The Race for the Chinese Zodiac

Gabrielle Wang (author)

Sally Rippin & Regine Abos (illustrators)

Black Dog Books, Australia: 2010

ISBN: 9781742031231

Genres: picture book

‘Long ago in China, the Jade Emperor, who was ruler of Heaven and Earth, proclaimed a mighty race. "The first twelve animals to cross the river will each have a year named after them," he announced.'

So begins this charming fable that explains the sequence of the Chinese Zodiac. Cunning rat hitches a ride on the great Ox, the Snake hides in the Horse's mane; the playful Dog is distracted by all the things he sees to chase in the shallows... And so it goes on. There are thirteen animals but only twelve places - who will miss out? Gabrielle Wang has crafted a tale designed to capture the traits of each Zodiacal sign.

The illustrations are modern but reference traditional Chinese painting, using great simplicity of line and muted colours. The illustrators have managed to echo the characteristics of each animal as well as the energy of their moods.