A CHINESE WONDER BOOK

There are wonders to be found in these 15 Chinese folktales--talking animals, fantastical dreams, goddesses, and fairies. With gentle, unshowy performances, seven narrators tell the stories, which were collected by Pitman, an American professor who lived and taught in China, and first published in 1919. In "Bamboo and the Turtle," Brian Nishii uses a warm voice and storyteller's cadence to share the tale of a boy who goes on a wild adventure with a giant tortoise. "The Wooden Tablet," narrated by Cindy Kay, exemplifies two of the themes common to the stories: filial piety and being rewarded for good, unselfish deeds. This glimpse into Chinese culture and values is appropriate for listeners of all ages. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]