Monkey: The Classic Chinese Adventure Tale

by David Seow, Lak-Khee Tay-Audouard

A mischievous monkey, a river monster, and a hideous pig-like creature, all cursed by the Jade Emperor, agree to accompany the Great Scripture Seeker on his mission to bring Lord Buddha's scriptures back to China. Based on a section of the Chinese epic "Journey to the West."

Genres: Picture Books, China, Cultural, Childrens, Nonfiction, Asia, Folklore

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1900

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

My biggest criticism is that it stops abruptly. If children's books need sequels ... this needs a sequel. It's one book when it should be a series, it's only sort of about the Monkey King (arguably more about him than any other character)--essentially, it's a talented storyteller and a great illustrator who tried to do too much in 30 pages. At least by an adult reader's standards.

tl;dr Nice introduction to the Monkey King and some other classic Chinese figures. Illustrations are gorgeous. Ends abruptly, though.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time, the Celestial Emperor chose a monk to find the teachings of Budha, but the monk had to face many dangers to reach the end of his quest. Fortunately, he had help, including the monkey king.

This is a fun story, but I feel like it just kind of skips around and didn't actually come to an end. Is there a volume two?

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Jade Emporer and the Goddess of Mercy employ The Great Scripture Seeker to travel to India and bring the wisdom of Buddha back to China. Along the way, he has strange encounters with people who become allies, including the Monkey King.

Wordy. Okay art. Not sure why the Monkey King gets top billing.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed and full of Chinese folklore, this book really stood out to me. The illustrations were creative and animated with lots of movement and dynamic shapes.!! I am not familiar with the folktales of China but this is a sweet introduction!

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, beautiful illustration.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it aloud.

A great introduction for children to the Monkey King and his Journey to the West.

[Satvika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playful and colorful hardcover book that really nice..it's a brief story (a really really brief) about Journey to the West..

[Irina Darmawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book, great illustration, but the story is too short. Hope it has more detailed story.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Niece enjoyed this book. It's a different kind of story and the art is captivating. It feels like it ends in the middle of the story and does not finish it. I didn't like that. I enjoyed reading this Chinese myth. I like how the monkey comes across a scary looking character and he ends up helping monkey on his journey and is not scary. It's a nice twist.