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Cover of Dear Monkey

Dear Monkey

Wu Ch'êng-ên;Alison Waley (1973)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age10

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Not yet tagged

Hero archetypes

Trickster

Protagonist archetypes

Trickster

Synopsis

Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic combination of picaresque novel and folk epic mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking tale. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and minor spirits, gods, demigods, demons, ogres, monsters, and fairies.

Is Dear Monkey appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A classic Chinese folk epic filled with magical encounters and comedic adventures featuring a mischievous monkey. Contains fantasy violence (battles with spirits and demons) but presented in a folkloric, non-graphic manner suitable for middle grade readers.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language.

Who'll love this

Kids who love action-packed adventures with clever, rule-breaking heroes will enjoy following the roguish Monkey through his wild encounters with gods, demons, and magical creatures.

Tags

Mythology RetellingAsian FantasyPicaresqueFolk Epic