Written and illustrated by Christopher Corr
Published by Lincoln Children's Book on January 4th, 2018
Genre: International Literature
Number of Pages: 32
Overview
Many, many years ago, in China, there were no years or days. One day the Jade Emperor decided to hold a Great Race to find a way of measuring time. Twelve animals compete to cross the river and have a year named after them.
This book is a wonderful way to introduce the Chinses New Year and Chinese Zodiac to early elementary students. The illustrations help to beautifully retell the zodiac story and help to further integrate the Chinese culture. The fun and brightly colored pictures practically jump off of the page. Students will be more than interested and engaged in this colorful tale.
This is an easy introduction to the Chinese zodiac for young students. Recommended"
- School Library Connection
"In retelling the traditional tale, Corr skillfully weaves in traits associated with some of the animals. Corr's distinctive folk-art style gouache illustrations are fun, bright, and bold....a good choice for classroom read-alouds...A visually fun and vibrant retelling of the Chinese Zodiac."
- School Library Journal
Lesson and Activity
Standard: 11 ) Identify the traditions and contributions of various cultures in the local community and state. (Alabama)
Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.
Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time.
Discussion: Ask students to name all of the animals that they remember from the book. Ask students to discuss the different qualities of each animal. Explain that the 12 Chinese zodiac animals include a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Explain that every year has a specific animal associated with it. Remind students of the qualities and characteristics they discussed about each animal and tell the students how people born on the year of each animal are thought to have that animal's particular qualities and characteristics.
Activity: Have students express what they have learned about the Chinese zodiac animals by making an animal mask for their favorite Chinese zodiac animal and act out their specific characteristics and qualities.
Reading level: 2-4
Interest level: Pre-k - 4
Sources: https://www.education.com/lesson-plan/chinese-zodiac-animals/
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Race-Story-Chinese-Zodiac/dp/1786030659
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/christopher-corr/the-great-race-corr/
Here are some great videos to further explain the Chinese New Year and the Zodiac Signs:
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