The Race for the Chinese Zodiac

K-Gr 2—When the Jade Emperor summons the animals to a mighty race, Courageous Tiger, Peaceful Rabbit, and 11 other animals set out, eager to win a place in the Zodiac calendar. Charming Rat climbs aboard Kind Ox's broad back with his friend, Friendly Cat. Midway across the river, though, Rat pushes Cat overboard and wins first place. Powerful Dragon proves to be kindhearted, pausing to make drought-ending rain and blow Rabbit ashore. Lucky Rooster, Clever Monkey, and Gentle Goat find a raft and help one another across. Happy Pig eats 'til her tummy is as big as a balloon, falls asleep, and floats across the river and receives the last place in the Zodiac. Poor Cat drags herself ashore and loses out, which is why cats still hate rats. The illustrations, created using Chinese ink, linocuts, and digital media, are in warm, earthy shades of brown, gray, and green with emphatic black lines. End material offers more description of the Chinese Zodiac. This high-spirited version of the story, with its large font and lively pace, will delight a large audience of young readers.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA