The Monkey Bridge [Hardcover]

Fahimeh Amiri (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up

From the renowned author of The Rough-Face Girl comes an exquisitely rendered version of one of India's best-loved tales about what it means to be a king. In the heart of Benares, on the banks of the river Ganges, stands a tree with fruit so perfect it can only be called treasure. How the tree got there is a tale of two rulers--one selfish and proud, one generous and brave--one a man and one a monkey. Having studied the Buddhist tradition for decades, Martin is at his lyrical best in this fable of how a human king's greed puts a tribe of monkeys in mortal danger, while a monkey king's sacrifice restores peace to his kingdom. Exquisitely illustrated with watercolor and gouache paintings in the authentic style of Indian and Persian miniatures, The Monkey Bridge has something important to say about the nature of true nobility and leadership.  

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4. A retelling of a traditional jataka tale, in which Buddha, in the form of an animal, exerts himself "to inspire greater wisdom and compassion." In this age-old story set in Benares, India, the Monkey King is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save his people. At the center of the strife is the fruit of the Treasure Tree, which bears a strong resemblance to the pomegranate. A greedy human king comes into possession of one of the fruits and vows to find its source. He encounters the Monkey King, who, through his compassion and bravery, teaches the man valuable lessons in leadership and sharing. The retelling itself is awkward in spots, e.g., "One day the Monkey King realized: any fruit that fell from the Treasure Tree into the river would be carried swiftly downstream." With their decorative borders and bright colors, Amiri's lavish paintings have a Persian quality; since India was ruled by Muslim kings during Buddha's lifetime, the illustrations are appropriate. However, the larger size and dark coloring of the Monkey King seems rather incongruous with the smaller, honey-colored monkey subjects. Minor points aside, Martin successfully brings this brightly illustrated story about the meaning of true nobility to a new audience.?Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 6^-9. A tribe of monkeys, led by a monkey king, lives in a most magnificent tree, a tree that grows fruit more aromatic and delicious than any other. When people, who live in a nearby kingdom, discover the wonders of the tree, trouble begins. The human king wants the tree all for himself and sends his bowmen with their weapons. When confronted with arrows, the monkey king uses his own body to help his subjects escape. In this traditional Buddhist folktale from India, humans learn from the animals: the monkey king's action and wisdom serve as a model for the king of the humans. Amiri's detailed, richly colored illustrations convey a distinct sense of place. Young children will enjoy spotting the monkeys spilling over the decorative borders, and the convincing story line and large cast of supporting characters make this an excellent choice for readers' theater or creative drama. Karen Morgan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (May 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679881069
• ISBN-13: 978-0679881063
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #562,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Asian

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Tale, October 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Monkey Bridge (Hardcover)

Don't read the School Library Journal's review. There were no Muslims during the time that the Buddha lived.
This is a wonderful tale that teaches children what the words love and compassion mean. The monkey king is willing to go to great lengths to save his followers. The human king learns what it means to be a caring individual. Every child that I've given this book to or read this story to has loved it. Rafe Martin is a very good author and you can buy any book that he has written with the knowledge that the contents will be worthwhile.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great story and illustration of Buddha's past life., September 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Monkey Bridge (Hardcover)

This is a colorfully illustrated jataka tale of Buddha's past lifetime when he was a monkey king who demonstrated his bravery, sacrifice, compassion and leadership to save his tribe from danger. My four-year old son and his cousins love this book very much and so do I.