The Emperor has a problem. He wants his people to
remember the year in which his son was born. But there
is no way to keep track of the years. So the Emperor devises
a race in which animals will cross a river. The first twelve
animals to reach the opposite side will have a year named
after them. Thus, the people will be able to remember the
years and the events that occurred. And so the race is set.
Rat, knowing he is no match for the rushing water,
schemes with Cat on how to cross the river. Together the
two convince Ox to carry them across. But halfway across
the river, Rat shows his true colors. Will Cat make it to
the other side? Which animals will have a year named
after them?
Accompanied by exquisite watercolor artwork, this
charming story explains the origins of the Chinese
calendar.