The Chinese people often told stories that taught the listener about their culture. In this zodiac myth, the emperor names the years of the zodiac after the animals who win a race. The Chinese zodiac myth is retold in this brilliantly illustrated Chinese Myth. Short Tales is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Publishing Group. Grades 3-6.

Relates how the Jade Emperor chose twelve animals to represent the years in his calendar. Also discusses the Chinese calendar, zodiac, the qualities associated with each animal, and what animal rules the year in which the reader was born.

Retells the race of the animals from which the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac were derived. Includes illustrations in the style of classical Chinese painting.

Born on New Year's Day of 2006 (the Year of the Dog), the puppy Daniel explores the world with his parents and the girl Lin, and learns how to become "man's best friend."