(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

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Lak-Khee Tay-Audouard. This uniquely designed book contains nineteen short Chinese fables, stories as strange as the handwritten-looking font. Some are simple morality tales, while others, of dim-witted thieves, fundraising monks, and a prophetic sentry, are confusing. Chinese artist Tay-Audouard's light-soaked illustrations stylistically embody traditional Chinese ink wash paintings, but they, too, are often obscure. The origins of each fable are noted in the back.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Lak-Khee Tay-Audouard. This fictionalized account tells of Chinese admiral and explorer Zheng He's expeditions between 1405 and 1433. Bowler's "summary of historically agreed facts" at the bottom of each double-page spread offers additional information but makes the reading disjointed. The text is accompanied by handsomely detailed, golden-hued colored-pencil illustrations. No specific sources are listed. A large map poster is included.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert