Relates how the Jade Emperor chose twelve animals to represent the years in his calendar. Also discusses the Chinese calendar, zodiac, the qualities associated with each animal, and what animal rules the year in which the reader was born.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
After creating a calendar with a 12-year cycle, the Jade Emperor decides he needs twelve animals to represent each of the years. Kimmel's (Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins) languid retelling focuses on two animals, RoosterAwho sports a glorious pair of antlersAand Dragon, and their preoccupation with their appearance. Centipede, on behalf of Dragon, asks Rooster to lend his antlers to Dragon, who thinks that they will detract attention away from his bald spot. Although Rooster willingly gives them up, he then bemoans the fact that the emperor chooses Dragon fifth among the 12 finalists, while Rooster is chosen 10th. But the contest itself is anticlimactic. The emperor summons the creatures to the palace and "look[s] at all the animals. Finally he announce[s] his choices," seemingly vindicating the characters' obsession with their appearances. As the legend goes, this tale explains why roosters today gobble up centipedes and begin each day berating Dragon, the sun. Xuan's (Ten Suns: A Chinese Legend, with Kimmel) intricate, silhouetted cut-paper illustrationsAoffset by clear, vibrant colorsAcreate the impression of stained glass, but at times the cluttered compositions detract from the characters themselves. And the subtle visual connection between Dragon and the sun, at the conclusion, may be lost on some readers. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-When the Jade Emperor, China's legendary king in heaven, decides to select 12 admirable animals to represent the years in his new calendar, Rooster is sure he will be chosen, for his magnificent coral antlers make him more beautiful than any other creature. Dragon is less sure; while he does have some good features, he is bald. He promises Centipede a great reward if he can coax Rooster into lending him his gorgeous antlers to wear before the Jade Emperor. Rooster agrees, saying, "Dragon can keep my antlers as long as he needs them." While American children may not know that Chinese dragons traditionally sport magnificent antlers, they certainly know that roosters do not, and so will anticipate the inevitable outcome of Rooster's generosity. Xuan's striking illustrations, modeled on traditional Chinese paper cuts, serve the story well and effectively convey expressions of jealousy, greed, anger, etc. Heavy black lines, resembling cut paper, are filled with brilliant colors on a blue ground. Ed Young's The Rooster's Horns (Collins, 1978, o.p.) tells a similar story and shows how to turn it into a shadow play. Kimmel's book includes brief descriptions of the characteristics of those born under each animal sign and an author's note that gives an oral source for the story. With the Year of the Dragon fast approaching, libraries may want this new title for variety.
Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
Eric A. Kimmel is well known for the tales he has retold from around the world. Some of his best-known titles are "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" (a Caldecott Honor book), "Gershon's Monster", "Anansi and the Talking Melon", and "The Runaway Tortilla". A former professor of children's literature, he lives in Portland, Oregon.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My daughter loved this Chinese Zodiac story,
By Lady "lady-in-nj" (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Rooster's Antlers: A Story of the Chinese Zodiac (Hardcover)
While this story is a little different than most about some details of the zodiac's origins, it holds true to the basic story [with the emperor choosing the animals]. My daughter really enjoyed this story. The illustrations are bold and bright, based on Chinese paper cuts. This is a book that can be read year-round and should not be relgated to only the "new year" period. It can also be read during the celebrations to a class without them all turning into barking/crying/braying representations of their own animals which some of the other books seem to inspire more.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice book!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Rooster's Antlers: A Story of the Chinese Zodiac (Hardcover)
A great book. Fairy tale that children will love combined with Chinese zodiac info. I recommend this book to teachers who are teaching their students about China and parents who want to give their bookwormy child a treat.
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