The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories [Hardcover]

Linda Fang (Author), Jeanne M. Lee (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 1995 | Age Level: 8 and up

"A professional storyteller, Fang uses the tales she heard, read, and loved as a child in Shanghai. Now she has written down nine of those stories whose origins are legends, novels, and operas hundreds of years old. Dramatic, humorous, and touching by turns, the stories often concern difficulties overcome by characters who are kind or clever, or both...A fine, flavorful collection."-Starred/Booklist

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fang, a professional storyteller, makes her publishing debut with nine nimbly told tales. Classic Chinese operas and novels are Fang's principal sources; reportedly, these stories appear here in English for the first time. The plots tend to be more elaborate than those in similar collections, often involving not one but several twists of fate or reversals of fortune. A pronunciation guide and glossary at the end of the volume will help readers cope with the sprinkling of Chinese names and terms. Although the meanings of these words are not always clear from the context ("Mr. Yeh... picked up the ch'ien holder from the altar, drew out two ch'ien, and threw them on the ground"), their use fortifies the already strong ambiance. Adult devotees of Chinese culture and international folklore should check out Fang's unusually informative source notes. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7?A collection of 10 Chinese stories derived from the history of the Warring States Period (770-221 B.C.E.) and from operatic versions of popular tales. Retellings are vivid, lively, and read aloud well. Many have a moral, and all are entertaining; some, like the eponymous story, are quite moving. "The Two Miss Peonys" has appeared in its Sino-Vietnamese version in Lynette Vuong's The Golden Carp (Lothrop, 1993). A list of sources with Fang's commentary is appended, including admission of any changes?in all but one case minor?to the original material. A pronunciation guide and glossary appear in the back of the book. In the former, the author explains with specious reasoning her misguided decision to use the antiquated, inaccurate Wade-Giles transcription for Chinese names and terms; even on its own terms, this guide leaves lots unexplained. Also, defining Chinese terms in a glossary instead of in context only impedes the narrative flow. The black-and-white illustrations?one per selection?are graceful, depicting widely different epochs with amazing accuracy. Except for the aforementioned flaws, this is a charming collection.?John Philbrook, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (January 31, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374312419
• ISBN-13: 978-0374312411
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,413,953 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Works well with a Middle School Ancient China Curriculum, March 26, 2001

By 

S. Smith "a98hoya" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

This past year, it was suggested to me my the publisher of our 6th grade social studies textbook to have the students read the Ch'I-Lin purse in conjunction with our chapter on Ancient China. I cannot tell you how much my students loved this book. They are just wonderful. Of particular interest to my 6th grade girls was the story of the carp fish who gives up her immortality for love. I also have to confess, I really enjoyed this book myself and plan that in years to come, should I have a daughter, I will be reading this book to her.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for youngster, April 27, 2001

By 

Dan (Kansas City, KS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories (Hardcover)

This book was given to my son as a Christmas gift last year and he didn't bother to read it at first. But once he started he couldn't put it down! The stories are very interesting and a Chinese friend told me these are the authentic Chinese stories, unlike some that were Americanized, she herself heard of these stories when she grew up.

Absolutely a good book for young adults.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to celebrate a childs heritage., April 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ch'i-lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

As the mother of a daughter adopted from China I struggle with keeping her background alive in her day to day life. This is just one of many books I read to her at night to celebrate her homeland. Its very well written and easy to understand. She was adopted at three, so often she corrects my pronunciation, and it warms my heart !! I recomend this book to all families of chinese adoptees.