Kubla Khan’s life. Discuss the historical context and its impact on the people and culture during his rule. Assist them in drawing parallels between the story and current events or their personal experiences to deepen understanding and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: Kubla Khan's role as an emperor showcases the qualities of effective leadership and the responsibilities it entails.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take initiative and understand the importance of responsibility in roles such as team leaders in school projects or captains in sports teams.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book dives into the rich history and culture of Kubla Khan's empire, exposing young readers to diverse traditions and practices.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore and respect different cultures in their communities or through travel, fostering a global perspective and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Vision
Explanation: Kubla Khan was known for his grand visions and innovations, such as the construction of his capital city, Xanadu.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be creative and think big in their aspirations, whether in crafting a project or solving a problem at school.
Example Lesson: The Power of Storytelling
Explanation: The narrative of Kubla Khan blends historical facts with literary elements, showing the power of storytelling in preserving history.
Real-World Application: Children can use storytelling to enhance their communication skills and express their own experiences and ideas more effectively.
Example Lesson: Understanding Historical Contexts
Explanation: The book explores the historical setting of Kubla Khan’s reign, helping readers understand the interconnectedness of historical events.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children grasp the cause and effect in historical events and the importance of learning from the past to impact future decisions.