New Releases by Oliver Chin

Learn about the most popular game in human history! The Discovery of Chess is the first English children''s book on how chess came to be. Dao is an adorable red panda who can travel back in time and place! He befriends the curious kids Ethan and Emma and transports them in the blink of an eye to Asia. Together they (and appreciative readers) have fun discovering how some very cool creations were invented there. If only every school field trip was like this! In their latest adventure, the trio teleport to India to see how chess was created! Using the traditional parts of the ancient Indian army, rajas strategized, using a board as a battlefield. This battle of wits traveled west along the Silk Road and across empires. Pieces and play evolved into Europe, influenced by royalty, religion, and the Renaissance. Through travel and media, chess conquered the world of recreation! ------------------------------------------------------ “... this informative and fascinating tale will also entertain chess players of all ages. Young readers will enjoy the illustrations just as much as the narrative, and families and friends will appreciate having this book to share their knowledge about the history of chess. The authors have filled a significant void in chess literature for children.” - Ray Linville, Chess.com

This is the sequel to the best illustrated anthology on notable Asian Pacific Islander Americans! Readers have demanded more stories. So we have obliged with Volume 2! We share the life stories of more citizens who came from diverse backgrounds and have influenced a rainbow of professions. 20 chapters (6 pages each) are brought to life with 60 fantastic color illustrations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - George Takei (actor) - Chloe Kim (Olympic snowboarder) - Bruno Mars (singer) - Amy Tan (author) - Mazie Hirono (US Senator) - I.M. Pei (architect) - Jen-Hsun "Jensen" Huang (NVIDIA) - Mira Nair (filmmaker) - Jim Lee (comics artist) - Midori Goto (violinist) - Amar Bose (audio inventor) - Helene An (chef) - Peter Tsai (N95 mask scientist) - Isabella Aiona Abbott (botanist) - Farhan Zaidi (baseball executive) - Channapha Khamvongsa (humanitarian) - Anika Rahman (human rights lawyer) - Raymond Martin (wheelchair racer) - Dith Pran (photojournalist) - Katherine Sui Fun Cheung (pilot) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "As an educator and a mom I am always looking for books that represent and teach the Asian American experience....In each story, Asian American identity plays an important role in overcoming the challenges of racial inequity and taking pride in culture and heritage in an age appropriate way. The illustrations and graphics make this book really accessible." - Karen Fukushima, Middle School Dean, Harvard Westlake, California "An energetic and important look at Asian Americans who have contributed significantly to the USA. It is inviting, colorful and really fun to read and learn! Students of all ages, parents and teachers are sure to enjoy this book and to learn about these amazing individuals!" - Sara Jones, Washington State Librarian

Explore the first English children’s picture book on how fireworks and gunpowder were created! This action-packed adventure features amazing illustrations which make history come alive. This is the second adventure in our series on cool inventions created in Asia. The cute red panda Dao transports the kids Emma and Ethan back in time to learn how fantastic creations came to be! This exciting journey investigates fireworks and gunpowder. It is like Globe Trekker meeting Back to the Future! The trio begins their trip 2,000 years ago in China! Alchemists discovered the secret formula for explosive powder and ancient dynasties used it.... even in war. Witness the evolution from flamethrower and bomb to gun and missile. However, fireworks also spread across the globe! Zip through the centuries to see how scientific advancements made new colors and shapes. Now everyone can celebrate happy occasions with dazzling light shows in the sky. Adults and children will enjoy this sequel to The Discovery of Ramen. This story vividly introduces interesting facts (even chemistry) with globe trotting. Readers will learn lessons never taught in school, plus see how these creations made possible modern pyrotechnics for festivals and holidays, from the Fourth of July to New Year’s. Discover more amazing inventions from The Asian Hall of Fame in the future! Teachers and librarians will appreciate how students eagerly absorb history, culture, and key words. Fans of comics and graphic novels will delight in the dynamic artwork, scenes so spectacular that you can see the sparkles and smell the smoke coming off the printed pages. - - - "We found this absolutely fascinating from both the perspective of enjoying a slice of Chinese history that made a huge contribution to something that people all around the world can enjoy at different times of the year, but also from the technical perspective of learning some of the intricate secrets of how fireworks actually do their thing. With a simple yet brilliantly explained set of facts worked into the story, and some really gorgeous illustrations, we''ll be keeping an eye on Immedium''s fabulous publications from now on." - Read it Daddy “The story carries a good balance between science and entertainment. Education, history and folktales blend to make a fun and engaging children’s book. The storytelling style intrigues readers to turn the page. It is a great read for children to encourage curiosity and adventure.” - Sampan “an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.” - Midwest Book Review

