The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac

By Author / Illustrator

Christopher Corr

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

5+

Publisher

Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd

ISBN

9781786037312

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-01-2019

Synopsis

Celebrate Chinese New Year and learn how every animal earned its place in the Chinese zodiac by taking part in the Great Race! Discover who will come first to win the ultimate prize, and find out why Cat will never forgive his friend Rat in this ancient folk tale that has been passed from generation to generation.

Praise for Deep in the Woods, the previous title from Christopher Corr:
'... the book looks like a delectable candy box... There is a lesson here - about friendship, and sharing - but the book never feels plodding or pedantic... Which may be why the lesson just goes down like the truth.'

Reviews

Lucy

This book retells the traditional tale of how each year gained its animal name. It explains how the Jade Emperor wanted to know how old he was but with no way of telling how much time had passed, it was impossible! He decided to gather all of the animals together to hold 'The Great Race' and decided that the first 12 animals that crossed the river would have a month named after them. The story shows how different animals cope in the Great Race and how some of the animals treat each other. It's a nice retelling of the traditional tale, accompanied by some very colourful illustrations. This would be a nice book to share with children of all ages when learning about and celebrating Chinese New Year - something many schools do each year. Lower KS2 children could enjoy enjoy this independently, however, younger children may enjoy it as a class text as they may struggle to access and understand it independently. Picture book / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Lucy Newton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

 

Other titles