The FUTURE OF YEN TSU - Hardcover

Morris, Richard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689315015 ISBN 13: 9780689315015

Publisher: Atheneum, 1992

Synopsis

A retelling of the traditional Chinese tale in which a farmer's son seeks a better future and finds that the future can change from one moment to the next

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews:

In a tale that LC terms ``traditional Chinese'' (though no source is given), a humble hero's adventures assume the fortunately/unfortunately pattern: Yen-tzu sets out with a horse to seek his future; the horse runs away but comes back with a mare; the mare throws him, injuring his leg, but his limp keeps him from being impressed by the soldiers who steal both horses. Mistaken for a wise man by the Emperor, Yen-tzu's clumsy explanations are read as riddling prophecies, with the fortuitous result that the Emperor calls off his impending war. The flat style of Henstra's pen-and-watercolor art is undramatic and not easily read; though close examination reveals his skill, these pictures are not especially effective as illustration. The story, however, with its clear, economical narration and an outcome that is both logical and peaceable, is unusually strong. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 4-- In this retelling of a traditional Chinese tale, the youngest son of a poor farmer sets out with only a horse, not to seek his fortune but to seek his destiny. After a series of mishaps, he arrives, limping, at the gates of the Emperor's palace. He is mistaken for a famous wise man and ushered inside. When the Emperor asks his advice about an upcoming war, Yen-Tzu tries to explain his own predicament. The Emperor, thinking he speaks in riddles, interprets the young man's words to his own liking. War is averted and Yen-Tzu himself is thankful to still be alive. This clever, unpredictable tale is told with dry wit. Henstra's pen-and-ink watercolors with their stocky Chinese characters simply illustrate rather than expand the story. They are pleasing to the eye, but it is the text that gives full pleasure. --Martha Topol, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City, MI
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0689315015
• ISBN 13: 9780689315015
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 1