The five stories in this series have enjoyed wide popularity in China, their themes frequently reappearing in operas, movies, and paintings, and in many literary forms. Profusely illustrated and presented in simplified character form, they add an element of enjoyment to the hard task of mastering Chinese characters.

Each self-contained reader is correlated with the lessons of Beginning Chinese Reader by John DeFrancis (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1963). The stories can, of course, be read by students who are learning Chinese from other beginning reading texts.

The following study aids are provided in each reader to facilitate individual study and increase recognition of simplified characters:
-STROKE INDEX OF CHARACTERS: new characters not yet covered in the corresponding lessons of Beginning Chinese Reader, and simplified characters with their regular variants.
-NOTES: new characters, terms, and structures with translations of more difficult phrases (in sequential order).
-PINYIN INDEX: cumulative glossary.