Asian Books

Tikki Tikki Tembo

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General AAS
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths -> Asian

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 114 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Entertaining 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book for my daughter when she was 2 years old and she loved it! I had read it as a child and thought she might enjoy it. The names are tricky, but the kids find it entertaining watching these boys get into such trouble.

Such a great book! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I remember this book from my childhood and my son now laughs at all the silly-sounding repetition. We love to read this book fast!

it's the details 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I recall this book fondly from my childhood and my four year old loves listening to me read it to him. He's a sucker for repeated phrases anyhow, but now as a mom to two boys (both with long names) I am reveling again in the wonderful details in the pictures- the shapes of the kites, the frog and fish in the well, the wonderful illustration of the dream the old man with the ladder is trying to recall as Chang tries to wake him up... and at least for my boys, it sets the tone of how two brothers play and look after each other. I just wish I could find my original record that went with my falling-apart old book so that my boys could experience it the way I did so many years ago.

Editorial Review:

Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-
chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo!

Three decades and more than one million copies later children still love hearing about the boy with the long name who fell down the well. Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent's classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale has hooked legions of children, teachers, and parents, who return, generation after generation, to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name as Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo.

The Five Chinese Brothers (Paperstar)

Claire Huchet Bishop

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Authors & Illustrators, A-Z -> ( W ) -> Wiese, Kurt

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 67 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

It's just a story, isn't it? 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 17 people found this review helpful.

There is something about the magical that deeply appeals to children. That's why fairy tales are so beloved by them. Even folk tales, a more realistic spin-off of fairy tales, are also favorites of children.

No exception is "The Five Chinese Brothers," written by Claire Hucket Bishop and illustrated by Kurt Wiese. This 1938 publication is still in print, testifying to its popularity. The call of political incorrectness just does not apply here. These five brothers are identical, not because all Chinese people look alike, but because they are quintuplets. Does the story say so? No, but it only figures...

These five brothers--each has a unique gift, each strange, but nevertheless, their gifts are what this story is about. The first brother can swallow the sea, the second has an iron neck, the third can stretch his legs indefinitely, the fourth cannot be burned, and the fifth can hold his breath indefinitely.

So the first takes a child fishing and uses his sea-holding ability so that the child can pick seashells and the like normally hidden under the water. Sad, but the little boy is headstrong and won't return to shore, the brother lets out the sea, and the boy disappears. The brother is going to be executed by axe. He asks to go say goodbye to his mother and switches with his second brother whose neck cannot be hurt.

And so on with each brother who is to be punished by death. Finally, after the fifth try, the judge sets him free. He returns home and lives happily with his brothers and mother.

Children love this book because it strikes their fancy: wild abilities, escape from punishment, astonishment of the town folk, and freedom.

I can see that.

Editorial Review:

The classic story about five clever brothers, each with a different extraordinary ability is "a dramatic retelling of an old Chinese tale." (The New York Public Library). " . . . when Bishop makes the tall brother stretch, the sea-swallower work, or the robust one hold his breath, young children will laugh and laugh."--New York Herald Tribune Books. Full color.

The Empty Pot

Demi

Amazon Price: $16.29 List Price: $23.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks Amazon Marketplace: 20 new & used starting at $14.75

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Should be in every child's library! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is such a wonderful book about honesty and humility. I saw it on Between the Lions one day and fell in love with the story. Not much else to say but to make sure you get this book!!

Simply Beautiful! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

As expected from Demi a beautifully illustrated (clean colored and detailed) book, a simple, sweet story with a gentle message. Ages 3 1/2 +

A great introductory book to different cultures. Can also be used as a jump start to many conversations (doing your best, being brave, honesty, growing seeds, seed viability etc)

Editorial Review:

The Empty Pot has sold more than 300,000 copies in hardcover and paperback. Now, in a big book format ideal for Demi’s lavish art, this classic favorite can be shared with a whole group of children at once!

This is a story about a boy who loves flowers but is unable to grow one in the emperor’s contest. Demi’s exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping’s seeming failure is turned around in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded.

“A beautifully crafted book that will be enjoyed as much for the richness
of its illustrations as the simplicity of its story.”—School Library Journal

One Grain Of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale

Demi

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Scholastic Press Amazon Marketplace: 55 new & used starting at $8.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

ANOTHER WONDERFUL OFFERING FROM DEMI 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.

This wonderful Indian folk tale is brought to life by some wonderful illustrations and art work. Demi is one of the better illustrators, and indeed, writers of children's books active today. I do not know of one book by this author that is not a complete delight to the eye and ear.

