Monkey King: The Classic Chinese Adventure Tale
on Goodreads (35)
What’s inside...
Featuring memorable characters and dialogue that young children will enjoy, this story provides a glimpse of the powers of the mischievous Monkey King, who can change his appearance to that of a tree, a bird, a beast of prey or even a mosquito, and can go round the world three times in the blink of an eye. A mischievous monkey, a river monster, and a hideous pig-like creature, all cursed by the Jade Emperor, agree to accompany the Great Scripture Seeker on his mission to bring Lord Buddha's scriptures back to China. Based on a section of the Chinese epic 'Journey to the West.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the Monkey King felt when he was on his journey? What emotions did he go through?
What lessons can we learn from the Monkey King's adventures and the choices he made?
How did the Monkey King's abilities help him in different situations? Can you think of a time when your unique skills helped you?
If you were in the Monkey King's place, how would you handle the challenges he faced?
What do you think is the most important message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief overview of the cultural significance of the Monkey King in Chinese folklore to provide context.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe the settings mentioned in the story to enhance their visualization skills.
After reading a passage, pause and ask your child how they would feel or react in a similar situation, promoting empathy and critical thinking.
Use the adventures of the Monkey King to discuss themes of perseverance, bravery, and wisdom, linking them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Post-reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help deepen their connection and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The Monkey King faces numerous challenges and adversities throughout his journey, demonstrating unwavering determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling challenges in school or personal projects with determination and not giving up easily.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and creativity
Explanation: The Monkey King uses his wit and intelligence to overcome obstacles, showing that sometimes unconventional solutions are necessary to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions in their own lives, whether it’s in their playtime or schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The actions of the Monkey King often lead to various consequences, teaching readers that every action has a result.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking before acting and consider the potential results of their choices.
Example Lesson: Humility and the value of mentorship
Explanation: Despite his powers, the Monkey King realizes the importance of humility and learning from others, emphasizing the value of mentorship.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to respect and learn from their elders, teachers, and mentors, understanding that everyone has something valuable to offer.
Example Lesson: Friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the adventures, the Monkey King allies with other characters, showing that teamwork and cooperation are crucial to overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to work cooperatively in team settings, be it in sports, school projects, or family activities.