The Monkey Bridge - Hardcover

Rafe Martin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679881069 ISBN 13: 9780679881063

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1997

Synopsis

From the renowned author of The Rough-Face Girl comes an exquisitely rendered version of one of India's best-loved tales about what it means to be a king. In the heart of Benares, on the banks of the river Ganges, stands a tree with fruit so perfect it can only be called treasure. How the tree got there is a tale of two rulers--one selfish and proud, one generous and brave--one a man and one a monkey. Having studied the Buddhist tradition for decades, Martin is at his lyrical best in this fable of how a human king's greed puts a tribe of monkeys in mortal danger, while a monkey king's sacrifice restores peace to his kingdom. Exquisitely illustrated with watercolor and gouache paintings in the authentic style of Indian and Persian miniatures, The Monkey Bridge has something important to say about the nature of true nobility and leadership.  

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Reviews

Kindergarten-Grade 4. A retelling of a traditional jataka tale, in which Buddha, in the form of an animal, exerts himself "to inspire greater wisdom and compassion." In this age-old story set in Benares, India, the Monkey King is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save his people. At the center of the strife is the fruit of the Treasure Tree, which bears a strong resemblance to the pomegranate. A greedy human king comes into possession of one of the fruits and vows to find its source. He encounters the Monkey King, who, through his compassion and bravery, teaches the man valuable lessons in leadership and sharing. The retelling itself is awkward in spots, e.g., "One day the Monkey King realized: any fruit that fell from the Treasure Tree into the river would be carried swiftly downstream." With their decorative borders and bright colors, Amiri's lavish paintings have a Persian quality; since India was ruled by Muslim kings during Buddha's lifetime, the illustrations are appropriate. However, the larger size and dark coloring of the Monkey King seems rather incongruous with the smaller, honey-colored monkey subjects. Minor points aside, Martin successfully brings this brightly illustrated story about the meaning of true nobility to a new audience.?Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A Buddhist jataka tale shows how the unselfish behavior of a monkey king inspires a selfish human ruler to become more generous. The monkey king and his subjects live in a tree whose fruit is indescribably delicious. Despite their efforts to protect the fruit, an apple falls into the river Ganges and escapes, only to be discovered by the human king. One bite sets him rowing in search of the fruit tree. When the human king spies it, and its inhabitants, his bowmen draw their arrows. But the monkey king stretches his body across the water forming a bridge so his subjects can escape. The human king is so moved by the monkey king's behavior that he rescues him and agrees to forget the tree and the taste of its fruit. In turn, the monkey king gives away a seed of the tree, which in time grows to bear fruit of its own. The illustrations mimic the style of Indian miniatures, but are larger and more expressive; these monkeys aren't decorative--they kiss, tickle, and groom each other. Their individuality suits this lyrical story and its emphasis not on a leader's rank, but on the qualities of the leader that prove him deserving of his position. (Picture book/folklore. 4-7) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Ages 6^-9. A tribe of monkeys, led by a monkey king, lives in a most magnificent tree, a tree that grows fruit more aromatic and delicious than any other. When people, who live in a nearby kingdom, discover the wonders of the tree, trouble begins. The human king wants the tree all for himself and sends his bowmen with their weapons. When confronted with arrows, the monkey king uses his own body to help his subjects escape. In this traditional Buddhist folktale from India, humans learn from the animals: the monkey king's action and wisdom serve as a model for the king of the humans. Amiri's detailed, richly colored illustrations convey a distinct sense of place. Young children will enjoy spotting the monkeys spilling over the decorative borders, and the convincing story line and large cast of supporting characters make this an excellent choice for readers' theater or creative drama. Karen Morgan

Edition details

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679881069
• ISBN 13: 9780679881063
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Fahimeh Amiri