James McMullan, an illustrator and watercolorist known for his popular theatrical posters for Lincoln Center as well as various children’s book covers, has created a beautiful memoir entitled Leaving China. This book of childhood “visual memories” combines short stories and haunting paintings about growing up during the turmoil of World War II.
McMullan, the son of a British businessman, was born in 1934 into a prosperous family in pre-war China. His family enjoyed many luxuries until war was eminent and the Japanese invasion forced the family from their hometown. Leaving China crisscrosses the globe and captures a young boy’s experiences with loss, love, loneliness and self-discovery. This book is appropriate for ages 12 and up. – Carole Rosner