$19.95

Monkey King, China’s most famous folk hero, has entertained and delighted children for centuries. In fact, stories about Monkey and his adventures are so popular in China, they are the subject of movies, TV programs, comic books, and opera performances.

Born from a rock, Monkey proclaims himself king of all monkeys. But the impish, clever, Monkey causes too much difficulty for heavenly authorities. He is punished until he agrees to provide protection for a Buddhist monk on a difficult journey to India. Monkey needs all his magical tricks and secret weapons, as he and his companions, Pigsy, Sandy, and Horse, confront demons, monsters, and tight situations. There are as many versions as there are storytellers.

The tales are set in the China of myth—the Middle Kingdom and are based on the story of a famous Chinese monk, Xuan Zang who went to India in the 7th century to bring back Buddhist scriptures to China. It is a universe where Buddhas have achieved enlightenment; where a Celestial Emperor and his mandarins (officials) manage the affairs of men; where saints must fight monsters and souls seek rebirth. Magic permeates everything. All living beings are bound in the eternal cycle of life and death, birth and rebirth, but good triumphs over evil.

This may be one of the longest fairy tale cycles in the world. Even better, it is one where little girls don’t have to wait for their Prince Charmings and where little boys can slay monsters without having to marry the princess and end up with the burdens of ruling a kingdom.

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Harcover: $19.95, 6" x 9", 194 pages, illustrated in black and white, ISBN: 978-1-881896-30-2