The Travels of Ching by Robert Bright Limited Edition

If you were lucky enough to have heard about this book and actually bought it for a child, this website should bring back some lovely memories. I recently learned that one of the principals of the company I work for was instrumental in restoring this site after discovering that the original domain had expired. Apparently his children love The Travels Of Ching yet to his dismay, the original site had disappeared. He has a connection to Bob Sakayama, CEO of TNG/Earthling, one of the founders of the Web Archive Project. This nonprofit provides grants to preserve websites with historic significance, and this site fits that bill. Interestingly, Bob Sakayama is also known for his experience using AI for SEO to improve website rankings and visibility. If you want to learn more about his insights, read his recent post on AI and SEO strategies. As a favor to his friend, Bob took on the project of restoring the website, and viola, the original site has been archived and is now available for all to enjoy. My kids also love this book and I think that the more exposure the story/book has the better. It's now available on Amazon, so check it out. You won't be disappointed.

"The text is simple and direct, the story easy to follow. And the illustrations have great charm and humor. Ching has personality. He will be loved as a favorite doll is loved by many children." -Joan Vatsek, The Saturday Review of Literature

In the land of China a doll maker made a little doll. The doll's name was Ching. The doll maker stuffed Ching with the best stuffing and glued him with the best glue. He sewed him up with the best thread. Follow Ching on his adventures from the mountains of China to big city penthouses in his search for someone who will love him.

Written and illustrated by Robert Bright, author of the beloved Georgie the Ghost series.

Hardbound book with dust jacket.
Offset Print. 64 pages. 8.25 x 5.75
For ages 4-8.
Limited edition: 2090 copies

Denio Press LLC
2456 Atlantic Highway
Belfast, Maine 04915
United States

Back Story

 

Author Robert Bright’s granddaughter, Sara Ruffin, found this book, originally published in 1943, on her father’s bookshelf. It was tattered and worn and the pages brown with age. She was struck by the beautiful drawings depicting a China of another age and of the lovely simple tale of a Chinese doll who travels around the world in search of someone who wants him.

The original book dust jacket was redesigned and the drawings cleaned up. The Travels of Ching was given a new life. Here it is back again in print and ready to share with a new generation of children.

Author Robert Bright is the writer and illustrator of over 20 children’s books. He is especially known for his beloved Georgie the Ghost series. He was a native of New England where he lived near his children and grandchildren, all of whom inspired his many stories. His books have been charming audiences all over the world for over 60 years.

 

GoodReads Reviews

 

***** Apr 10, 2013 Susan rated it it was amazing

This is classic children's story from the author of Georgie the Ghost. Robert Bright wrote and illustrated "The Travels of Ching" in 1943, a time during WWII when China was heavily occupied by Japan. Ching is a doll made in the interior of China. No one who comes into contact with him seems to want to keep him--except for a little girl who spies him in a toyshop. Ching goes on an adventure across China, over the Pacific Ocean, and across the US, only to find himself back in the arms of the one who loved him all along. It's an endearing story and one enjoyed by both kids and adults. It's also quite fascinating to see China portrayed before 1949.

*****Apr 13, 2013 Gigi Frost rated it it was amazing

Ching is a carefully woven doll whose inadvertent adventures lead him to the best place of all. As he starts off in China, one would hardly imagine the great journey that follows the well-made doll.

It's hard to find stories composed this well. As with most things, the style, direction and tone of writing is different for various time periods; the same can be said about The Travels of Ching. Published in 1943, it still entertains the young minds of 2013.

There is nothing high-tech or even risque a ...more

*****Jun 28, 2013 Matt rated it it was amazing

I won a copy of this book from Good Reads and the publisher.

This is a simple and utterly charming children's book. It's easy to see why this classic book is still in on shelves 70 years later. The simple black and white illustrations, with touches of red for Ching, illustrate the story beautifully. Can't wait to share this story with the students in my class!

***** Apr 16, 2013 cherie rated it it was amazing

The use of simple text and clever illustrations in black, white and a touch of red, help to guide you effortlessly through this wonderful story. The book flows beautifully. It brings a smile to my face every time I pick it up. A book for all ages to be explored time and again.


**** Apr 08, 2013 Elizabeth Braun rated it really liked it

The Travels of Ching by Robert Bright is an enchanting tale about a doll's adventurous quest in search of someone who wants him. The book is cleverly illustrated, which makes it a delightful book to read to children

**** Jun 20, 2013 Kathy rated it really liked it

 

 

More Background on DenioPress.com

DenioPress.com is a specialized publishing website with a focus on children’s literature, rare and limited-edition books, and the preservation of classic works. While it does not have widespread mainstream coverage, it has carved out a distinctive niche in the world of independent publishing. This article delivers a detailed exploration of DenioPress.com, covering its history, business model, audience, reputation, cultural significance, and more—synthesizing information from a variety of reputable sources beyond the website itself.

History and Background

DenioPress.com is operated by Denio Press LLC, registered in Belfast, Maine. The company’s physical address and business registration details confirm its status as a small, independent press. Notably, Denio Press is not listed among the major retailers or publishers in the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce, indicating its specialized and boutique nature within the broader publishing landscape.

The company’s primary mission centers around reviving classic and out-of-print children’s books, often issuing them in limited-edition formats. This approach is typical among small presses that serve collectors, enthusiasts, and those passionate about literary preservation.

Publishing Model: Hybrid, Self-Publishing, or Vanity Press?

