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eigendecomp's review against another edition
4.0
Slightly creepy if you think too much about it. So don't think too much, perhaps?
kashvm's review against another edition
5.0
I remember this story so well. I just thought it was so cool and so smart and uh, just amazing.
librarianryan's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
4.0
This story have been around since 1936. It is based on a passed down folk tale. It has been banned for “racist, and stereotypical” depiction of Chinese people through the illustrations. One thing to remember is that this is a product of 1936 where usually no more than 4 colors were used in printing. Even if the illustrations were redone today, I think parents would still want this book banned. The story is of 5 brothers who each go to be executed but survive. Yep. The townspeople try to cut off someone’s head, tries to burn someone alive, try to drown them, etc. But that is not why this book was banned. I loved everything about this. It is such a classic, and unlike modern fairy tales has not been “cleaned” up for an audience. It has been left in its original form, and I think that makes it that much more special.
bn00880's review against another edition
Story was good but could probably do with some less problematic coloring
tanyarobinson's review against another edition
4.0
I remember I taught this book in centers for Adri's first grade class. I probably enjoyed it more than the kids.
whitneydr's review against another edition
3.0
Racial stereotypes aside, it's a good story. If was I was going to read it to a child, I'd definitely have to explain why this portrayal of chinese people isn't okay.
chrismd00's review against another edition
5.0
What a cute story for children! It has drama, action, and a witty plot. I asked my daughter what the moral of this story is. Keep your promises! At the heart of the problem was a boy who lied and did not obey. He causes all kinds of problems for others. Written in 1936, this children's book deserves an admired place in history.
bent's review against another edition
4.0
Read this several times when I was a kid. I remember is as being one of those library books that we borrowed any times.