Cat and Rat: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

by Ed Young

Book Overview

Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator Ed Young brings an ancient Chinese folktale to life in the children's picture book Cat and Rat.

To select the animals of the zodiac, the Jade Emperor has called for a race between all the animals with the first twelve winners honored by having years named after them.

Cat and Rat were once the best of friends--until this contest made them the worst of enemies...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805060499
• ISBN13: 9780805060492
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Square Fish
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 10.0" x 9.9"
• Age Range: 3 to 5 years

Customer Reviews

How the cat and the rat became enemies.

This is a wonderfully charming and beautifully illustrated children's book explaining the legend of how the Chinese years came to be named for animals. It really is a marvelous little tale, but don't plan on reading it in dim light. The illustrations are so low-key as to be invisible in low light and the reverse (white on black) text is equally unviewable. So save "Cat and Rat" for a daytime reading or with the lights full on. The story itself, whether adapted from an actual Chinese legend, is wonderul. Cat and rat are great friends. The Emperor announces a contest, a race for all the animals. The first twelve animals to cross the finish line will have a year named in their honor. How the friends cat and rat became enemies is an engaging tale. Words and pictures work well in this book. Great for dramatic reading to the little ones in your life. Jerry

Best book for Chinese New Year!

I've been reading this story to Preschoolers, Kindergartners, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders for three years now. It is a hit everytime. It is a good version of how the animal zodiac came to be without any religious theme which makes the public school system happy.

Chinese New Year, here we come!

I have found some great books for children on China and Vietnam. My students from those areas will love them and my other students will be able to appreciate the culture better. We all benefit from learning more about each other. Cat and Rat helps with an interesting entertaining story. The zodiac is always intriguing to everybody.

Great book!

This book is one of Ed Yound's finest. It is very beautifully rendered in a sort of abstract, pen and ink style which is very dramatic and striking. Anyone who enjoys myths from around the world will be charmed by this story and the way it is presented. I have bought this book for several people and it has been very well received by adults and children alike!

Enjoyable culturally-based literature!

This is one of my top picks for children's literature dealing with Chinese history and culture! The story is charmingly told in a manner that is convincingly authentic and is a good accompaniment to learning about the Chinese zodiac. This is culturally educational, as well as being a well-written children's story. I especially enjoyed the illustrations, as their color and texture conveyed a darkness and depth of emotion that is rather unique in children's literature.