The Great Race: Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Christopher Corr - ADVISABLE

The Great Race: Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Christopher Corr. PICTURE BOOK. Frances Lincoln Children's Books (Quarto Group), 2018. $18. 9781786030658

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Once upon a time the Emperor of China wanted to better organize how time was tracked. He announced a race to cross the great river; the first twelve animals to cross would have a year named after them. Starting with the rat and ending with the pig, twelve animals cross the river and thus the Chinese zodiac is established. 

This is a straightforward retelling of the Chinese zodiac story, accompanied with colorful, stylized illustrations. The book cover is bright and will likely attract attention from kids, but I don't think many will really appreciate the book on its own. I do think this would be a great selection for teachers to use in a folktale or storytelling unit, or even for social studies teachers to use when teaching about ancient China.

Reviewer: TC