The Emperor has a problem. He wants his people to<br><br>remember the year in which his son was born. But there<br><br>is no way to keep track of the years. So the Emperor devises<br><br>a race in which animals will cross a river. The first twelve<br><br>animals to reach the opposite side will have a year named<br><br>after them. Thus, the people will be able to remember the<br><br>years and the events that occurred. And so the race is set.<br><br>Rat, knowing he is no match for the rushing water,<br><br>schemes with Cat on how to cross the river. Together the<br><br>two convince Ox to carry them across. But halfway across<br><br>the river, Rat shows his true colors. Will Cat make it to<br><br>the other side? Which animals will have a year named<br><br>after them?<br><br>Accompanied by exquisite watercolor artwork, this<br><br>charming story explains the origins of the Chinese<br><br>calendar.