The Monkey King Tales From Jataka

A lesson of courage and benevolence may come from the most unlikely of sources and this story certainly does prove that!

The Monkey King warns the other monkeys to beware of pools of water, which may be inhabited by evil spirts. He uses his creative powers to hollow out reeds, so that they may drink from the pools.

Retelling of traditional tales from the East. Through Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim tales, this collection celebrates the centuries-old tradition of storytelling. Richly imaginative and inspiring stories that speak of animal kings and flying elephants, monks, thieves and gods.

Monkey King, China’s most popular hero in lore and legend, has entertained and delighted children for centuries. Born from a rock, Monkey proclaims himself king of all monkeys. But the impish, clever Monkey causes too much trouble for heavenly authorities. He is punished until he agrees to provide protection for a Buddhist monk on a difficult journey to India to fetch sacred writings and bring them back to China. Monkey needs all his magical tricks and secret weapons, as he and his companions, Pigsy, Sandy, and Horse, confront demons, monsters, and dangerous situations throughout their long trek.

The Prince of Benares learns a valuable lesson from the monkey king who gives his life to save his herd.

The bestselling Journey to the West comic book by artist Chang Boon Kiat is now back in a brand new fully coloured edition. Journey to the West is one of the greatest classics in Chinese literature. It tells the epic tale of the monk Xuanzang who journeys to the West in search of the Buddhist sutras with his disciples, Sun Wukong, Sandy and Pigsy. Along the way, Xuanzang's life was threatened by the diabolical White Bone Spirit, the menacing Red Child and his fearsome parents and, a host of evil spirits who sought to devour Xuanzang's flesh to attain immortality. Bear witness to the formidable Sun Wukong's (Monkey God) prowess as he takes them on, using his Fiery Eyes, Golden Cudgel, Somersault Cloud, and quick wits! Be prepared for a galloping read that will leave you breathless!

If you think Superman or Spiderman has been around a long time, think about Monkey. He has been China's favorite superhero for at least five centuries. He's amazingly strong, he can fly, and he has a few tricks those other superheroes never heard of. And he's always ready to do battle with demons, dragons -- sometimes even the gods. Monkey stars in The Journey to the West, an epic comic fantasy from the sixteenth century. The part retold here is about Monkey's origin and early career -- and the one time he didn't come out on top. For ages 10 and up. Not illustrated! ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Sea King's Daughter," "Lady White Snake," and many more children's books. His stories have appeared often in Cricket magazine, while his Web site is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater. Once a professional storyteller, Aaron specializes in lively retellings of folktales and other traditional literature, which have won him honors from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Bank Street College of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society. Cover artist Xiaojun Li, a native of Inner Mongolia, was an award-winning children's book illustrator and art director in China before moving to the United States. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE "Here I am, only four hundred years old," said the Monkey King, "and I've already reached the heights of greatness. What is left to hope and strive for? What can be higher than a king?" "Your Majesty," said the gibbon carefully, "we have ever been grateful for that time four centuries ago when you hatched from the stone, wandered into our midst, and found for us this hidden cave behind the waterfall. We made you our king as the greatest honor we could bestow. Still, I must tell you that kings are not the highest of beings." "They're not?" said the Monkey King. "No, Your Majesty. Above them are gods, who dwell in Heaven and govern Earth. Then there are Immortals, who have gained great powers and live forever. And finally there are Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, who have conquered illusion and escaped rebirth." "Wonderful!" cried the Monkey King. "Maybe I can become all three!" He considered a moment, then said, "I think I'll start with the Immortals. I'll search the earth till I've found one, then learn to become one myself!"

A Monkey King whose tribe is attacked by humans risks his life to save his troop. When he is fatally harmed by one of his own subjects, the good monkey leader dies of a broken heart. A human king who observes this display of selflessness, vows to always remember the teachings of the noble Monkey King.