A picture is worth a thousand words! Allan Drummond's classic picture book reveals the intriguing story that hides deep within one of the most distinctive and iconic china patterns ever created—the willow pattern.

Fascinated by the images in the famous beautiful blue-and-white china, Drummond creates his own variation on an old story about the china taking us on a journey through the world depicted in the design—a memorable tale of passion, betrayal and transcendent love. 

Beautiful young Koong Shee wishes only to be with her true love Chang. But her father has other plans and locks his daughter in the garden. Clever Koong Shee and Chang use birds to communicate until they manage to escape. But her bitter father is determined to stop them. 

An IRA-CBC Children's Choice. NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies. American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

“Sumptuous.”—Junior Education

“Beautifully produced and printed in wonderful shades of azure blue, this would make a perfect gift for any lover of blue and white china.”—Infusion 

"This ingenious [tale] . . . may inspire readers to watch for hidden stories in everyday objects."—Publishers Weekly