Love of the Half-Eaten Peach, from Reycraft Books, Gives New Life to an Ancient Chinese Folktale
The picture book expands on the true story of two men whose love for each other inspired a famous Chinese expression.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY, Sep. 3, 2024— Leading children’s trade publisher Reycraft Books is pleased to announce the publication of Love of the Half-Eaten Peach, an acclaimed new picture book written by Lee Wind and illustrated by Jieting Chen. Published on September 3, 2024, it reimagines an ancient folktale based on a true story from China, circa 500 B.C.E., about two young men and the peach that made them realize their true feelings for each other.
The story follows Yuan, who is destined to rule a region of ancient China called Wei. When wise elders tell him that to be an effective ruler, he must understand and strive for perfection, Yuan is baffled—after all, nothing is perfect. His friend Mi Zi Xia tries to help by finding something in the world that is truly perfect. Mi Zi Xia eventually discovers a peach that, after tasting it, he believes fits the bill. He delivers it to Yuan, who finds perfection—not in the fruit itself, but in the love he feels for the person who gave it to him. Yuan and Mi Zi Xia’s story became so renowned that, for centuries, the phrase 'love of the half-eaten peach' was used in Chinese to describe romantic love between two men. ”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lee Wind writes the books that would have changed his life as a young Gay Jewish kid. He’s the author of the acclaimed picture book *Red and Green and Blue and White* and the award-winning nonfiction title for readers age 11 and up, *No Way, They Were Gay? Hidden Lives and Secret Loves*. Lee also runs the popular blog *I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the Hell Do I Read?*—words his younger self only dreamed of saying. He lives in Los Angeles with his husband of more than 25 years, and they have a grown daughter.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Jieting Chen is an illustrator, animator, and designer. With years of experience, she has produced and directed several award-winning short animations. Her illustrations are strongly influenced by Oriental paintings, featuring delicate and sensitive perspectives. She has been happily married to her wife, and they live together in New York with two cats and a dog.
Wind first learned about Yuan and Mi Zi Xia while researching his nonfiction book, *No Way, They Were Gay?*, and their story stayed with him. “I kept thinking it would make an incredible picture book, in a similar fairy tale/folk tale vein as *Cinderella*,” he said. “But gay. And inspired by a true story.
The author expressed his admiration for Chen’s artistic contributions. “I’m gay and admittedly obsessed with Queer history, so I could speak to that part of the story,” Wind said. “But I knew the book needed an illustrator who could ground it in being a Chinese tale. Jieting has that heritage and infuses her art with a style that feels so right—placing Yuan and Mi Zi Xia in the right time, the right place, and the right cultural setting.
Wind explained that in writing *Love of the Half-Eaten Peach*, he hoped to convey a message to readers. “We Queer people deserve epic love stories too,” he said. “And we have them, in our own history. That’s worthy of celebration—just like our lives and loves today are worth celebrating.
The book itself is already being celebrated. Jane Yolen, author of *Owl Moon*, the *How Do Dinosaurs…* series, and nearly 500 other titles, said, “*Love of the Half-Eaten Peach* reads both like a fairytale and a slice of history, like a voyage of discovery and a story of love. Lee Wind has found a voice that moves seamlessly between history and love—one that children and adults (both gay and straight) can celebrate and retell over and over again.
Lesléa Newman, author of *Joyful Song: A Naming Story* and *Heather Has Two Mommies*, called the book “as sweet and tender as a perfectly ripe peach.” She added, “Lee Wind’s gorgeously written, sparse poetic text and Jieting Chen’s elegantly painted, exquisite illustrations complement each other beautifully.
Heidi E.Y. Stemple, author of *She Sells Sea Shells* and *We Celebrate the Light*, called *Love of the Half-Eaten Peach* a “deliciously illustrated tale” and “a feast for all the senses.” She added, “But of all the things to love about this book (and there are a lot), I love the love story best.
Michael Genhart, Ph.D., author of the forthcoming picture book *Edie for Equality: Edie Windsor Stands Up for Love*, hailed the book as “an epic queer love story—deliciously sublime. Savor every word.
ABOUT REYCRAFT BOOKS: Reycraft Books partners with award-winning and up-and-coming authors and illustrators, primarily from underrepresented communities, to provide high-quality books that delight, inform, and honor the voices and visions of all children. Founded in 2019, the imprint publishes authentic stories—including engaging picture books, transitional chapter books, middle-grade books, graphic novels, and more—that build knowledge, perspective, and connection while meeting the diverse needs of children, families, and educators.