Monkey Borrows the Palmleaf Fan: My Favourite Chinese Stories Series

Tripitaka and his three disciples, Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy, are chosen to undertake a pilgrimage to India, where they encounter the Flaming Mountain and need help from the Princess Iron Fan and Bull Demon, parents of the Red Boy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 66 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2022
Publisher: The Chinese University Press

Tripitaka and his three disciples, Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy, were chosen to undertake a pilgrimage to India, during which they came across all sorts of dangers and difficulties. This time, the Flaming Mountain blocked their way, and they needed a little help from the Princess Iron Fan and Bull Demon, well, parents of the Red Boy, who wanted to eat up Tripitaka and was just defeated by Monkey. Things never go smooth for them!

My Favourite Chinese Stories is a collection of three Chinese stories specially selected and retold in English for young readers. The first story is from Chinese mythology, while the other two are from classical Chinese literature. They are widely known to the Chinese people and reflect, in varying degrees, some of the essential characteristics of Chinese culture. Each story is accompanied by beautiful full-colour illustrations drawn by Lo King-man as well as audio narration by the author Pamela Youde.

The first story is about Tripitaka, who is a Buddhist monk who sets out on a journey to India to seek enlightenment. Along the way, he meets three disciples who are Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy. Monkey is a clever and mischievous monkey who loves to play tricks and cause trouble. Pigsy is a large and lazy pig who loves to eat and sleep. Sandy is a small and timid rabbit who is afraid of everything.

The three disciples are chosen to accompany Tripitaka on his journey because they have unique abilities that can help them in their quest. Monkey is skilled in martial arts and can use his strength to overcome obstacles. Pigsy is skilled in magic and can use his powers to help them in their journey. Sandy is skilled in medicine and can use her knowledge to heal the sick and injured.

The three disciples set out on their journey, and they come across all sorts of dangers and difficulties. They encounter a variety of creatures, including demons, ghosts, and monsters. They also face many challenges, such as crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and avoiding traps.

Despite all of the dangers and difficulties, the three disciples remain loyal to Tripitaka and continue to support him in his quest for enlightenment. They work together to overcome each obstacle and eventually reach their destination, where they find enlightenment and peace.

The second story is about a princess named Iron Fan, who is the daughter of a powerful king. She is beautiful and intelligent, but she is also spoiled and selfish. She is often bored and lonely, and she longs for adventure and excitement.

One day, a mysterious man named Monkey appears in front of Iron Fan's palace. He tells her that he has a magical fan that can grant her any wish she desires. Iron Fan is intrigued by the fan and decides to ask for it.

Monkey gives Iron Fan the fan and tells her that she must use it wisely and with caution. He also tells her that there is a price to be paid for using the fan, and that she must be prepared to pay it.

Iron Fan is excited about the fan and uses it to make all sorts of wishes. She wishes for wealth, power, and beauty, but she soon realizes that the fan has a dark side. The fan is addictive, and Iron Fan becomes obsessed with it. She uses it to hurt and manipulate people, and she becomes increasingly selfish and cruel.

Iron Fan's behavior eventually catches up with her, and she is punished for her actions. She is forced to give up the fan and is banished from her kingdom. She is left alone and miserable, and she realizes that she has lost everything that was important to her.

The third story is about a bull demon named Bull Demon, who is the son of a powerful demon king. He is fierce and powerful, and he is determined to destroy everything in his path. He is also known for his love of wine and women.

One day, Bull Demon meets a beautiful woman named Princess Iron Fan. He is immediately attracted to her and decides to pursue her. Princess Iron Fan is initially resistant to Bull Demon's advances, but she eventually falls in love with him.

Bull Demon and Princess Iron Fan are married, and they live happily together for a while. However, Bull Demon's love for wine and women soon takes over his life. He becomes addicted to wine and spends all of his time drinking and partying. He neglects Princess Iron Fan and becomes increasingly selfish and cruel.

Princess Iron Fan becomes increasingly unhappy and frustrated with Bull Demon's behavior. She tries to talk to him, but he is too drunk and selfish to listen. She eventually leaves him and returns to her kingdom.

Bull Demon is devastated by Princess Iron Fan's departure and becomes even more addicted to wine and women. He becomes so obsessed with them that he forgets about his duties and responsibilities as a demon king. He becomes so reckless and violent that he threatens the entire world.

One day, a group of powerful monks and warriors comes to the kingdom to defeat Bull Demon. They use their magic and martial arts to battle Bull Demon, and they eventually defeat him. Bull Demon is defeated and banished from the kingdom, and he is forced to live in exile.

The three stories in My Favourite Chinese Stories are all about the consequences of greed, selfishness, and addiction. They teach us that we must be careful about what we wish for and that we must be responsible for our actions. They also teach us that we must be loyal to our friends and family and that we must be willing to sacrifice for them.

The stories are also filled with adventure and excitement, and they are sure to captivate young readers. The illustrations by Lo King-man are beautiful and vibrant, and the audio narration by Pamela Youde is clear and engaging.

Overall, My Favourite Chinese Stories is a wonderful collection of stories that will teach young readers valuable lessons about life and morality. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Chinese culture and mythology.

Dimension: 22 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789882372573