Chinese Fairy Tales and Fantasies

Rating:
Summary: Pass on it
Review: I have read Chinese fairy tale books that spark the imagination. Unfortunately this is not one of them. The language is dull and the illustrations are not up to par...I actually fell asleep while reading them several times. This book does a disservice to these tales and hopefully it will not deter others from trying stories from other countries. I bought this book used and it is still not worth the reduced price. The author probably had good intentions but this is one to pass.

Rating:
Summary: A collection worthy of the Grimm Brothers
Review: This is a wonderful collection of simple wonder stories and fables from China, most of very ancient origin. There are even some from the Taoist master Chuang Tzu. They are all very brief, in typical Chinese fashion, very direct to the point, and therefore very leisurely reading. Very reminiscent of the Grimm Brothers, Charles Perault and even Aesop, they also give us a rare and fascinating look at Taoist folklore, for most of these stories come for Taoist tellers speaking out against the Confucian way of thinking. Filled with magic crickets, dragons, and a few ghosts, these make for exotic bedtime stories suitable for all ages.