The Year of the Rabbit, the latest in the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series, debuted in January 2011. The book is the sixth in the "Tales from the Chinese Zodiac" series written by Oliver Chin and illustrated by Justin Roth.
The Year of the Rabbit
The Year of the Rabbit (Immedium, 2011, 9781597020237) tells the story of Rosie, a rabbit born with incredibly long ears. She can hear everything around her, including when others gossip about the length of her ears. In this illustrated children's book, Rosie yearns to explore life outside of her family's burrow.
One day, she gets her wish, venturing with some of her other rabbit friends into a neighboring garden. When she and her friends are discovered by the garden's owners, they attempt to make a run for it, but Rosie is caught. One of the garden caretakers, a young boy, decides to keep Rosie as his pet. Although she likes this new adventure at first, Rosie eventually misses home and, with the help of her family, escapes her life as a pet. However, when the boy chases after her, it is up to Rosie to save him from unexpected peril.
Introducing the Chinese Zodiac to Children
Through the "Tales from the Chinese Zodiac" series, Chin works to expose children to the Chinese zodiac, what it means and how it relates to them. The preface to the book reads, "If you are born in a particular year, then you share the personality of that animal." Rosie's personality throughout the book matches that of the rabbit described in the Chinese zodiac.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, "Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. They’re popular, compassionate, sincere, and they like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy home and entertaining at home." The site also warns that those born in the year of the rabbit can lack self confidence.
Chin's text makes Rosie a wonderful example of those born during the year of the rabbit. Rosie's lack of self confidence is shown when she worries about the length of her ears, but the popularity of rabbits is shown as well through Rosie's many friends and her family's loyalty. Chin also shows that Rosie doesn't like controversy by her willingness to adapt to her situation when she is kept as a pet. Her sincerity is demonstrated when she works to save the young boy at the end of the book.
Roth's illustrations make the book really engaging for children. The picture book is bright, colorful and comical. Even if the child does not have a preexisting interest in the Chinese zodiac, the illustrations help make the topic inviting and, upon reading, enjoyable. They will remind children of cartoons from television or the movies, making the story of Rosie and The Year of the Rabbit something they want to read and understand.
Ashley Wilbourn Pinciaro - Ashley Pinciaro received a M.A. in journalism from Emerson College in 2009 and has since worked for media platforms throughout New ...
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