This is a story of a "Wise Raja" and how he is tricked by a little girl. This ruler made the decision one day that he must gather all the rice in the land and store it away for future use. He left the poor people of the land in a state of starvation while he feasted at his palace from his over filled store houses. One day some grains of rice fall from the basket being carried to the Raja's home and a little girl gathers them up, but instead of keeping the rice, she returns it to the wise ruler. As a reward, he offers her anything she wants. She asks for one grain of rice. The Raja more or less insists she ask for more, so she tells him she would like one grain of rice, but would like to have it doubled every day for thirty days. The first day, one grain, the second two, the third four, and the fifth eight...and so on until the last day. You do the math. Needless to say at the end of the thirty days, the little girl has all the rice and the Raja has none.

This is an interesting story and an excellent lesson in math, in greed, in giving and in compassion, all wrapped up in one small book. The illustrations consists of full page pictures done in the style of India and is sprinkled with traditional miniature paintings as well. The detail and vivid colors are a feast for the eye.

This book seems to fascinate children. I have noted that they pull it form the shelf and set and read and look at the pictures over and over again. As an adult, I know I see something different each time I read the thing to a class. The children are absolutely amazed when it finally dawns on them what the little girl has done and it makes quite an impact when they realize the power of numbers. This is a great read-a-long book as you can give a mini math lesson and a moral lesson at the same time. I never tire reading it. To be honest, the pictures are worth the price of the book alone.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Editorial Review:

A reward of one grain of rice doubles day by day into millions of grains of rice when a selfish raja is outwitted by a clever village girl.

Chinese Children's Favorite Stories

Mingmei Yip

Amazon Price: $12.89 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tuttle Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $10.43

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Something I'd want to have for my own collection 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

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.

Editorial Review:

This volume of beloved Chinese stories contains a delightful selection from the rich store of Chinese folklore and legend. Discover the many delightful animal characters as well as Chang-E, the famous Eight Immortals, and Guan Yin, goddess of compassion. Retold for an international audience, the beautifully illustrated stories will give children aged six to ten in other countries a glimpse into both the tradition and culture of China.

Other titles in the series include Japanese Children's Favorite Stories: Books One and Two , Balinese Children's Favorite Stories, Filipino Children's Favorite Stories, and Singapore Children's Favorite Stories. Korean Children's Favorite Stories, andFavorite Children's Stories from China and Tibet.

Japanese Children's Favorite Stories Book One

Florence Sakade, Yoshisuke Kurosaki

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths -> Asian

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Playful goblins with long noses, magic tea kettles and a delightfully brave hero who just happens to be one inch tall-these are some of the wonderful characters you'll meet in this collection of the 20 best-loved Japanese children's stories. Drawn from folklore and passed down for generations, these classic tales speak of the virtues of hard work, humility, kindness and good humor-"Once upon a time . . ." has never sounded so inviting.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of one of our all-time best-selling titles. With a new foreword, each story has been lovingly revised and reset, and all the sparkling illustrations appear in color for the very first time. With so many enchanting stories to choose from, young readers will have a delightful time deciding which is their very favorite.

This classic book has had 51 reprints and sold over 175,000 copies since it was first released in 1953. Other titles in our growing series of Asian Children's Favorite Stories include Favorite Children's Stories from China and Tibet, Balinese Children's Favorite Stories and Filipino Children's Favorite Stories.

Yeh-Shen (Paperstar Book)

Ai-Ling Louie

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Not appropriate for young children 1 out of 5 stars.
34 of 67 people found this review helpful.

I am very enthusiastic about exposing my children to different cultures and ideas, and when I saw this book and read the reviews on Amazon, I was excited to get it for my girls. When the book arrived, I read it immediately. The story and the pictures are beautiful. I liked everything until the very last sentence of the book -- I was very surprised to read that Yeh-Shen's stepmother and stepsister were "crushed to death in a shower of flying stones." Although I understand that this may be part of the original story, I am giving this book one star because it is supposed to be appropriate for children 4-8. I don't believe, with such a violent and disturbing ending, that it is appropriate for this age group.

more realistic cinderella 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Bought this for my 6-yo niece, who reads very well. It's a great version of the Cinderella story, set in China. Instead of fairies and magic, the story is woven with events that could actually happen. (Makes me wonder if it inspired Cinderella, or vice versa.) Loved it, and so does my niece!

Editorial Review:

"A misty dreamlike air. A worthwhile addition to picture-book collections."-- Booklist. A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award Winner. An ALA Notable Children's Book. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. An IRA Children's Choice. An IRA Teachers' Choice. Full color.

One Thousand and One Arabian Nights (Oxford Story Collections)

Geraldine McCaughrean

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths -> Anthologies

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Avoid 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Ridiculously inaccurate translation that dumbs everything down to the level of children. As you can see from some of the other reviews, most people seem to think they're dealing with kidlit from the outset, but if you value world literature, then castigate Oxford for this pop atrocity. It's certainly not for anyone who loves life and reading. The elegant and sinuous Burton translation is, so far, still the way to go.

