
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 & earth, proclaimed a great race: the first twelve animals to cross the river would each have a year named after them
- & 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? & who would miss out?
Includes:: an annotated list of the Zodiac signs (with associated birth years) so readers can look up their own sign
- & find out what they're like! It is a fast-paced, deceptively simple story
- with a light-hearted (but eternal) life lesson on every page. Say goodbye to Western star signs: the Chinese Zodiac is the new (OK, ancient) black.