"I am Stone Monkey, born of Heaven and Earth," he said. "I'm so brave, I'll do anything."

"Bragging! Bragging!" the other monkeys jeered.

Monkey did not say a word. He just laughed then he jumped. He jumped higher than the highest trees in the forest, somersaulted, and landed on his feet in front of the astonished monkeys.

"Will you truly make me your king?" he asked.

Chinesechildren grow up hearing stories about the Monkey King. Here is a series of these stories retold with humor and affection by Ji-li Jiang, the author Of Red Scarf Girl (an ALA Notable Book), and charmingly illustrated in the style of classic Chinese prints by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy.