Why Rat Comes First by Clara Yen

Retold by Clara Yen • Illustrated by Hideo C. Yoshida

This book explains why Rat come first in the Chinese zodiac, and shows readers how to find their own animal sign.

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In heaven, high above the milk-white clouds, the Jade King sits and watches over China. Funny and sad stories about China's animals often reach his ears, but he has never set eyes upon them. Being curious, he decides to invite these creatures to a great feast so he can finally meet them.

Although only twelve animals show up, the grateful Jade King promises to reward each of them by giving their name to a year of the Chinese zodiac. But who should come first—mighty Ox or clever Rat? No one in heaven can decide, so the Jade King sends Ox and Rat down to earth where the children will make the decision. Rat uses his brainpower to upstage Ox and the children reward him with their vote!

32 pages

Full-color illustrations

8 5/8" X 9 3/8"

Ages 6 and up

"Bold, appealing pen-and-colored-pencil illustrations match the exuberant humor of the story, which originated with the author's father."
—Booklist

"A deft storyteller, Yen adds both grace and vivacity to this Chinese folktale. Her narrative's occasional, well-place rhyme makes this an especially good choice for reading aloud."
—Publishers Weekly

Why Rat Comes First

Hardcover
ISBN 0-89239-072-7
$14.95

Hardcover ed.

Hardcover ed.

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