PARIS — Local author Patricia Probert Gott has released her 10th book, “Searching for a Magpie,” following her recent tour of China and Tibet.

The book, which contains 50 color photos, follows her travels from Beijing in eastern China to Xian and to the central city of Chengdu; then from Lhasa, Tibet, in the Himalayas to the old city of Chongqing; then down the Yangtze River past the new Three Gorges Dam to the port city of Shanghai.

Gott describes China as a country of superlatives: the biggest central square in the world, the largest and best imperial palace complex, the world’s largest dam and the world’s largest and longest manmade structure — the Great Wall.

“The Chinese are polite to Americans and try to emulate our culture and characteristics while striving to surpass us in every way. They are happy, peaceful and markedly proud of their country and leaders,” Gott said.

“Searching for a Magpie” may be purchased at www.prgottbooks.net, from Amazon.com or as an e-book from Kindle or Barnes and Nobles’ PubIt e-books.