Best translation I found 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I have been searching for a decent copy of Arabian Nights for years. I originally bought the really nice, leather-bound, 3 volume collection....big mistake. Most 1001 Nights are translated by Richard Burton, whom you should stay away from at all costs. Although his translation is more accurate, it is HARD to read. It's written in old English with 10-line sentences.

That being said, this translation is much more enjoyable to read. Although it does not have every tale, it has all the major stories you are looking for including: Aladdin, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, and Sinbad. This is for younger readers so certain points of the original were left out. For instance, the desire for the slave-girl Jesmin (in Aladdin) was romanticized a bit. Nonetheless, it is far more pleasurable to read than any version I came across. I suppose it's as child friendly as a story about a man murdering every woman in the world after he has sex with them can be.

Editorial Review:

King Shahryar kills a new wife every night, because he is afraid she will stop loving him. But his new bride Shahrazad has a clever plan to save herself. Her nightly stories--of Sinbad the Sailor, Ali Baba, and many other heroes and villains--are so engrossing that King Shahryar has to postpone her execution again and again... This illustrated edition brings together all the Arabian Nights tales in an original retelling by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean.

(paperback reissue of ISBN 0-19-274500-X)

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

Ed Young

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

terrified mother 1 out of 5 stars.
8 of 21 people found this review helpful.

The story goes beyond bad. This is a story of three little girls that torture and kill the wolf in a premeditated way. My 4 year-old son was very sad after someone read the story to him in a school interview to preschool. He said to me that it was a bad story, and the girls have done "bad choices". I can't believe this is in the list of books recommended for 4 and 5's.

When is a bad wolf not a bad wolf? 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Dedicated to all the wolves of the world for lending their good name as a tangible symbol for our darkness (Ed Young's own dedication)

Cultural anthropologists tell us there are similar fairy tales all over the world. This retelling of the Chinese version of the Big Bad Wolf certainly is cause for the awarding of the Caldecott Medal for Best Children's Literature in 1990. In addition to his story, Ed Young's shape-shifting art merges tale with sight for a free-flowing, fluid interpretation of the wolf.

The Chinese tale is different. Three little girls are left home while their mother goes to see the sick grandmother. At dark the wolf makes his appearance, blowing out the inside light as soon as possible. The illustrations are murky, like the light in the room, and only glints of teeth and whites of eyes can be discerned. But the oldest girl knows what's up and tricks the wolf into wanting gingko nuts high in the tree outside their house.

No woodchoppers in the Chinese version--only one smart oldest daughter and two thoughtful, obedient younger daughters. How they defeat the wolf is sheer brilliance.

Ed Young's illustrations deserve separate praise. Since most of the story takes place during the cover of night, he must show his scenes in darkness. However, he adds touches and big swaths of reds, purples, greens, blues, salmons, golds, to present the story. Beautiful, eye-popping, and very effective!

Editorial Review:

A haunting Chinese rendition of the classic tale of "Little Red Riding Hood" follows the adventures of young Shang, Tao, and Paotze, who encounter a terrifying wolf. Reprint. Caldecott Medal. Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. AB. SLJ. H.

The Funny Little Woman (Picture Puffins)

Arlene Mosel, Blair Lent

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

tee-hee-hee-he 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

A little women makes dumplings, a dumpling rolls down a hill and that is how her adventure begins. I like this book becouse it has a little bit of seeing for your self. I think if you like adventures with a little bit of humor thrown in, you'll love the funny little women.

An underground treasure 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Here's another I came across at the library for my daughter. I was delighted as I remembered it from youth. There are so few books that stick in your mind forever. That's what makes them so endearing. And after all, kids are the Real critics. Do they remember or forget?

Both the story and illustrations are unforgettable. The pictures tell a story all their own. The colors are breathtaking with gorgeous jade, warm browns, dazzling yellows, bright orange and black accents. Anyone who loves monsters like in 'Where the Wild Ones Are' will appreciate the "wicked" oni, who are called that, I think, just for added appeal as they are really just hungry, horned, three-eyed, long-haired monsters who want the Funny Little Woman to be their cook since, well, after all...she's there. I think another aspect which makes this book so appealing is that the child can see above ground and underground at the same time; however, only the location that is taking place in any given time during the story is in color yet both are still intriguing. I remember as a child being fascinated with the old man in the story who never says a word but is a powerful presence in the story, nonetheless. He adds some mystery which is always a good thing in a story.

BOTTOM LINE: The funny little woman, no matter WHAT happens good or bad, ALWAYS laughs and makes the Best of the situation. This is a simple yet terrific take-home point of the story that ages 5-105 can appreciate. Books with an interesting story, fascinating, colorful illustrations AND have a lesson to learn are always welcome in our home. I'm so glad this book is still in print. It's a timeless classic.

Soar!

Editorial Review:

While chasing a dumpling, a little lady is captured by wicked creatures from whom she escapes with the means of becoming the richest woman in Japan.