This exciting junior fantasy adventure tells the story of the creation of the lunar zodiac and the great race that will decide which 12 animals will have a year named after them for all eternity. When the great Jade Emperor – who created the world – is bored, he decides to hold a race. The temple cat, Miaow, is invited to partake, alongside his frenemy, Su, the rat. As they progress through the challenging three-part race they meet others, including Ming, a nine-tailed fox, who befriends Miaow, and Yi Lan, a water dragon, who helps them on their journey. Will they make it to the final temple, or will fire, an avalanche and the legendary Weak River prevent them from completing the race?

Based on Chinese mythology, this is a fun and fast-paced series opener that will captivate emerging readers. Book two, The Year of the Rat, will be published at the same time. For ages 7+.