Discover East Asian Legends for Preschoolers

Embark on a magical journey through East Asian myths and legends specially curated for preschoolers. Engage your little ones with captivating stories filled with fascinating creatures and heroic adventures to really boost their knowledge of Language and culture. At the bottom, we've provided a list of our top 10 myths and legends for children which we will be using throughout the course of the month at our schools.

The Importance of Mythology in Early Childhood Development

Mythology plays a crucial role in the development of young children. It sparks their imagination and creativity, helping them make sense of the world around them. By introducing preschoolers to different myths and legends, we provide them with a rich cultural background and a deeper understanding of diverse traditions.

Through mythology, children learn important values and life lessons. They explore the concepts of good and evil, bravery, friendship, and the consequences of one's actions. These stories often feature heroes and heroines, teaching children about courage and determination. By engaging with these legends, preschoolers develop their moral compass and empathy for others.

Furthermore, mythology helps children develop their language and communication skills. As they listen to stories and participate in discussions, they learn new vocabulary, improve their listening comprehension, and expand their ability to express themselves. This enhanced language proficiency aids in their overall cognitive development and prepares them for future academic success.

Overall, introducing preschoolers to mythology is a valuable way to foster their imagination, instill important values, and enhance their language skills. By exploring East Asian legends, we open up a world of wonder and excitement for our little ones.

Introduction to East Asian Legends

East Asian legends are a treasure trove of captivating stories and mythical creatures. These tales have been passed down through generations, offering glimpses into the rich cultural heritage of countries like China, Japan, and Korea.

In East Asian mythology, dragons are revered creatures symbolizing power, wisdom, and good fortune. The Legend of the Dragon tells the story of a brave hero who must overcome challenges and protect his village from a fearsome dragon. Through this legend, preschoolers learn about bravery, teamwork, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Another famous legend is that of the Monkey King and the Journey to the West. This tale follows the mischievous Monkey King as he embarks on an epic adventure with his companions. Along the way, they face numerous trials and learn valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the true meaning of heroism. This legend captivates children with its engaging characters and exciting plot.

The Legend of the Kappa introduces preschoolers to a unique creature from Japanese folklore. The Kappa is a mischievous water spirit that resides in rivers and lakes. Through this legend, children learn about the importance of respecting nature and the consequences of their actions.

By introducing preschoolers to these East Asian legends, we not only entertain them with magical stories but also expose them to different cultures and foster their curiosity about the world.

1. The Legend of the Dragon

The Legend of the Dragon is a captivating tale from East Asian mythology. It tells the story of a small village terrorized by a fearsome dragon. The villagers live in constant fear, until one day, a brave hero emerges to confront the dragon and protect his home.

Through this legend, preschoolers learn about the importance of bravery and standing up for what is right. They witness the hero's determination and selflessness as he faces various challenges and overcomes his fears. The story teaches children that even the smallest individuals can make a big difference.

The Legend of the Dragon also introduces children to the concept of teamwork. As the hero enlists the help of his friends and fellow villagers, preschoolers learn about the power of collaboration and working together towards a common goal. This valuable lesson promotes empathy and cooperation among young children.

With its exciting plot and fascinating characters, The Legend of the Dragon is sure to captivate preschoolers and ignite their imagination. It shows them that courage and heroism can triumph over adversity, instilling important values that will stay with them as they grow.

2. The Monkey King and the Journey to the West

The Monkey King and the Journey to the West is a beloved tale from East Asian mythology. It follows the adventures of the mischievous Monkey King as he embarks on a journey with his companions.

Throughout the story, the Monkey King learns valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the true meaning of heroism. Despite his initial flaws, he grows and matures through his experiences, ultimately becoming a wise and compassionate character.

Preschoolers will be captivated by the Monkey King's exciting adventures and the colorful cast of characters he encounters along the way. They will learn about the importance of loyalty, trust, and never giving up, even in the face of adversity.

The Monkey King and the Journey to the West is a timeless legend that continues to inspire generations. By introducing preschoolers to this enchanting tale, we ignite their imagination and teach them valuable life lessons that will shape their character.

3. The Legend of the Kappa

The Legend of the Kappa is a fascinating tale from Japanese folklore. It introduces preschoolers to a unique creature known as the Kappa, a mischievous water spirit that resides in rivers and lakes.

Through this legend, children learn about the importance of respecting nature and the consequences of their actions. The Legend of the Kappa emphasizes the need to care for the environment and live in harmony with the natural world.

Preschoolers will be intrigued by the Kappa's mischievous nature and the various adventures it embarks on. They will also learn about the value of honesty and the dangers of being deceitful.

