The Fourth Question: A Chinese Tale

In this Chinese folktale, Yee-Lee undertakes a long journey to ask the Wise Man of Kun-lin Mountain the reason for his continual poverty. Along the way, several people whom he encounters request that Yee-Lee make inquiries on their behalf. The wise man allows him only three questions, however, and Yee-Lee selflessly foregoes his own concerns--and finds that helping others brings both spiritual and material rewards. Wang's smooth, straightforward retelling and Chen's muted illustrations are low-key and appealing, but not in any way distinctive--the result is a pleasing but not especially memorable tale. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)