Folk Tales Home » Chinese Books » Story Books » Folk Tales

Long ago in ancient China, the Jade Emperor, ruler of heaven and earth, proclaimed a mighty race, saying that the first twelve animals to cross the river would have a year named after them. When the gong rings out, Tiger leaps in the river, followed by peaceful Rabbit clutching a log. Rat and Cat climb on Ox’s back, and Dog splashes in the shallows while Rooster finds a raft and takes clever Monkey and gentle Goat on board. Snake hitches a ride in Horse’s mane, powerful Dragon flies over the river, and Pig plays happily in the mud. But thirteen animals are racing for only twelve places on the Zodiac. Who will be honest, and who devious? Who will help friends along the way? Who will come first — and who will miss out?

相传，在很久以前的中国古代，玉帝举行了一次动物渡河大赛，并承诺先到达终点的十二只动物，可以用自己的名字代表一年，成为这一年的生肖。于是，动物们纷纷跃跃欲试、各显神通。老虎跳进合理，拼命向终点游去；兔子跳上一根圆木头，朝终点漂过去；老鼠和猫请牛背他们渡河；幸运的鸡找到一张木筏，在猴子和山羊的帮助下，乘着木筏出发了……究竟，谁能够成为生肖呢？

本书是中国古代传说故事的经典演绎，焕发出新的生命力。生动幽默的语言，融合东西方特色的绘画风格，讲述了古老的传说、不朽的经典，传达出永恒的智慧与哲理。