Drawing on the myth of the Chinese zodiac, The Animals of Chinese New Year follows twelve animals as they speed across a river, competing to represent the imminent new year in a race held by the Jade Emperor, the most powerful Chinese god. Each animal competes in its own unique way. The ox works hard, the tiger is brave, the dog smiles kindly, but who will win? Bright photographs of babies demonstrating the same traits as the animals in the text, complemented by traditional Chinese graphic elements, accompany Sookfong Lee's lively text. This bilingual book includes full text in both Simplified Chinese.

Key Selling Points Chinese New Year offers a look at the origins, history and evolution of this dynamic holiday. Jen Sookfong Lee shares her own experiences of Chinese New Year adding a personal touch to this incredible resource. Chinese New Year includes recipes for traditional foods eaten around Chinese New Year. Released in 2017, it is now available for the first time in paperback. It was recognized as a CCBC Best Book in 2018. Jen Sookfong Lee's novelThe Conjoined (ECW Press) was a finalist for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize. She is also the author of the board book The Animals of Chinese New Year (Orca). This book is part of the Orca Origins series that explores cultural celebrations throughout the world. Chinese New Year is Feb. 12, 2021.