Bashara Likes Books

A nice kid-friendly biography on a rather mysterious, but fascinating historical figure. Krull does a nice job telling a story that will interest and engage kids. I think it is so important for kids to be exposed to non-western historical figures and realize, particularly, that the Middle Ages were a critical and fascinating time in the east as well as the west. Krull even takes pains to mention the influential women in Kubla's life - including his mother Sorghagtani (whom Krull never actually names) and his (favorite) wife Chabbi. Krull includes a list of Sources at the end - making sure to highlight those that might be appealing for young readers. The illustrations by Robert Byrd are fantastic - bright, colorful, very detailed.