DenioPress.com operates in a space often referred to as “hybrid publishing” or “self-publishing services.” According to discussions in industry forums and self-publishing communities, Denio Press offers comprehensive service packages that include editing, cover design, layout, and printing, with costs borne by the author. This differentiates it from traditional publishing, where the publisher assumes financial risk and pays royalties to the author.

Key Characteristics:

  • Authors pay upfront for bundled services such as editing, design, and printing.

  • Authors retain more creative control but are also responsible for marketing and distribution.

  • The model is not a scam, but it is not traditional publishing, as manuscripts are not selected solely on merit and the publisher does not invest in the project.

Community Perception:
The self-publishing community is divided on the value of such services. Some see them as a legitimate way to bring niche projects to market, while others caution about high costs and limited support beyond production. The prevailing view is that these services are best for authors who understand they are purchasing a product, not being “discovered” or promoted by a traditional publisher.

Audience and Market

DenioPress.com primarily targets:

  • Parents and grandparents seeking high-quality, nostalgic children’s books.

  • Book collectors interested in limited-edition reprints of classic works.

  • Self-publishing authors looking for a streamlined way to produce and distribute their works, especially in children’s literature.

The emphasis on limited-edition, high-quality print runs appeals to those who value books as collectible objects as much as reading material.

Reputation and Reviews

Reader and Author Feedback

While DenioPress.com is not widely reviewed in mainstream media, feedback from forums and review sites provides insight into its standing:

  • Production Quality: Many customers and authors praise the physical quality of the books, noting attention to detail in printing and binding.

  • Customer Service: Experiences vary. Some authors appreciate the hands-on guidance, while others report slow communication or unmet marketing promises—a common issue in the self-publishing service sector.

  • Cost: The service is generally considered expensive compared to DIY self-publishing. Some authors feel the value is justified by the convenience and bundled services; others believe the costs outweigh the benefits.

Industry Perspective

Publishing professionals emphasize that while companies like Denio Press offer legitimate services, they are not substitutes for traditional publishers. Authors should be cautious about high upfront fees and should not expect significant marketing or distribution support unless they are prepared to manage those aspects themselves.

Press and Media Coverage

DenioPress.com has not been featured in major national newspapers or literary journals. Its media presence is primarily within niche online communities, self-publishing forums, and book review websites. This is typical for small presses and self-publishing service providers, who often rely on word-of-mouth, social media, and author testimonials for promotion.

Cultural and Social Significance

Preservation of Classic Children’s Literature

DenioPress.com’s most notable contribution is its role in preserving and reintroducing classic children’s books. In an era when many older works fall out of print and risk being forgotten, small presses like Denio Press ensure these stories remain accessible to new generations.

The Rise of Self-Publishing

The company exemplifies the broader trend of democratization in publishing. With traditional publishers focusing on mass-market titles, many niche or personal projects would not reach readers without the services of companies like Denio Press. This has allowed for a greater diversity of voices and stories in the literary marketplace.

Criticisms and Challenges

Despite these positive aspects, the hybrid/vanity press model is not without controversy. Critics argue that high costs and limited post-publication support can leave authors disappointed, especially if they are not fully informed about the realities of self-publishing. There is also concern about the blurring of lines between legitimate service providers and predatory vanity presses, which may exploit aspiring writers.

Specifics and Examples

Book Production and Limited Editions

DenioPress.com is known for producing limited-edition reprints of children’s books, often with high production values. These editions are marketed as collectible items, appealing to nostalgic adults and collectors. The use of quality materials, such as hardbound covers and offset printing, distinguishes these books from mass-market paperbacks.

Author Experience

Authors who work with Denio Press typically receive a package of services, including:

  • Manuscript editing

  • Cover and interior design

  • Printing and binding

  • ISBN assignment

However, distribution and marketing are usually the author’s responsibility, unless additional services are purchased.

Community Engagement

While Denio Press does not have a large public profile, it engages with its audience through:

  • Book giveaways and contests

  • Participation in local book fairs or literary events (as reported by authors)

  • Social media posts highlighting new releases and customer testimonials

Comparison to Other Publishing Models

Feature Traditional Publisher Self-Publishing Platform Hybrid/Vanity Press (DenioPress.com)
Upfront Cost to Author None Low to moderate High
Editorial Selection Highly selective None Minimal
Author Control Limited Full Moderate to full
Marketing Provided Yes No Minimal to moderate (paid extra)
Distribution Wide Self-managed Limited, often self-managed
Royalties Paid to author Paid to author Often lower, after recouping costs

Insights and Takeaways

  • For Readers: DenioPress.com provides access to high-quality, limited-edition children’s books that may not be available elsewhere.

  • For Authors: It offers a streamlined path to publication, but at a significant financial cost and with limited support beyond production.

  • For Collectors: The focus on quality and limited print runs makes these books appealing as collectible items.

  • For the Industry: Denio Press is part of a growing ecosystem of small presses and service providers that fill gaps left by mainstream publishers, but authors must be diligent in understanding what they are buying.

 

DenioPress.com occupies a unique niche in the publishing world: preserving classic children’s literature and providing self-publishing services for authors willing to invest in their own projects. While it is not a scam, nor a traditional publisher, it offers a legitimate—if costly—service for those who value quality and control. As with any publishing decision, potential authors and customers should research thoroughly, weigh the costs and benefits, and set realistic expectations for outcomes.

 

DenioPress.com