By sharing The Legend of the Kappa with preschoolers, we foster their appreciation for nature and promote responsible behavior. This engaging tale will spark their curiosity about Japanese folklore and instill in them a sense of environmental stewardship.

Reading List

Kuanyin: The Goddess of Compassion: Miao Shan isn't your typical princess. She likes to spend her time quietly meditating with the creatures of the forest or having adventures with dragons and tigers. Miao Shan's heart is so full of love that her dream is to spread happiness throughout the land and help people endlessly. But her father has other plans for her--he intends to have her married and remain in the palace. With the help of her little sister Ling, Miao Shan escapes and begins her journey to discover the true meaning of compassion.

Luna and the Moon Rabbit - Winner of the inaugural Stratford-Salariya Picture Book Prize, a competition held by the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival and Salariya Book Company to find a picture book by an unpublished author deserving of publication. Inspired by Asian folklore, this is the magical tale of a young girl who befriends the giant rabbit who lives in the Moon and goes with it on a bedtime adventure through enchanted forests and fields.

The Monkey King: Journey to the West - The Monkey King: The Classic Chinese Tale for Children is inspired by Chinese folktales and legends about Monkey, King of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, Great Sage Equal to Heaven. But his friends just call him Monkey! Hilariously mischievous and full of energy, Monkey has uniquely amazing magical powers.

Chinese Children's Favourite Stories - Chinese Children's Favourite Stories is a delightful selection of thirteen Chinese folktales as retold by author and illustrator Mingmei Yip. Inspired by her beloved father's nightly story-telling when she was a child, Yip hopes that by retelling some of these thousand-year-old Chinese stories she can pass along Chinese folklore and fables to international readers of all ages.

East Asian Folk Tales - Follow the journey of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac, explore the history of major festivals and meet legendary figures - such as the famous Hua Mulan - in this beautiful collection of folktales richly retold for young readers by Eva Wong Nava. Includes 18 East Asian folktales, myths and legends in a perfect, child-friendly package. Features traditional favourites, including the widely popular story of Mulan and the fairy tale of Chang'e, Hou Yi and the rabbit in the moon, featured in the animated film On the Moon.

Kai and the Monkey King - When Kai grows tired of her bookish mum not being adventurous enough for a Brownstone, she decides to seek out the mischievous and rebellious Monkey King - who she's always been told to stay away from. Will he bring her the adventure she craves, or will he cause her more trouble than he's worth? Read the latest story from the mythical Brownstone's family vault where we venture to China and learn about the story of the Monkey King, meet magical gods, taste powerful peaches and see that maybe our heroes aren't always what they're cracked up to be.

The Great Race! Celebrate Chinese New Year and learn how every animal earned its place in the Chinese zodiac by taking part in the Great Race! Discover who will come first to win the ultimate prize, and find out why Cat will never forgive his friend Rat in this ancient folk tale that has been passed from generation to generation.

The Lucky Red Envelope: A lift-the-flap Lunar New Year Celebration: Get ready for Lunar New Year, following a little girl and her family as they get ready for and celebrate the Lunar New Year festival. With non-fiction information about the significance of certain rituals, but told through the excited eyes of a child, this is a book to return to year after year in the run up to the biggest festival in the Chinese calendar.

Maisy's Chinese New Year - Maisy's friend Tiger is coming home especially for Chinese New Year! Once the house is tidy and the decorations are up, Maisy changes into her lovely red dress and throws a big party for all her friends. They have a delicious feast, tell stories, see the fireworks together and, on new year's day, watch a spectacular parade – with an amazing dragon dance! Richly illustrated in Lucy Cousins' vibrant and colourful style, this exciting and gently informative story from the multi-award-winning creator of Maisy is ideal for sharing the excitement of Chinese New Year with little ones.

Spirit of the Dragon - Join us for an enchanting journey into the heart of Chinese traditions with "Spirit of the Dragon," a captivating children's book that promises to transport you to a small Chinese town filled with warmth, love, and the joyous spirit of the New Year, where the spirited siblings Wei and Fang eagerly prepare for the Year of the Dragon.

Chinese Fairy Tales and Legends: Fearless heroes, feisty princesses, sly magicians, terrifying dragons, talking foxes and miniature dogs. They all feature in this enthralling compendium of Chinese fairy tales and legends, along with an array of equally colourful characters and captivating plots. Although largely unknown in the West, the 73 stories in this volume are just as beguiling as the more familiar Grimms' Fairy Tales or Arabian Nights. They were collected in the early 20th century by Richard Wilhelm and first translated into English by Frederick H Martens. This beautifully produced revised and edited new edition includes updated notes which not only provide background on the tales, but also offer a fascinating insight into ancient Chinese folk lore and culture.