The Magical Rooster: A Tale in English and Chinese

In this addition to the bilingual Stories of the Chinese Zodiac series, an anxious mother embroiders a rooster onto her son’s clothing to protect him as he travels to the Capital City to take his exams. During Yun’s long journey, the magical rooster wakes him in the morning, keeps him warm during a snowstorm, and grows large enough for the boy to ride. Li uses muted shades of blue, gray, and tan for his modest paintings; in a lovely touch, the images of the rooster are actually embroidered. Details about the rooster, the 10th sign of the Chinese zodiac, round out this quiet, fable-like tale. Ages 5–10. (Oct.)