The Five Chinese Brothers (A Trumpet Club Special Edition) (urspr publ 1938; utgåvan 1989)

This is a tough one because it is really dated and reflects the time it was written (1938). The story is classic folk tale of mistaken identity, magical talents, and trickery. The various ways that the brothers survive are interesting, but it's a tough book to really enjoy. The illustrations are racially insensitive and the story is quite violent in the same vein as Grimm's fairy tales. It would be an appropriate story for older audiences (maybe 8 ) but I wouldn't necessarily read it to very young children. ( )

The classic picture book about five clever brothers, each with a different extraordinary ability, has been in print for almost 80 years.

This is a great fairytale. There were 5 identical Chinese brothers each one with a different and unique talent. A little boy asked one of the brothers to go fishing but the boy had to promise to do exactly what the Chinese brother said. The little boy did not listen and the Chinese brother was arrested. However, the judge soon found out that the Chinese brother could not be killed but he did not know why. The judge just thought this meant he was innocent and let him go. ( )

This classic story follows the story of how five brothers tricked the citizens of the entire village after the tragic death of a foolish young boy. This story is always a reminder that family will always be there for you when you are in most need. This book is great for any child and parent who enjoy the classics! ( )

Five brothers that look eerily the same possess magic powers, such as swallowing up the sea or surviving a fire. One brother lets a young boy tag along on a fishing trip. The brother swallows the sea so the boy can gather fish. Tragedy strikes when he can no longer hold the sea in and releases the water, drowning the young boy. Accused for murder, the brother faces execution until his brothers step in to save him. Each uses their gift to survive execution and the brother is let go for being proven innocent. The brothers return home and live happily ever after.

Fairy tales were originally very dark, and this tale is no exception. Murder is a heavy topic in this book and I'm not sure how well the trial was handled, but that's just me. It was an accident, after all. I wasn't fond of the illustrations, as they seemed to stereotype the Asian culture immensely. There are only three colors used and overall I wasn't wowed with it. I can see why teachers were banning it from the classroom. ( )