How the Chinese Zodiac Came to Be!

The Jade Emperor decided to celebrate his birthday with a Great Race for his favorite animals. The first twelve animals to cross the finish line, he declared, would earn a place of honor in the heavens and become a symbol of the lunar calendar for all eternity. Read along as the animals, the emperor’s Jade Stars, use their talent and determination to overcome obstacles, outsmart their competitors, and even form unlikely alliances in their quest for eternal glory in the lunar calendar.

The Great Race is a folktale that is has been passed down among families from generation to generation. Share it with your children, who will learn which animals were rewarded by the Jade Emperor and that being the biggest and most powerful doesn’t always mean you’ll win! Read along as the Jade Stars overcome obstacles, outsmart their competitors and form unlikely alliances in their quest for eternal glory.