Chinese Children's Favorite Stories (Hardcover)

by Mingmei Yip (Author) "A long time ago in ancient China, all roads to the capital of Luoyang were teeming every day with people from the four corners and..." (more)
Key Phrases: Jade Emperor, Ming Ming, Eastern Ocean (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2–A collection of 13 traditional "thousand-year-old" stories. In her introduction, Yip fondly acknowledges her father's role as family storyteller as the inspiration for this book. Some stories will be familiar, such as "The Mouse Bride," though this version is a little different from Lida Dijkstra's Little Mouse (Front St, 2004) and Ed Young's Mouse Match (Harcourt, 1997). Other selections include traditional Chinese elements such as dragons and the mischievous monkey king. Like fables, these tales have morsels of wisdom to impart, and almost all have a close connection with the natural world. Explanations of cultural elements are nicely incorporated into the text, such as the qin, a musical instrument. Yip's writing is clear and accessible to children, and the bright pastel illustrations are appealing. An attractive addition for larger collections.–Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH

From Booklist
Gr. 3-5, younger for reading aloud. These 13 stories feature talking animals, a ghost catcher, a trickster fox, the River Dragon King, and the mischievous monkey Wu Kong, as well as cowherds, scholars, musicians, and emperors. Some tales have morals; others explain customs or traditions. Most are familiar, but no sources are cited other than the author's storytelling father. The art has a traditional Chinese look, with conventional landscapes, animals, and roly-poly, cherubic children. A small ghost peeks out from the binding after one ghost story. Storytellers may prefer other collections of Chinese folklore, but children will be drawn by the abundant colorful illustrations and the short, straightforward retellings. Linda Perkins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (January 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804835896
• ISBN-13: 978-0804835893
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #46,177 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #8 in	Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Asian
  #23 in	Books > Children's Books > Educational > Explore the World > Fiction > Asia

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something I'd want to have for my own collection, August 17, 2007

By	Jennifer J. Timmons "womanwarrior007" (Princess Anne, MD, USA) - See all my reviews

Mingmei Yip is an excellent writer--very engaging. And her illustrations are very colorful and eye-catching as well. I was looking for books to introduce Chinese culture to my young nieces, nephews, and cousins, and I can definitely recommend this one. I couldn't put it down myself, late one night! I had checked out a slew of books from the library, but only some met my criteria of excellent writing and good pictures. Some had one or the other: this one had BOTH. I don't give anything I wouldn't want myself...I sure wish I had this when I was growing up! Adults can enjoy this, too.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Armies of memories march across my mind, October 15, 2005

By	Lin Fong-O'Neill "Author of Tiger! Tiger! Tai... (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

These beautifully told and illustrated stories brought me back to my bedside at my childhood. My parents had told me similar tales of bravery, honors and resilience. Not only those lessons has guided me through life, I taught my child the same values. Children and adults will enjoy this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My 7 year-old daughter likes this book, April 10, 2007

By	M. Welenson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We have been reading a different story from the book each night. They are a good legnth for bedtime. My daughter is adopted from China and is usually not that receptive to reading books with Chinese subject matter, but she loves this book. All of the stories are new to us, too. The pictures are colorful and nicely detailed.