Ralph is an ambitious chick whose journey celebrates the new year. This edition features a bilingual Chinese translation. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster! Ray is a chick who proves to be very plucky! He loves his Mama hen and admires his Papa who has the important job of waking the town up everyday. However, he and his friend, the girl Ying, soon learn of a mystical creature that may shine even brighter. Together these two pals embark on a fantastic quest to find the fabled Phoenix. But will Ray ever get a chance to see the light? Befriending people and the other zodiac animals, can Ray show his true colors? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Jeremiah Alcorn creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year. Ray’s vivid voyage to discover his real nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, animal lovers. Teachers appreciate how u003ciu003eTales from the Chinese Zodiacu003c/iu003e is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children''s book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales. - - - “The Year of the Rooster is a fun and inspirational story with lively illustrations, a perfect finale to his Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series.” - Sampan "Oliver Chin has a real knack for retelling the ancient Chinese zodiac stories for today''s modern reader, and making them fun, energetic and understandable to anyone not already familiar with the tales, as well as those who are. And once again, the tales are totally supported by artist Juan Calle''s dynamic, colorful illustrations." - Randomly Reading "Along with its playful text and easy to follow storyline, The Year of the Rooster’s dazzling illustrations by Juan Calle offer children adorable cartoon-like characters to connect with. As the need for diverse books remains strong, Chin’s book is an important reminder of how invaluable reading and learning about other cultures and traditions is for growing young minds. The Chinese New Year is always a great entrée into the Chinese culture and Chin’s books, as well as all of Immedium’s titles, continue to provide this engaging content." - Good Reads with Ronna "So while The Year of the Rooster marks the end of an era, it also satisfyingly brings the cycle of the Zodiac fill circle. There will be those who have scooped up the books as they emerged each year: but the good news is that it really doesn’t matter when you discover these fun stories... they are extra special in their own year of the Chinese cycle or when their particular animal is significant, but young children can now enjoy all twelve stories, all year round... The Year of the Rooster is a fun, feel-good story that is sure to set young children crowing for more " - Mirrors, Windows, Doors

Sydney is a bold lamb with a keen nose for adventure. Her breathtaking journey celebrates the new year. 2015 was The Year of the Sheep. Sydney may walk to the beat of a different drummer. However, after a storm strikes and causes a problem for everyone, can Sydney show them how valuable a sheep''s qualities can be? Befriending people and the other zodiac animals, Sydney shows the best traits of people born in The Year of the Sheep, Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Alina Chau creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year. Sydney’s stirring travels to discover her real nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, animal lovers. Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children''s book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales. - - - "Oliver Chin’s Tales from the Chinese Zodiac delight the eyes and heart.... The Year of the Sheep is no exception, with beautiful artwork and an inspirational message." - Sampan “With themes that include cooperation, friendship, creativity and even a dose of engineering, this delightful picture book is an excellent choice to share with young children. The soft watercolor illustrations by Alina Chau are a perfect fit for the story.” - Baltimore County Public Library "Combined with Chau’s stylized illustrations in a rainbow of colors, the prose in The Year of the Sheep demonstrates the personality of one particular little lamb Sydney, the story’s main character....Parents will enjoy sharing this picture book about the rewards of being a team player." - Good Reads with Ronna

