Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen, The

By: Lloyd Alexander

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

Noble Prince Jen is the one person that his father, King Ta'i, trusts enough to send on a mission to the legendary kingdom of Tien-Kuo. The prince eagerly begins his quest bearing only enormous pride and humble gifts. From the onset, however, the young ruler marches headlong into misfortune, miscreants, and unexpected adventure.

Separated from his faithful servant, the prince finds himself fending off murderers, falling prey to trickery, and searching for a village girl who plays a magic flute. But it isn’t until he faces his most challenging personal trial that the heroic traveler fully realizes the astonishing power hidden in each humble gift.

Steven Crossley’s narration of Newbery Medal-winner Lloyd Alexander’s remarkably inventive tale delivers all the mystery and magic that accompany the prince on his high adventure.

©1991 Lloyd Alexander (P)1998 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

Parent's Choice Award winner

Booklist's Top of the List Fiction Award winner

Funny and full of wisdom

I’ve read this book so many times. It should be required reading for everyone. It’s so funny and full of interesting characters. The story is very original.

Good adventure book for young teens.

The book is designed for younger people ready for some light adventure with a hint of the mystical East.

Enjoyable

Thoroughly enjoyable. Props to the voice actor on pronouncing all the Chinese-inspired names.
Making a Chinese-inspired fairy tale is an interesting choice, and I was concerned it might come off as insensitive. I didn't notice any major problems, but perhaps people of Chinese descent or with knowledge of Chinese mythology would feel differently.
One odd thing is how the author ends each chapter with some fourth-wall breaking narration, urging the reader to go to the next chapter to see how things turn out. That seemed unnecessary.