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)
THE GOLDEN KEY
THE MAN WHO DID DRAGON'S WORK
THE HOT PIG AND THE DRAGON PRINCESS
THE GIRL WHO WENT HER OWN WAY
CAKES AND KITCHENS
STORM GIRL
THE BOYS WHO FELL OUT OF TIME
BACKGROUND TO THE STORIES
