This is a strange story about five identical brothers with special powers who outwit an executioner. It is apparently a Chinese folk tale, but except for the brothers being referred to as "The Chinese Brothers" every single time they're mentioned, there's nothing particularly Chinese about it. But I guess in 1938 (when it was published) China was sufficiently "alien" to make references to its culture a required feature whenever possible. The drawings are caricatures - everyone has a queue hairstyle (which ended some 15 years before this book) and round cap and robes - but I don't know if I'd necessarily label the book as racist. Perhaps the next reader will have more thoughts on the matter. ( )

This story have been around since 1936. It is based on a passed down folk tale. It has been banned for “racist, and stereotypical” depiction of Chinese people through the illustrations. One thing to remember is that this is a product of 1936 where usually no more than 4 colors were used in printing. Even if the illustrations were redone today, I think parents would still want this book banned. The story is of 5 brothers who each go to be executed but survive. Yep. The townspeople try to cut off someone’s head, tries to burn someone alive, try to drown them, etc. But that is not why this book was banned. I loved everything about this. It is such a classic, and unlike modern fairy tales has not been “cleaned” up for an audience. It has been left in its original form, and I think that makes it that much more special. ( )

An excellent story concerning 5 identical looking brothers, each endowed with a unique "power." One gets in trouble but outwits the state when a certain execution is ordered and a brother is selected to provide is own unique defense against an execution. ( )

this was one of my favorite childhood stories. Must-get-it.

The classic picture book about five clever brothers, each with a different extraordinary ability, has been in print for almost 80 years.