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, 1994
A 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 MONKEY
Part 1 - In Which Monkey Proves That Nothing Is Impossible
Part 2 - In Which Monkey Gets Too Big For His Boots
Part 3 - In Which Monkey Tastes The Peaches Of Immortality
Part 4 - In Which Monkey Takes A Giant Leap To Nowhere
WOMAN-OF-THE-MOON, MAN-OF-THE-SUN
THE FARMER AND THE WEAVING GODDESS (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Nine-Year-Olds)
DARKNESS
THE PALACE OF BOUNDLESS COLD (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Eight-Year-Olds)