What the Rat Told Me: A Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

By Catherine Louis and Marie Sellier

Book Overview

A wonderful introduction for young readers to the Chinese zodiac adapted from a Chinese Buddhist legend dating from the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).

Illustrated by the critically acclaimed team of author, illustrator, and calligrapher that created THE LEGEND OF THE CHINESE DRAGON. One day, the Great Emperor of Heaven invited all the animals to visit him on the Jade Mountain. Twelve animals came, and they became the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. What really happened on that day so long ago? The rat, who was there, knows the true story.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0735841586
• ISBN13: 9780735841581
• Release Date: July 2014
• Publisher: Northsouth Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 7.6" x 13.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Excellent adaptation of an old Buddhist legend about the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac

This story is adapted from a Chinese Buddhist legend that goes back to the Han Dynasty [206 BCE - 220 CE]. Readers will learn about the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, and why the cat is not part of the zodiac, and also why the cat and rat are no longer friends.This is an oversized book but well worth the extra size and weight considering the gorgeous linoleum prints . The story begins when the Great Emperor of Heaven invited all the animals to visit him on the Jade Mountain...but they had to do it before sunrise. Back then, the cat and rat were great friends, and the lazy cat complains about waking up early, so the rat tells him to sleep, promising that he [the rat] would wake the cat in time for their journey up Jade Mountain. Turns out the rat is quite a rascal, as he goes without waking the cat, and also disdaining the long trek up the mountain, decides to hitch rides on the other animals...the rest is erm, history as the 12 animals fall into the order of the Chinese zodiac as one by one, they arrive to greet the Great Emperor of Heaven. This is a well-adapted tale, perfect for young readers, but it will also delight adults, especially due to the excellent illustrations which are artistic and lively. Highly recommended and a great way to introduce the story of the Chinese zodiac to all.

Adapted from a Chinese Buddhist legend dating from the Han Dynasty

Marie Sellier, Catherine Louis and Wang Fei's WHAT THE RAT TOLD ME: A LEGEND OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC tells of a Great Emperor who invites all the animals to visit him on the Jade Mountain. Twelve come and become the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac - but what really happened, and why is the cat not part of the zodiac? The rat knows the true story... and this one's adapted from a Chinese Buddhist legend dating from the Han Dynasty.