The Great Race
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2006

The Great Race

Written by Dawn Casey · Illustrated by Anne Wilson

Twelve animals race to shape the Chinese zodiac.

4.8/7 Bookroo expert·3.9/5 Goodreads · 171 ratings
32 pages· ~530L
$9.99Save 4%

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Bookroo's summary

In a thrilling race, twelve animals vie for a place in the Chinese zodiac, each hoping to have a year named after them. As the Jade Emperor watches, the competition unfolds with unexpected twists and turns. Who will emerge victorious, and what qualities will each animal bring to the lunar calendar? Discover the origins of the zodiac and explore the fascinating traits associated with each sign. This tale not only entertains but also educates about Chinese festivals and the significance of the lunar calendar.

From the publisher

Discover how 12 animals competed in a madcap swimming race to help create the lunar calendar! Includes facts about Chinese festivals, the lunar calendar and the animals that rule each year.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
32
Reading age
6–9
Audience
Picture
Lexile
~530L
Themes & topics
Inside the book

A peek between the covers

High above, circling in the sky, soared a creature with the head of a camel, the horns of a deer, a long beard and eyes of fire: Dragon! Below him, Tiger prowled back and forth. Swinging from tree to tree was Monkey, chattering with excitement. Snake was coiled around a branch. Rat though she looked very calm.
Close by, Ox waited patiently. Pig was wallowing happily in a pool of mud. Dog bounded around wagging his tail. Hare was gazing up at the moon, which was still faintly visible in the sky.
Sheep sat watching Cockerel preen his fine feather. And Horse stamped his hooves and shook his glossy mane. “I am the smallest animal here,” said Rat. “We’ll never win!” howled Cat. Rat was silent. But his whiskers flickered and his tail twitched, and there was a gleam in his beady eye. “Wait here,” he told Cat. “I’ve got a plan.”
Rat sidled up to Ox. “How fine and strong you, Ox,” he said. “Your back is so broad I’m sure you could easily carry one, or even two small animals across the river… Cat and I would love a lift!” “Of course, dear Rat,” Ox replied. “You can depend on me.” And so Rat and Cat climbed onto Ox’s back. The Jade Emperor shouted, “Ready… Steady…”
What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.8

out of 7

4.8

“This book tells a great story about why the Chinese calendar year is named after certain animals, and the reason for the order it's in. I thought it was fun, creative, and it's full of colorful illustrations. There's also an explanation at the back of some of the main holidays on the calendar.”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

The author

More from Dawn Casey

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Babushka
Sale price
$1699

Babushka

Ages 4–8 · 2015
The illustrator

More from Anne Wilson

Explore Anne's bookshelf
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.5
F&P level
~N
Scholastic level
O
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
108688
Publication
Published
September 1, 2008
First published
September 1, 2006
Publisher
Barefoot Books
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Text details
This book was typeset in Present and Cerigo
Illustration details
The illustrations were prepared in printed collaged papers with acrylic and printed background
Identifiers
ISBN
9781846862021
OCLC
62290541

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