Description

In this stunning picture book about renowned architect I. M. Pei, award-winning author Julie Leung and captivating illustrator Yifan Wu unite to tell the story of the man who changed architecture forever with his forward-thinking shapes.

As a boy in Shanghai, Ioeh Ming Pei was awestruck by the enormous buildings that popped up around him every day. He quickly figured out exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up—an architect who designed skyscrapers that touched the clouds.

I. M. Pei set off to make his mark, and with his appealingly modern ideas, he found himself with many clients—including a rock and roll museum, businesses around the world, and even a president’s widow. Everyone wanted I. M. Pei to design their buildings. Though his plans weren’t always immediately popular, his legacy has endured, and his structures can still be seen all around the world, from the JFK Library and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art to the Louvre Pyramid.

Readers will be inspired by the spare yet informative text and luminous illustrations, which bring I. M. Pei’s incredible legacy and achievements to life.

About the Author

Julie Leung was raised in the sleepy suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated with an English and journalism degree from the University of Georgia. By day, she is a marketing director in book publishing. By night, she is a children’s book author. Her first picture book, Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist, won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. Visit her online at jleungbooks.com.

Yifan Wu is an award-winning Chinese illustrator based in the US. Her work often features ethereal, dreamlike landscapes, exploring storytelling through metaphors and analogies. Yifan creates highly conceptual illustrations for newspapers and magazines, and her work can also be seen in animated advertisements, branding illustrations, posters, and various products. She loves dancing, gardening, fantasy novels, and cats. Visit yifanwuart.com to learn more.

Praise For…

“In language as simple and stately as her subject’s best works, Leung traces the long career of I.M. Pei. Acute and rich in insight.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Imaginative. A good introduction to an influential architect.” — Booklist