A Guide to Idiom Stories

The Storybook of Idioms opens the door to the treasure trove of Chinese culture with delightful prose. The book features hundreds of classic idioms, from philosophical fables like “Waiting by a Stump for a Rabbit” and “Carving a Mark on a Boat” to sweeping historical tales like “Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting Gall” and “Returning the Jade to Zhao.” It recounts the origins and evolution of each idiom, along with the stories behind them. Through vivid characters and dramatic plots, readers can easily grasp each idiom's meaning while discovering the wisdom and ways of life of the ancients, as well as the elegance, concision, and deep heritage of the Chinese language. Whether children are building their knowledge and developing a feel for language, or adults are revisiting the classics and enriching their cultural understanding, this book is a rare and wonderful companion. It will carry you across a thousand years and help you pass on the essence of Chinese civilization through stories.