This colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book presents Chinese fairy tales and other folk stories--providing insight into a rich literary culture. Treasury of Chinese Folk Tales is a wonderful collection of seven classic Chinese stories that make for great reading adventures. From the stories of Pan Gu and Nu Wo, creators of the world, to Bai Su-Tzin, a snake who took on human form and found true love, this mesmerizing book includes myths of creation, mortality and love. More than just a Chinese children's storybook, Treasury of Chinese Folk Tales also explores the historical impact and roots of each tale, inviting you and the children you love to enjoy the many layers of meaning contained within them fully. The included pronunciation guide, as well as information for further reading, makes this a perfect tool for educators, librarians and parents.
The fairy tales and legends of olden China have in common with the "Thousand and One Nights" an oriental glow and glitter of precious stones and gold and multicolored silks, an oriental wealth of fantastic and supernatural action. And yet they strike an exotic note distinct in itself. The seventy-three stories here presented after original sources, embracing "Nursery Fairy Tales," "Legends of the Gods," "Tales of Saints and Magicians," "Nature and Animal Tales," "Ghost Stories," "Historic Fairy Tales," and "Literary Fairy Tales," probably represent the most comprehensive and varied collection of oriental fairy tales ever made available for American readers. There is no child who will not enjoy their novel color, their fantastic beauty, their infinite variety of subject. Yet, like the "Arabian Nights," they will amply repay the attention of the older reader as well. Some are exquisitely poetic, such as "The Flower-Elves," "The Lady of the Moon" or "The Herd Boy and the Weaving Maiden"; others like "How Three Heroes Came By Their Deaths Because Of Two Peaches," carry us back dramatically and powerfully to the Chinese age of Chivalry. The summits of fantasy are scaled in the quasi-religious dramas of "The Ape Sun Wu Kung" and "Notscha," or the weird sorceries unfolded in "The Kindly Magician." Delightful ghost stories, with happy endings, such as "A Night on the Battlefield" and "The Ghost Who Was Foiled," are paralleled with such idyllic love-tales as that of "Rose of Evening," or such Lilliputian fancies as "The King of the Ants" and "The Little Hunting Dog." It is quite safe to say that these Chinese fairy tales will give equal pleasure to the old as well as the young. They have been retold simply, with no changes in style or expression beyond such details of presentation which differences between oriental and occidental viewpoints at times compel. It is the writer's hope that others may take as much pleasure in reading them as he did in their translation.
For thousands of years, Chinese storytellers have delighted listeners with stories about the value of virtues like honesty, respect, courage and self-reliance. Chinese Folktales collects nineteen of these fantastic tales, some of them dating back to the third century BCE, and retells them in contemporary English for a modern audience. This updated edition--previously titled Chinese Fables--offers the same great stories in a smaller, easier to handle format at a lower price. Each of these stories offers a nugget of ancient folk wisdom and glimpses of traditional Chinese culture and lore. All of the tales express the foibles and wisdom of human experience with great humor and affection. Although the lessons are universal, the wit and flavor are uniquely Chinese. Beautifully illustrated by a master Chinese artist using a patchwork of ancient tones and textures, with a deft touch of humor, this book will give great joy to children and adults alike. Chinese children's stories include: The Practical Bride Stealing the Bell Kwan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy Cooking the Duck Scaring the Tigers The Dragon Slayer The previously published edition, Chinese Fables, won: *The Aesop Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature* *The Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award for Fables, Folklore & Fairytales* *The Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year Award*
Chinese culture is rich with marvelous folklore, and this exquisitely designed collection draws on that magnificent historical repository. It features more than 200 fables and tales chosen from Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio and other classic compendiums. Here are legends of ancient demons, strange ghosts, magic swords, evil sorcerers, diabolical transformations, flying ogres, fairy foxes, powerful gods, and more. They include: The Painted Wall, The Flower Nymphs, The Boatmen of Lao-lung, The King of the Nine Mountains, The Disowned Princess, and dozens more.
Re-issue of this highly acclaimed book, previously published by Cambridge University Press under the title In The Court of the Jade Emperor: Stories from Old China - first edition 1993, second edition 1999.Reviews from the first edition:** 'What riches there are to be read here! A wonderful variety of stories...and in a variety of tellers' voices, so that every story is different and a delightful surprise. The language itself is immediate... the words have a truth and depth... this is a book both to instruct us on Chinese culture and to delight our narrative thirst. A real find!' - School Librarian** 'luminously clear prose' - Times Education Supplement** 'Rosalind Kerven is the author of a number of excellent retellings from around the world, and this collection is as good as the others. The language is lively and direct ... the stories have a timeless feel but are easy to read' - English and Media Magazine ** SELECTED BY THE FEDERATION OF CHILDREN'S BOOK GROUPS FOR NATIONAL TELL A STORY WEEK, 1994A rich tapestry of stories full of extraordinary magic. Read about stern Dragon Kings and enchanted Dragon Princesses; laugh at the outrageous adventures of the super-hero King Monkey; mingle with a colourful crowd of gods and goddesses; visit the terrifying Palace of Boundless Cold; and even discover the secrets of Everlasting Life. The stories will transport you right into the heart and mind of ancient China - one of the oldest and greatest civilisations in the world. ** Stories tried and tested in primary schools over many years - perfect for reading alone or reading aloud ** Ideal for the government's National Curriculum English statutory requirements: 'increasing familiarity with ... fairy stories, myths and legends'** Fun and informative for readers of all ages including adults.Full contents:THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF KING MONKEYPart 1 - In Which Monkey Proves That Nothing Is ImpossiblePart 2 - In Which Monkey Gets Too Big For His BootsPart 3 - In Which Monkey Tastes The Peaches Of ImmortalityPart 4 - In Which Monkey Takes A Giant Leap To NowhereWOMAN-OF-THE-MOON, MAN-OF-THE-SUNTHE FARMER AND THE WEAVING GODDESS (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Nine-Year-Olds)DARKNESSTHE PALACE OF BOUNDLESS COLD (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Eight-Year-Olds)THE GOLDEN KEYTHE MAN WHO DID DRAGON'S WORKTHE HOT PIG AND THE DRAGON PRINCESSTHE GIRL WHO WENT HER OWN WAYCAKES AND KITCHENSSTORM GIRLTHE BOYS WHO FELL OUT OF TIMEBACKGROUND TO THE STORIES
Curated new Myths and Tales. Great floods and river Gods, snake spirits, and Immortals, China's unique set of mythological tales are derived from its vast expanse, diverse culture and the endless wars between tribes and dynasties. The result is a rich landscape of humanity, gods and spirits introduced here in this comprehensive book of folk tales and legendary exploits. The latest title in Flame Tree's beautiful, comprehensive series of Gothic Fantasy titles, concentrates on the ancient, epic origins of modern fantasy.
This colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book presents Chinese fairy tales and other folk stories--providing insight into a vibrant literary culture. Chinese Myths and Legends is a delightful collection of seven classic Chinese stories that make for great reading adventures. From the stories of Pan Gu and Nu Wo, creators of the world, to Bai Su-Tzin, a snake who took on human form and found true love, this mesmerizing book includes myths of creation, mortality, and love. More than just a Chinese children's storybook, Chinese Myths and Legends also explores the origins of each tale, as well as its impact on Chinese culture and history, inviting you and the children you love to enjoy the many layers of meaning. The included pronunciation guide, as well as information for further reading, makes this a perfect tool for educators, librarians, and parents.
