ISBN: 1-905236-77-8
Author: Dawn Casey
Website: No author website
Illustrator: Anne Wilson
Website (not official): http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/AnneWilson/profile
Media Used: Typeset in Present and Cerigo. The illustrations were prepared in printed collage papers with acrylic and printed backgrounds.
Summary: Tells how the Jade Emperor choose the 12 animals of the Chinese calendar by holding a race across a wide river. The 12 years of the the calendar would be named after the animals in the order that they arrive.
Personal Reaction: I really enjoy the artwork of this book. It is comprised of colorful layers which draw the eye across the page. I've personally read this book for a variety of ages, in order to help introduce the Chinese New Year, and it has always done well. This is one of the few story time quality picture books about the Chinese Zodiac that I enjoy reading aloud - and surprisingly unlike my usual story time material it doesn't rhyme. Possible follow up discussion topics - figuring out which animal of the zodiac you are; comparing the similarities and differences between the Western and Chinese calendars; learning about other important Chinese festivals; or an art lesson plan such as the one offered by the publisher, Barefoot Books.
Curricular Connection: 6th grade World History
California Standard 6.6: Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of China.
No comments:
Post a Comment