Ming the Panda

A mother tells her child a bedtime story - the true story of Ming the Giant Panda. Born in the mountains of Sichuan, Ming's life is traced from a tiny baby, growing up in the wild. Brought from China to London Zoo in 1938, she quickly becomes a favourite for visitors, especially children. Even Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen, comes to see her. And when the Second World War breaks out, Ming becomes an international celebrity, a symbol of hope in dangerous times. When Ming dies in 1944 there is great sadness, but her story lives on. Told as a story within a story, with Yu Rong's evocative illustrations, Ming's story still resonates today.