YEAR OF THE CAT

Rat and the 11 other animals in the Chinese zodiac embark on a quest to find Cat and apologize.

In the ancient Chinese tale of the Great Race, Cat did not win a spot in the zodiac because Rat pushed her into the river right before the finish line. Now, Rat is feeling guilty. He enlists the other animals in the zodiac to “find the one they left behind.” At Rat’s suggestion, the charmingly illustrated animals agree to travel together to the edge of the kingdom, where Cat lives. It’s a colorful and daring adventure, making dynamic use of perspective, and along the way, each animal uses their special skill to help the others…while getting left behind themselves. As their number dwindles (in the opposite order of the zodiac), Rat and Ox alone reach the base of the cliff where Cat lives. Rat leaps up without Ox to present himself as the only animal to seek Cat out. But perhaps a rat visiting a cat alone isn’t the best plan after all….Ho and Langrand have created a whimsical sequel to the Chinese folktale, and while the premise and artwork are appealing, some elements of the story are confusing. Was it Rat’s plan all along to leave the others behind? Is Cat’s licking her chops as foreboding as it looks? Still, readers will enjoy the journey even if the ending raises some questions. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An enjoyable twist on the timeless Chinese zodiac tale.