THE SPRING OF BUTTERFLIES AND OTHER FOLKTALES OF CHINA'S MINORITY PEOPLES

A collection of fourteen tales from the Tibetan, Thai, Uighur, Bai, and other non-Chinese people living in China.

Grade 3-6 This collection of folk tales is unique in that it contains 14 folk tales representing 10 Chinese minority groups other than the Han, the largest minority group and the one that dominates Chinese culture. For that reason alone, this book would be worth purchase consideration since many of these tales are not easily found elsewhere. More importantly, the book is also a well-written collection with lovely, full-color, stylized Oriental illustrations. The tales have been translated and retold in a way that children will understand and enjoy while still retaining the original Oriental flavor. Several tales feature independent and resourceful heroines, an asset for librarians and storytellers who are always on the prowl for nonsexist folk tales. A fine collection. Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, Ga.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Selected and translated by a Chinese schoolmaster from Yunnan Province, this collection is based on folktales of the minority peoples of China. However, traditional Chinese themes run through these stories and there is almost always a moral lesson to be learned. "The Wonderful Brocade" teaches filial piety, "A Woman's Love" depicts a wife's devotion and chastity, "The Dougarda Brothers" cautions against greed. Chinese storytelling relies on the use of simile to create a vivid image, and the translation is true to this technique: "Her eyes gleamed like stars in the sky. Her fine black hair cascaded like the leaves of a weeping willow. She was very kind, and her heart was as pure as the spring water." Two artists, husband and wife and graduates of the Guangxi College of Fine Arts, have illustrated the tales with color paintings, which beautifully portray the native dress of the ethnic minorities from which the stories originate.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.