The Animals of Chinese New Year

By Jen Sookfong Lee, Kileasa Che Wan Wong (Translator)

Twelve animals race across a river to win the honor of representing the new year. Who will triumph?

4.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 113 ratings

28 pages

$9.95Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

In a thrilling race across a river, twelve animals vie for the honor of representing the new year, each showcasing unique traits. The diligent ox, the courageous tiger, and the cheerful dog all compete under the watchful eye of the Jade Emperor. As the race unfolds, who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted title? This vibrant tale, enriched with traditional Chinese elements and lively imagery, invites readers to discover the outcome of this legendary contest.

From the publisher

Drawing on the myth of the Chinese zodiac, The Animals of Chinese New Year follows twelve animals as they speed across a river, competing to represent the imminent new year in a race held by the Jade Emperor,the most powerful Chinese god. Each animal competes in its own unique way.The ox works hard, the tiger is brave, the dog smiles kindly, but who will win? Bright photographs of babies demonstrating the same traits as the animals in the text, complemented by traditional Chinese graphic elements, accompany Sookfong Lee’s lively text. Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer this book as a dual-language (English/Simplified Chinese) edition.

At a glance

Format: Board book
Pages: 28
Reading age: 0–3
Audience: Board
Lexile: AD430L

Themes & topics

Books about animals Books about China Books about holidays Books about Chinese New Year Books about zodiac

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.3

out of 7

3.3

“This book has cute pictures of babies that correspond to the different animals in the Chinese Zodiac and their actions as they race across the river. There's not much of a story and my son wasn't very intrigued by the images of the kids.”

Mr. Staccato

Trusted reviewer

5.0

“I really enjoyed this book, especially after getting to the last page which gives you a little summary about the Chinese New Year and the myth of the race. The photographs of babies are adorable, diverse and feature those absolute classic faces we all love in our babies. Plus, babies love to see pictures of other baby faces, so this one was a winner for me. Taught me a little something, and highly enjoyable.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one