Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Dallas Public Library | + 398.2 K56 | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Monmouth Public Library | J 398.2 KIMMEL | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
Explains the twelve animals of the zodiac and why roosters crow every morning.
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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, RoosterÄwho sports a glorious pair of antlersÄand 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 illustrationsÄoffset by clear, vibrant colorsÄcreate 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.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
In this unusual version of the origin of the Chinese zodiac, Dragon, ashamed of his bald head, borrows Rooster's antlers. When the Jade Emperor ranks Dragon ahead of Rooster, he squawked with rage and is crowing his protest to this very day. The illustrations--done in the style of traditional Chinese cut-paper art--provide a bold complement to the text. From HORN BOOK Spring 2000, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A saucy version of a traditional tale of the Chinese zodiac from the creators of Ten Suns (1998). Long ago when the Jade Emperor of China was selecting the animals for the Chinese calendar, all the animals wanted to be included. Dragon, sensitive about his bald head, complains to Centipede, who offers, for a price, to obtain Rooster's gorgeous antlers. Generous Rooster, certain he will be chosen with or without antlers, lends them to Dragon for ``as long as he needs them.'' Rooster stews when the Jade Emperor selects him tenth, for the dragon was chosen fifth, surely because of his headwear. Worse, Dragon refuses to give the antlers back and Rooster gets mad, forever; to this day, he hops on a fence and calls, ``Ku-keri-keru! Dragon, you thief! Give back my antlers!'' The telling is well-timed and funny, while the illustrations, with the look of Chinese paper-cutting, thoroughly complement the text. Amid heavy black lines are vividly colored areas, all against a deep aqua background, and filled with pattern and movement. (Picture book. 6-8)
Booklist Review
Ages 4^-8. Rooster, splendid in his beautiful feathers and bright red comb, generously agrees to share his coral antlers with poor bald Dragon at the request of Centipede, Dragon's friend. Rooster knows that by doing so, the Jade Emperor will choose both of them for the calendar. However, when the Emperor chooses Dragon before Rooster, Rooster regrets his generosity and takes it out on Centipede. Children will easily recognize the feelings of the three animals in this crisp retelling of a Chinese folktale. Xuan's illustrations, with their thick black outlines and bold colors, capture the simplicity and strength of Kimmel's telling and will show up well in a group setting. --Susan Dove Lempke