By Dawn Casey & Anne Wilson
With Chinese New Year getting close, we thought it would be a good time to read a bit more about how the lunar years got their names.
We have a few books by this publisher (Barefoot Books) so we knew this would not disappoint us.
This is a bright and colourful book for 4-9 year olds and tells the story set in ancient China. The Jade Emperor decided that a calendar was needed to help measure time. He wanted to name each year after an animal but couldn’t decide how they should be organised.
To solve this problem, he organises an animal race. Whichever animal wins the race will get the first year of the Chinese calendar named after them.
The author’s simple and interesting story telling and Anne Wilson’s fun illustrations of all the animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Cockerel, Dog and Pig) are a great way for young readers to learn about the origin of the Chinese Zodiac.
The book also includes useful notes and facts about the Chinese calendar, festivals, and the animal that rules each year. I was born in the year of the Tiger so book says I am brave, powerful and daring! What animal sign are you?
My score: 5/5
The Library Mouse Tales 