Hannah is a spirited horse who has a lot riding on her! This feisty filly’s amazing journey celebrates the new year and kids’ can-do attitudes. 2014 is The Year of the Horse! Hannah is a foal who has a talented family and yearns to have special skills too. She befriends the boy Tom. Together can they bring his art teacher''s important painting to the capital faraway? Hannah jumps at the chance to show that a little horse can have a lot of courage. When others think she’s too young, can Hannah prove her unbridled spirit can blaze its own trail? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Jennifer Wood creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year. Hannah’s rousing quest to discover her true nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, horse lovers. Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children''s book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales. - - - "...each lunar year gets an energetic, giggle-inducing welcome with [the] Tales from the Chinese Zodiac... As she did in The Year of the Dragon and The Year of the Snake, illustrator Jennifer Wood continues to provide the same delightfully equitable page time for all the zodiac animals, adding another engaging level of ‘hide-and-seek’ for younger readers. Author Chin again introduces rollicking exploits to inspire and entertain, all the while celebrating the Asian culture that infuses our daily American lives." - BookDragon, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center blog “[An] imaginative menagerie of endearing characters, whose stories embody the chief characteristics of each animal of the Chinese Zodiac in turn. These are also tales of friendship and finding a place in the world.” - Paper Tigers “The bright illustrations reflect the illustrator Jennifer Wood''s animation background and highlight the Chinese landscape, wildlife and architecture." - Sampan

Suzie wants to prove to everyone that snakes have what it takes! This helpful serpent’s misison to rewrite social stereotypes celebrates the new year. Suzie is a young serpent who seeks high-flying adventure. The girl Lily befriends the snake, much to her grandparents'' chagrin. However, Suzie aims to shed others'' negative perceptions of snakes. Can she prove her versatility to Lily''s family and the neighboring animals? And what will Suzie do when the wisest choice is to lie low? 2013 was The Year of the Snake. When others doubt her, can Suzie show that an adaptable attitude can overcome all obstacles? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Jennifer Wood creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year. Suzie’s rollercoaster ride to discover her true nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, lovers of serpents and dragons. Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children''s book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales. - - - "The book is gorgeously illustrated by Jennifer Wood in lush pastels... The heartwarming story about overcoming misconceptions resounds in any culture. It also doesn’t hurt that the heroine is playful and enjoys being a little girl’s jump rope. Despite the scales and fangs, Suzie is a snake with a heart of gold". - Sampan "In The Year of the Snake, Chin has managed to weave an adventurous story of friendship and acceptance into an important cultural lesson about the Chinese Zodiac... As a Teacher Librarian, I am continually searching for books that have a positive message as well as captivating illustrations, and The Year of the Snake is just that! - Julie Griffin, Palo Alto Unified School District, CA

Dominic the dragon befriends a boy named Bo as well as the other eleven animals of the Chinese lunar calendar and helps them enter the annual village boat race. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon.

Rosie the rabbit befriends a boy who leads her on a wild adventure with a tiger. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.

The fifth installment in the popular series featuring the animals of the Chinese Zodiac focuses on the new year 2010--the Year of the Tiger!

Olivia the ox learns what her best qualities really are when her friend Mei needs help as a flood threatens their village. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Ox.

Family members whose names evoke the classic television show "Gilligan''s Island" become castaways on an uncharted island, where they encounter a menagerie of wild and colorful monsters.

Ralph the rat learns what his best qualities really are when his friend Bing needs help after a big bunch of balloons carries him away. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Rat.

Timmy and Tammy love to play with toy trains and hear train stories, and when their parents take them on a real train ride the experience is everything they imagined it could be.

Patty the piglet learns what her best qualities really are when Farmer Wu needs everyone''s help to find a lost ring. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Pig.

Describes the qualities of people who are born in the Year of the Dog through the story of a puppy who is born under the sign.

The alphabet is represented by a baby that has the characteristics of many different animals, from a beaver to a yak.

Set during the confusion following the terrorist attacks of September 11, the story begins when a history teacher asks his students to write a report based on an interview with someone who has a different viewpoint from their own. As they fan out into the community and encounter people of diverse backgrounds, opinions, and prejudices, the teens quickly realize that the story cannot be reduced to simple dichotomies of good versus evil or us versus them.