Myths of China: Meet the Gods, Creatures, and Heroes of Ancient China

by Xiaobing Wang, Katie Ponder (Illustrator)

Delve into a world of magical creatures, powerful gods and brave warriors in this thrilling compendium of ancient Chinese myths. With 20 exciting tales alongside fascinating historical information, this is a must-have introduction for young readers intrigued by the ancient civilization of China.

From the creation of the world to the first emperors, this book charts the full sweep of ancient Chinese mythology, revealing fascinating elements of culture and religion along the way. The enthralling stories introduce mighty gods and mischievous creatures, while a handy reference section is packed with information about the ancient Chinese people themselves. Learn why the Chinese New Year is celebrated with lots of noise, how Yi the Archer shot down nine suns shining in the sky, and how the Chinese zodiac began.

It's time to ride on the back of a Chinese dragon, cross the Milky Way on the bridge of magpies, and join the Jade Rabbit on the Moon. This book brings the world of ancient China to life and is the perfect gift for children who love history and mythology.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, China, Picture Books, Childrens

144 pages, Hardcover

Published July 23, 2024

Reviews

[Mai H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I grew up learning about Greek and Roman mythology, the myths of my background aren't particularly known to me. I'm trying to make up for that now. There is some good information here, along with some beautiful illustrations. I recognize Chang'e from retellings, but I have so much more to learn before I can easily differentiate the rest.

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and DK Children

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit oversimplified but gives you some basics of Chinese mythology

[Tasha Mutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book about the ancient beliefs of China. There are many interesting myths that I have never heard of before. I was very intrigued and even reading to my littles, they were entertained. This is a great source for anyone who has an interest in learning about China's mythology. The illustrations add to the lore of these myths and help visualize everything. It is so important that we learn about other cultures so that we can better understand each other and this is an amazing place to start.

Thank you NetGalley, Xiaobing Wang, and DK Children for allowing me to review.

[Frank Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Review bezieht sich auf die deutsche Edition, die unter dem Titel "Chinesische Mythen: Von Glücksdrachen, mächtigen Kaisern und wundersamen Kreaturen" und der ISBN "3831050791" bei Dorling Kindersley Deutschland erschienen ist. Mehr zu dem Buch findet auf meinem Blog "Der Büchernarr".

Die Kultur in China ist allen Unkenrufen zum Trotz und unbestritten reichhaltig und traditionell. Immerhin bestieg der erste Kaiser den Thron im Jahre 221 v. Chr. und das chinesische Reich währte 2.000 Jahre lang. Hinzu kommt die schiere Größe des Landes mit seiner unglaublichen Vielfalt unterschiedlicher Kulturen, gegen die auch das moderne Regime nichts ausrichten kann. Kein Wunder, dass unzählige Mythen entstanden, die bis ins moderne China überdauert haben.

Das Buch richtet sich an Kinder und entsprechend aufbereitet sind die Texte und Grafiken. Die meisten Mythen sind in kurzen und einfachen Sätzen formuliert, so dass auch Kinder ab zirka acht Jahren keine Probleme haben dürften, die Geschichten zu verstehen. Inhaltlich stellen die Erzählungen höchstens dann ein Problem dar, wenn Ereignisse einfach so passieren, ohne dass ein Antrieb oder Auslöser zu erkennen ist.

Wer sich mit den Mythen der westlichen Welt ein wenig auskennt, wird durchaus Parallelen erkennen, aber gleichzeitig auch massive Unterschiede. Das macht die chinesischen Mythen so spannend, denn sie sind auf der einen Seite irgendwie bekannt und auf der anderen wiederum nicht. Ich denke, dass auch interessierte Kinder sich an diesem Umstand ereifern können.

Die Illustrationen sind durchweg relativ kantig ausgefallen, was aber ganz gut zu den chinesischen Mythen und dem chinesischen Weltbild passt, das hier in Europa vorherrscht (keine Ahnung, ob dies gerechtfertigt ist oder nicht).

Es gibt in unserer Welt immer wieder Berichte oder Ereignisse, die auf den Mythen Chinas basieren. Deshalb finde ich diese Zusammenstellung sehr gelungen, in der sich z.B. auch der chinesische Tierkreis wiederfindet oder wie das Neujahrsfest entstand. Es gibt immer wieder einen Brückenschlag zum modernen China und was die Menschen dort auch heute noch glauben und zelebrieren. Allerdings glaube ich schon, dass die junge Leserschaft ausreichend Interesse an anderen Kulturen zeigen muss, damit dieses gute Buch auch ankommt.

