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The Fourth Question: A Chinese Tale

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A young man named Yee-Lee goes on a journey to the Wise Man of Kun-lun Mountain to discover the reason for his poverty.

32 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 1991

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5 stars
14 (51%)
4 stars
9 (33%)
3 stars
3 (11%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl.
13.6k reviews491 followers
November 7, 2018
Lovely fable, important theme, delightful illustrations (a bit like DePaola). What a quest this good young man goes on! No villains or monsters, though.
Profile Image for Nekochimachan (⁠。⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧.
606 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2023
Yee-lee is working day and night so he can grow some vegetables for his mother but to no avail that his crops didn't grow making him poor. He decided that he should pay a visit to the wise man of Kun-lun mountain to answer his question but he needed help from others and promised them the same (asking questions to the wise man). However, the wise man can only give Yee-lee three questions. Meaning, he has to sacrifice his own question for the sake of those who have aided him in his journey. An interesting Chinese folktale.
Profile Image for Jaide.
240 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2024
2.5 stars

A Chinese folktale where kindness is rewarded.
I liked the illustrations and will look up more from the artist. I did feel sad that Yee-Lee gave up asking his own question in order to ask for other people. He is, of course, rewarded handsomely for this in the end. But I guess where I’m at in life, I just feel odd about recommending to children that they put *everyone’s* needs before their own. Yes, be selfless, but also balanced.

Anyway, don’t let my current state of mind keep you from enjoying this small book:)
Profile Image for R.G. Rouen.
Author 5 books15 followers
January 19, 2023
This is another great story adaptation. This comes from a Chinese Tale and fits perfectly with the notion of keeping ones promises.
Profile Image for J.Aleksandr Wootton.
Author 9 books217 followers
September 25, 2012
A bright, charming tale following many old folklore standards, printed alongside whimsical illustrations. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Beverly.
6,203 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2013
An excellent re-telling of a Chinese folktale, in which a young man discovers that doing good deeds for others brings rewards. Very good, somewhat comical illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews