“I am going to tell you the story of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. This story is true, I am sure, because I heard it from the rat, who was there. Here is what the rat told me…” So begins an engaging retelling of how the rat outwitted the cat, and the rest of the animals, to win first position in the emperor’s calendar. Striking linoleum prints in red and black accentuate the tale. Blocks of Chinese calligraphy denote each character, and a chart from 1900–2020 identifies animal assignments for each year. This pleasing introduction to the Chinese zodiac invites re-enactment of the animal drama, as well as investigations in math and social studies. (Ages 4–8)

The story of how the Great Emperor of Heaven chose the twelve ani mals of the Chinese zodiac—and why rats and cats are enemies even to this day—is told in this beautifully designed book. Two colors, black and red, on creamy white paper are used to create the stunning artwork of linoleum prints and chop marks. The back matter includes a “Which sign are you?” section, in which readers can learn which sign they were born under. There is also a chart of the animals of the zodiac, their chop marks, and their names in Chinese calligraphy. 2010 USBBY Outstanding International Books List, 2010 CCBC Choices. ca

Originally published as Le Rat m’a Dit: La Vraie Histoire de l’Horoscope Chinois in French by Editions Picquier Jeunesse France, in 2008.

A wonderful introduction for young readers to the Chinese zodiac adapted from a Chinese Buddhist legend dating from the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).

Illustrated by the critically acclaimed team of author, illustrator, and calligrapher that created THE LEGEND OF THE CHINESE DRAGON. One day, the Great Emperor of Heaven invited all the animals to visit him on the Jade Mountain. Twelve animals came, and they became the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. What really happened on that day so long ago? The rat, who was there, knows the true story.