Illustrated by Meilo So
Rating: Marginal
Roaring Brook Press, 2008, $17.95
Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8
The story is a children's version of how the Chinese calendar was named for twelve different animals. Willow, a young girl, is told the story by her grandmother until the little girl's precocious cat, Mao, takes over the telling. The story tells of the race between the animals to be named an animal of the Chinese calendar. The writing style of the author is somewhat difficult to follow, and I think the book will have a hard time keeping the attention of young readers. it is too wordy for a storytime, and the illustrations are presented in a very busy manner. The traditional tale is interrupted several times by the search for Willow's stuffed pig, creating more confusion within the book.
Reviewer: Elisabeth Ellis, OCPL/Stanton
