Review by Booklist Review
In this pastel-toned retelling of a portion of the Chinese classic, Journey to the West, a virtuous monk, here called Tripitaka, wishes to find a set of important scriptures for the Jade Emperor. Tripitaka sets out with his horse in tow, and before long he meets Monkey, who promises to help him in exchange for the Jade Emperor's favor. Along the way, they find more creatures to battle, but at almost every encounter, their foe turns out to be another disciple hoping to regain his standing, and before long, Tripitaka has three companions: Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy. Tay-Audouard's soft, rounded figures recall classic illustrations of these iconic figures, and her dynamic layouts and cantilevered points-of-view imbue the scenes with engaging action and movement. Though the text is a bit long on each page, and some kids might be disappointed that this retelling concludes just before the four friends embark on their dangerous journey together, this will be a useful addition to libraries hoping to expand the diversity of their folklore collections.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-The source material, Wu Cheng'en's 16th-century novel Journey to the West, abounds in plot: Seow begins with the Jade Emperor's displeasure at China's disorder. Guan Yin appeases him, promising to send a monk to bring Buddha's words from India. She picks Tripitaka, who encounters Monkey, Pigsy, and then Sandy: each needs saving from the consequences of his past impulsivity (only Monkey's fame awards him top billing). Their stories are so enthralling that the abrupt final sentence-assuring readers that the foursome would have adventures on their journey-is a letdown. However, there is nothing disappointing about the illustrations, which swirl across the pages in vibrant, pearly colors, with scenes viewed from the lofty perspective of goddess or emperor. Intricate designs and subtle details (seal chops, oracle bone-like script, operatic costumes, and traditional decorative motifs) reward repeated readings, while boldface phrases signal to librarians the moment to show a group the illustration. The wider focus complements Ed Young's Monkey King or Ji-Li Jiang's The Magical Monkey King: Mischief in Heaven. VERDICT An engaging introduction to a classic tale, especially for libraries seeking to expand their Chinese literature selections.-Patricia D. Lothrop, formerly at St. George's School, Newport, RI © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This adaptation of the sixteenth-century Chinese novel Journey to the West by Wu Ch'eng-en (itself incorporating Chinese legends and folklore) is beautifully and fancifully illustrated in a traditional style. Although a bit wordy for a picture book, the story of Tripitaka--a monk sent to India to get Buddhist scriptures from Lord Buddha himself--and his helpers (including the titular Monkey King) is amusing and exciting. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
