27th January The Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, features 12 animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Originated from ancient zoolatry and boasting a history of more than 2,000 years, it plays an essential role in Chinese culture. The 12 Chinese zodiac animals in a cycle are not only used to represent years in China, but also believed to influence people’s personalities, career, compatibility, marriage, and fortune.

When I first became a teacher librarian I don't think there was one book about the Chinese zodiac or Chinese New Year let alone Chinese culture or folktales in the library I inherited. Over the years though there has been so many quality titles published and there need for themes increased so now the library is extremely well-equipped to cater to all readers' needs.

It's a mystery that which country created the zodiac first. According to the historical literature, the 12 animals in China used today including the animal selection and their orders were originated in the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). The order of the animals is most explained with a folk-tale about how the animals were summoned to heaven by the Jade Emperor who ruled the heavens of China.

There are many different versions of stories and folklores related to Chinese zodiac. The most popular one is about the race between the animals. Legend said the Jade Emperor held a race and asked all the animals to participate. The first 12 could be given a place in the calendar. Although the Rat is small, it won the first place by riding on the Ox’s back. The pig got the last one because of stopping to eat.

Chinese zodiac is represented by 11 animals which are quite familiar to us in daily life and the legendary creature Dragon. Cat is also very common in our daily life, but why is it excluded in the 12 Chinese zodiac signs? The folktales about why there is no cat in Chinese zodiac are numerous as well.

There are some amazing picture books highlighting the animal race and then many of the animals have books of their own as listed below.

The Race

• The Great Race by Dawn Casey

• The Great Race  by Christopher Carr    

• The Great Race  by Emily Hiles

• The Great Race by Ling and Eric Lee

• The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by Gabriel Wang

• The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac by Susan Whitfield

 Rat

• The Little Rat and the Golden Seed  by Li Jian

• Cat and Rat by Ed Young (this is also about the race)  

• What the Rat Told Me  by Marie Sellier (the story of the race from the rat's point of view)

• The Year of the Rat  by Charles Hope  

 Ox

• The Little Calf by Dong Hu and Li Jian

 Tiger

The library doesn't have any specific books about the role of the tiger. I'm guessing Li Jian will bring one out in time for next year.

 Rabbit

• Rabbit's Year by Melissa Keil (or the same story different title)

• Rabbit's Zodiac Friends by Melissa Keil

Dragon

• The Water Dragon by Li Jian    

• Are You a Dragon? by Di Wu

• The Dragon's Tale  by Demi

Snake

• The Snake Goddess Colours the World  by Li Jian

Horse

• The Horse and the Mysterious Drawing by Li Jian

• The Lost Horse  by Ed Young

Sheep

• The Sheep Beauty by Li Jian

Monkey

• The Little Monkey King's Journey by Li Jian

Rooster

• The Magical Rooster by Li Jian      

Dog

• The Bronze Dog by Li Jian     

• The Year of the Dog by Charles Hope

Pig

• The Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes by Li Jian

• The Year of the Pig by Charles Hope

No Cat

• No Year of the Cat  by Mary Dodson Wade  

When I do a display in the library I include other relevant tiles such as those on celebrating Chinese New Year, dragon dancing, Chinese animal folktales and non fiction books about that particular animal. Next year the students of my school will love the tiger display because the books on tigers are borrowed.