Little Song-Dynasty Ci Poems

Name: Little Song-Dynasty Ci Poems
ISBN: 9787565825729

Niu YueShantou University Press · ChinaApr 2025

3.7

Word count: 63 words
Chapters: 6
ISBN: 9787565825729

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Summary

The primer tradition is the essence of our nation's five-thousand-year culture. It contains rich and profound common truths and principles for living, tested by thousands of years of history and generations of practice, and is essential spiritual nourishment for learning and growth. Reading primer classics, upholding the spirit of righteousness in Chinese learning, learning to treat others with modesty and oneself with care, and to study diligently and ask questions, can cultivate upright, well-rounded sunny youths and future elites. Dear children, the finest primers can let you stand on the shoulders of our forebears at the very first step of life, and begin life's race from a high starting point. Reading the books of sages and keeping company with sages can lift your spirit beyond the ordinary.

Editor's review

Little Song Ci brings Song ci into the framework of primer recitation, letting children encounter the scattered beauty of long and short lines at the enlightenment stage. Song ci has freer line patterns than Tang poetry and more delicate emotional expression; for children just beginning to read poetry, it is both a fresh language experience and a window into the feelings of the ancients. Following the approach of primer readers, this book emphasizes experiencing qualities such as modesty, care, and diligence through recitation, placing appreciation of ci alongside character formation. When reading, there is no need to insist on explanations of cipai and tonal patterns; first let children read aloud the rhythmic changes of long and short lines and feel the images and emotions in the ci, then gradually introduce background. For parent-child reading, take turns reading one line each to increase interaction. For children who have already read some Tang poetry, this book naturally expands their understanding of classical verse and makes the enlightenment path of "reading the books of sages" more complete. It is suitable as a second-stage reader in a family recitation plan, alternating with Tang poetry.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Children who have encountered Tang poetry and want to further feel the rhythm of long and short lines
Parents who wish to use Song ci for parent-child recitation and enrich family reading
Primary school students who need to accumulate recitation material from classical verse
Beginners curious about the ci form who want an easy introduction

Not a good fit for

Readers seeking detailed explanations of cipai and tonal patterns or specialist ci scholarship
Children who prefer long stories and lack interest in verse
Adult readers expecting in-depth appreciation of each piece and textual research on compositional background

Reading tips

Recite alternately with Tang poetry so children can compare the rhythms of five- and seven-character lines with long and short lines.
Take turns reading in parent-child pairs, one line each, and afterward tell each other which line you liked best.
Start with short xiaoling, which are brief and easy to remember; once confidence is built, move on to slightly longer works.
Choose ci by season and festival to connect the scenes in the ci with lived experience.

About the publisher

Shantou University Press China · Founded in 1993

Shantou University Press builds its publishing program on university textbooks, teaching reference books, and academic monographs, while also accumulating a body of literary and cultural titles. Its catalog shows a concentration on foreign and classical literary classics, including Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, Wu Cheng'en's Journey to the West, Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, and Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind, covering categories such as world classics and canonical works. Its author resources include major Chinese and foreign writers such as Tolstoy, Hugo, Dickens, Cervantes, Fabre, and Li Yu. Books on parenting and social sciences also appear in its list. Drawing on the regional culture of Chaoshan, the press balances teaching and research with cultural popularization, and Chaoshan culture titles are one of its emphases. Given limited public information, other details are not addressed here.

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FAQ

If a child has not read Tang poetry, can they go straight to Song ci?

Yes, but it is best to begin with short xiaoling. Song ci's long and short lines are varied and strongly rhythmic, so following along is not difficult for children. If they also encounter some Tang poetry, it helps them appreciate the differences between the two forms, and the effect is better; the order need not be fixed.

Song ci is emotionally delicate; can children understand it?

At the enlightenment stage, complete understanding is not the goal. Children first feel the rhythm and imagery of the language and memorize the lines; as life experience grows, they will gradually grasp the emotions. Parents can start with ci that have bright emotions and strong imagery, avoiding overly sorrowful works too early.

Is it necessary to explain cipai and tonal rules?

At the enlightenment stage, there is no need to explain tonal rules. The cipai name can be told to children as the "name" of the work, without expanding on level and oblique tones or rhyme schemes. The focus is reading aloud and feeling the rhythm; tonal knowledge can be added later in systematic study.

What is the relationship between this book and Little Tang Poetry?

Both belong to the primer recitation series and follow the same approach, using Tang poetry and Song ci respectively as recitation material. Little Tang Poetry builds the foundation; Little Song Ci extends the feel for long and short lines. They can be read in sequence or alternately, complementing each other.

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About the author

Niu Yue Author · China

Niu Yue, a native of Shunyi District, Beijing, graduated from Capital Normal University and currently works as an editor at a Beijing newspaper. Alongside her editorial work, she has long been engaged in compiling popular science and elementary classical readers for children. The collection holds 111 of her titles, spanning science popularization, traditional culture, foreign literature, and inspirational growth. Representative works include the geography, plants, and universe volumes of Why Do Chinese Children Have a Hundred Thousand Questions, along with Ancient Trade Routes and Transportation, The Four Great Inventions of Ancient China, Seeing the Universe as It Really Is, Little Tang Poems, and Memory, as well as the book series The Gate of Exploration and Discovery and the Little Bookboy Classical Reader series. Her writing is known for accuracy and plain, accessible language, skilfully turning scientific knowledge and traditional culture into short pieces suitable for young readers. Public information about her life and writing career is limited.