04 Mar / Cat and Rat: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac by Ed Young [in What Do I Read Next? Multicultural Literature]
An adaptation of how the 12 animals of the zodiac were selected: the Jade Emperor announced a race in which the first 12 animals who crossed the finish line would represent the 12 animals of the zodiac. Cat and Rat, who were then best friends, devised a plan together, but Rat betrayed Cat and won the race leaving Cat to struggle in at 13th place.
Under Ed Young‘s fabulous artistry, this title is clearly one of the most memorable presentations of the story of the Chinese zodiac.
Review: “Asian American Titles,” What Do I Read Next? Multicultural Literature, Gale Research, 1997
Readers: Children
Published: 1995