This collection of nineteen short fables from ancient Chinese folklore shows that although the cultural context may be unfamiliar, the many instances of wisdom and folly they unfold are recognisably universal. Each story poses a test whereby animals and humans respond to events in a manner which reveals some quality in their character - from the quick-thinking bride who doesn't let a broken sedan chair spoil her special day, to the greed of brothers out hunting whose loud quarrel over their favourite recipe for duck only succeeds in driving the birds away, or the fox who tricks a hungry lion and saves himself from being devoured. The colour ink-wash illustrations by a master Chinese artist combine traditional motifs and humorous caricature to great effect.