This bilingual book is a collection of fables around the theme of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. Seven originate from Chinese culture, five are derived from Aesop's Fables.

Includes free online audio recordings.

A letter to all readers young and old -- How the twelve animals won their places in the Chinese zodiac -- How the mouse turned his friend the cat into a mortal enemy -- What kind of music would cows appreciate? -- How the tiger lost his might -- How an old rabbit saved her forest friends -- How to make dragons come to life -- Would you save a snake from freezing to death? -- Can losing a horse bring good luck? -- Why bother repairing the fence after the sheep are already lost? -- How the monkey was doomed by his own pride -- Why the hen that laid golden eggs couldn't save herself -- Are dogs really happier than wolves? -- How piggy learned an unforgettable lesson.