The Race for the Chinese Zodiac - Softcover

Gabrielle Wang

3.88

153 ratings by Goodreads

9781406346985: The Race for the Chinese Zodiac

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1406346985 ISBN 13: 9781406346985

Publisher: Walker & Company, 2012

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The timeless classic tale of how the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac were chosen (and why there is no cat). A long time ago in ancient China, the Jade emperor, ruler of heaven and earth, proclaimed a great race: the first twelve animals to cross the river would each have a year named after them - and be immortalized in the Chinese Zodiac. The animals lined up along the shore, eager to begin. Some chose to race honestly; others were more devious. Some helped their friends along the way; others raced alone. Some were distracted; others focused with all their might on winning. But there were thirteen animals racing for only twelve places. Who would come first? And who would miss out?

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About the Author:

Author Gabrielle Wang was born in Melbourne, Australia, of Chinese heritage. Her maternal great-grandfather arrived in Australia during the Gold Rush and her father came from Shanghai. Gabrielle's numerous novels have won multiple awards; The Race for the Chinese Zodiac is her first picture book. She lives in Melbourne with her partner and two children. Born in Darwin, Australia, illustrator Sally Rippin grew up mainly in South-East Asia. She writes and illustrates for children of all ages, and has had over fifty children's books published, many of which have won awards. Sally lives in Melbourne. Regine Abos is the designer of many popular titles, both works of fiction and picture books. She lives in Melbourne.

From School Library Journal:

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, CAα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journal. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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