DOCTOR ME DI CIN

Despite his eponymous name, a wise doctor tricks a sick prince into curing himself without herbs or medications. When the prince becomes ill, he calls for the healing of a doctor’s herbs, but the doctor tells him that all he needs is some fresh air. The prince refuses, telling the doctor that he must stay inside to paint and sending him out into the countryside to find medicinal plants. The doctor returns three times, without the healing herbs, but with tales of the amazing things beyond the palace’s walls. Intrigued, the prince finally agrees to go along on one of the doctor’s walks and is “magically” cured. Wonderfully delicate ink-and-watercolor illustrations of the young Chinese prince and his doctor are a perfect match for the story. Torn-paper paintings that the prince creates add a three-dimensional quality to many of the pages. A delightful amusement with lovely and evocative artwork. (Picture book. 2-5)