Ming the Panda - A True Story of Courage and Hope

The real-life story of Ming, the first baby Giant Panda to be brought London Zoo in 1938, who became a wartime symbol of courage and hope.

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, "helping to bring people together, shining light and giving hope."

Told as a story within a story, with Yu Rong's evocative illustrations, Ming’s story still resonates today.

• True story of a panda who became a symbol of hope and courage in WW2
• An accessible way to introduce discussion of the war to younger children
• Sensitively told story that raises discussion points about conservation and animal captivity
• Endnote describes the life of Ming and the timeline of WW2 and the Blitz
• Beautiful artwork by award-winning Chinese artist Yu Rong