
Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze
by Maple Lam
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 7+
Published by Hachette, 2024
About this book
An evil darkness, the Yao-Qi, has escaped from between the worlds and threatens to plunge humanity into darkness – infecting the world and spreading chaos.
There is only one with the strength and tenacity to take on such a foe... enter the legend that is Sun Wukong, a mischievous monkey king and the strongest of all the beasts! Young readers will be enthralled by his adventures in Maple Lam’s fast-paced, dynamic graphic novel.
Weaving together elements of Chinese and Greek mythology, the story is educative as well as being humorous and playful. Sun Wukong abounds with energy, courage, and cheekiness and is an instantly likeable hero. The odyssey is vividly brought to life by Lam’s illustrations – the action scenes especially are full of energy and creativity.
Alongside its comedic elements, this quest also takes the reader on a journey of exploration around themes of differences, prejudice and acceptance. Sun Wukong meets Cerberus the three-headed dog and the infamous Minotaur and, after some gruelling battles, comes to realise that there are two sides to every story – regardless of outward appearances.
This is an excellent book to spark children’s interest in mythology and it would pair well with school topics on ancient civilisations.
More books like this
-
Kai and the Monkey King
by Joe Todd-Stanton
6 to 9 years
-
Varjak Paw
by SF Said
9 to 12 years
-
Shadow Thieves
by Peter Burns
9 to 12 years
-
Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer
by Lucy Edwards and Katy Birchall, illustrated by Caroline Garcia
9 to 12 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Great Books Guide Cymru 2024-25: for 8 to 9-year-olds
Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year, which we think any child aged 8 to 9 will love
-
Great Books Guide 2024-25: for 8 to 9-year-olds
Here's a round-up of new children's books from the last year, which we think any child aged 8 to 9 will love.
-
Fantasy books for 9+
Some of our favourite contemporary fantasy titles for readers aged 9+ to enjoy
-
Books We Love in May 2024
A selection of books we adored this month!