This is the first of four short volumes of Kraus and Chen’s adaption of the Chinese classic epic A Journey to the West (Xi you ji). It is filled with characters out of folklore. The original is traditionally ascribed to the 16th century author Wu Cheng'en. This beautifully illustrated volume introduces the mischievous Sun Wukong, or Monkey King to young readers. Most children will readily empathize with Monkey’s sincere and earnest desire to gain competence while struggling to restrain his impetuous behavior. ( )

In The Making of Monkey King,(a mythical being of China) the fantastic beginnings of this unforgettable hero are told. Magically born from a rock, he is crowned Monkey King by his fellow monkeys after finding a sanctuary for them. Anxious to make the enjoyment of his life and his rule last forever, he sets off on a journey to find the secret of immortality. The humor and action of this first book in the Adventures of Monkey King series will surely delight readers of all ages.

I enjoy this telling of the Monkey King, one of the most known mythical beings of China. The illustrations are beautiful and keep younger readers captivated while the story is being read to them. This particular book in the series is about Monkey King's origins and his learning from Immortal Master Subodhi.

Highly recommended for a multicultural library or any library for those who love myth and magic. ( )

I read it when I was a child and I realized that I do not like it anymore...