The Monkey Bridge - Hardcover

Rafe Martin; Fahimeh Amiri

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679981063 ISBN 13: 9780679981060

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.  

About this title

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679981063
• ISBN 13: 9780679981060
• Binding: Hardcover