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in this book in-part because I often try to give books as gifts to children of friends and partly because I have been reading a bit of fiction based on myths recently and though Greco-Roman mythology was covered fairly well in my schooling, and Norse, Celtic, and even Egyptian myths were touch on, sadly Asian myths were not. I wanted to fill in the gaps in my own knowledge in a gentle way, and see how much myth was laced into the novels that I've been reading. I found the information was presented nicely with clear succinct stories, and nice summaries of legends, and although it was definitely written for young readers to digest, even as an adult, I enjoyed the reading as a solid introduction. There is a neat breakdown of topics into chapters: A brief on the land that is China, Beginnings that covers creation and origin myths, Magical Creatures, Journey and Adventure tales, Myths of Love and Friendships, a section about the myths, a pronunciation guide and even a nice section on the Chinese zodiac. Nearly every page is beautifully illustrated in full color to bring an added dimension to the stories and engage kids. Although I read an electronic copy, I would probably look at a physical copy for kids. There is something about a tactile connection and seeing these illustrations on glossy pages that I think will be more engaging for younger readers. I'm looking forward to picking up this volume for a few young readers for the holidays.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, DK Children) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Ebbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm trying to rate it in the context of it being middle grade + I know my experience wasn't optimal since I've listened to the audiobook. I needed a short audiobook to wait for my holds to come through last week.

I think it's doing what it sets to do. However, I'd say as an audiobook, there could have been more effort put into adding some sound effect and music, since it's middle grade and the physical format has picture. As an audiobook, it's not the best experience on that front, on top of the information being set in different vignettes, not always connected to one another, with repetitions here and there. I bet it's a lot better to read this with your eyeballs.

My adult comment on it is that I wish there was more, that some stuff were developped deeper instead of some of the repetitions we get. But I bet this book can be great for childreen wanting to learn a little more about chinese culture and its most famous myths. It's an okay intro to all of that, and I've seen enough of the illustrations to say it's very pretty. I bet I would be captivated by them if I was a child.

[Veronika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Čínske mýty je bohato ilustrovaná publikácia, ktorá prevedie čitateľa svetom starovekej Číny ako jednou z najstarších civilizácii sveta.

Všeobecne sú tieto knihy z edície o svetových mýtoch zamerané predovšetkým na bohaté ilustrácie ako na textovu podobu, ale zaručene v nich nájdete zaujímavé príbehy o vzniku sveta, o čínskych bohoch, hrdinoch, magických tvoroch, neobyčajných bytostí, príšer, teda príbehy sú skutočne rôznorodé.

Príbehy pôsobia dobrodružne, teda sú na čítanie lákavé rovnako aj exotické prostredie samotnej Číny, ktorej kultúra pre nás môže pôsobiť vzdialene a tajomne a možno aj táto publikácia nám práve do nej pootvorí dvierka.

Miestami kniha pôsobí až rozprávkovo a v spojení s dokonalými, pestrofarebnými ilustráciami tvorí kompaktný celok a zaujme nie len mladších čitateľov, pre ktorých je primárne určená, ale aj starších čitateľov, keďže poskytne určite aj nové, predtým nepoznané informácie.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is meant for children, but as an adult, I enjoyed reading these myths. I even learned some new ones that I hadn't heard before.

Like all folktales, I'm sure there are different variations depending on who you ask. I liked the author's spin on the Jade Rabbit, but it was definitely not the version I had originally heard.

Since it was meant for children, some of the tales seemed "simplified" compared to their "original" and I find myself longing for novel-length retellings. If anyone knows of one for the butterfly lovers, please let me know!

[Briar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, DK Children Publishing, and Xiaobing Wang for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed several things about this book, the accessibility, the artwork, and the variety of stories that were shared. In schools in the US, we mostly learn about Greek and Roman mythology. I think this book would be a great addition to any history curriculum or student library.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defs enjoyed!!! Like literally why did we hear about the same greek/roman myths over and over again in school growing up? Don't get me wrong I was obsessed with those too. But this is a fun new set of myths for me to love! The only myth I knew prior to reading was the story of the zodiac animal race.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful artwork.

[Linda Luz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ de 5. Formato: #Audiobook🎧 #Lindaluzentrelibros #Read #lecturas #dk

[ThymeOperator · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my nearly 7yo son. A great introduction for children, with sumptuous illustrations.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent collection of myths to enhance my youngest son's ancient history studies.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with my oldest.

[LudmilaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Beautiful introduction to chinese mythology which I love. The stories captured my heart.