Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
On a dark moonless night, the 12 animals of the zodiac prepare for sleep in Lin's cozy bedtime board book introduction to the Lunar New Year cycle. Following the traditional order, the mouse is first to tuck in. Next, "an ox in knitted mittens/ falls asleep with toasty feet.// The striped and mighty tiger/ snores softly, gently, sweet." The spreads, which show each animal labeled with their Chinese character, limn the figures via simple facial expressions and varied landscapes, while lilting, rhyming prose conveys their bedtime rituals (sheep "whisper stories, soft and serene"). After the last two animals snuggle up, the view widens to show a light-brown-skinned child resting contentedly in a room filled with the animals, who "safeguard dreams/ while we're asleep." Back matter offers context. Ages up to 3. (Dec.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--As this book opens, 12 animals are preparing for bed. A mouse is followed by an ox (in knitted mittens), tigers, and so on until all the figures of the lunar zodiac are presented. At the conclusion, readers see a young girl tucked in bed surrounded by stuffed animals, all of whom bear a striking resemblance to the ones they've been reading about. It is a sweet culmination of a dreamy little board book that offers a nice introduction to the lunar zodiac. Lin's artwork is dark and layered, and creates texture with simple strokes that are loaded with graphic appeal. The faces of the animals are welcoming and approachable without being excessively cartoonish. Rich, earthy colors complemented by shades of nighttime blue contribute to the book's peaceful tone, and there is a visual depth and atmosphere that is gratifying in the board book form. The rhyming text is fittingly simple, with about a dozen words per spread. Li's illustrations also include the Chinese characters for each animal, a small touch that lends the book an additional layer of authenticity. Notes at the end provide more information about the origins and rotation of the zodiac. VERDICT While not a must-have, this calming introduction to the lunar zodiac will find readership in larger collections.--Kate Newcombe
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A child issues a gentle good night to the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. A young child with black hair and rosy cheeks lovingly gathers stuffies and household pets before bringing them to bed. Layered lines and textured shapes with bright contrasting colors reveal different scenes of each sleeping zodiac animal. Simplified Chinese characters are written alongside each slumber-themed poetic stanza, such as "a clever mouse lies down to rest her weary ears and head." This pattern goes on to portray an ox family snoozing amid various hues of blue plants; then as the "striped and mighty tiger snores softly, gently, sweet," a brightly striped tiger with exaggerated proportions lies surrounded by bold green plants. Every animal gets highlighted, from a bundle of floppy-eared bunnies to vividly blue dragons in a rustic cave. Eye-catching illustrations provide plenty of engagement. Readers will be entranced as they follow every wiggly snake across the pages and examine the cozy curls of the sheep's wool. The narrative eventually circles back by relaying how all zodiac members "safeguard dreams" as toy representatives populate the child's room. Despite a few variances in pace and rhymes, the story projects an overall cozy tone. Brief notes explaining the legend of the zodiac and ties to the lunar calendar follow. A gentle, beautifully illustrated tale, ideal for bedtime. (guide to Chinese zodiac legend, guide to the lunar calendar and the zodiac)(Picture book. 0-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
