(3) K-3 Illustrated by L. K. Tay-Audouard. This adaptation of the sixteenth-century Chinese novel Journey to the West by Wu Ch'eng-en (itself incorporating Chinese legends and folklore) is beautifully and fancifully illustrated in a traditional style. Although a bit wordy for a picture book, the story of Tripitaka--a monk sent to India to get Buddhist scriptures from Lord Buddha himself--and his helpers (including the titular Monkey King) is amusing and exciting.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Olga Marie Polunin. After he has seen to the needs of his kingdom, the Littlest Emperor searches for fun. Bored by displays of wealth, entertainment, and food presented in his honor, he at last finds joy with children who play in the mud, fly kites, and enjoy their childhood. The semi-formal text is paired with illustrations that strikingly populate bright art with cartoonish people.

Reviewer: Sherry Eskin