The entertaining adventures of your favorite animals continue in The Year of the Rat!

Ralph is a little rat eager to explore the world. But growing up is a challenge, as Ralph follows in his parents footsteps, much to the bother of others. When Bings birthday party goes awry, can Ralph rescue his friend by using the traits that others frowned upon?

Ralphs amusing journey to discover his true character will delight children and adults alike . Third in the annual series, Tales from the Chinese Zodiac, The Year of the Rat features all the charismatic creatures of the Chinese lunar calendar and proves how anyone can make a big difference.

"Rats dream as we dream, in epic narratives of navigation and thwarted efforts at escape" - New York Times

Rat Pig Ox

Dog

For nearly 5,000 years, the Chinese culture has organized time in cycles of twelve years. This Eastern calendar is based upon the movement of the moon (as compared to the Western which follows the sun), and is symbolized by the zodiac circle. Each year is traditionally represented by an animal that embodies unique qualities. Therefore, people born

Tiger

Rooster

in the year of a particular animal are thought to share a certain personality and identity with their sign. Now more and more people worldwide celebrate this two-week long festival in the early spring, and enjoy the start of another Chinese New Year.

Rabbit

Monkey

Dragon

Sheep Horse

Snake

To my father Henry and sister Brenda. O.C. To the one above all who inspires, strengthens, and always sees me through. Without Your love, this book would not have been possible. And to Alli, Jacob, Owen, and Emma you are my greatest blessing. I love you all so much! J.A.

Immedium, Inc. P.O. Box 31846 San Francisco, CA 94131 www.immedium.com Text Copyright 2007 Oliver Chin Illustrations Copyright 2007 Jeremiah Alcorn All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Immedium Special Sales at sales@immedium.com. First hardcover edition published 2007. Edited by Don Menn Book design by Elaine Chu Calligraphy by Lucy Chu Printed in Singapore 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Chin, Oliver Clyde, 1969The year of the rat : tales from the Chinese zodiac / by Oliver Chin ; illustrated by Miah Alcorn. -- 1st hardcover ed. p. cm. Summary: Ralph the rat learns what his best qualities really are when his friend Bing needs help after a big bunch of balloons carries him away. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Rat. ISBN 978-1-59702-011-4 (hardcover) [1. Rats--Fiction. 2. Astrology, Chinese--Fiction.] I. Alcorn, Miah, ill. II. Title. PZ7.C44235Yer 2008 [E]--dc22 2007005240 ISBN: 1-59702-011-7 ISBN 13: 978-159702-011-4

Immedium, Inc. San Francisco

As the sun peeked over the horizon, Mama and Papa Rat cuddled their newest baby. While his older brothers and sisters scampered about, little Ralph opened his eyes and let out a

Squeak!

Papa scratched his chin, This pup has spunk. Mama smiled, Im sure the landlords son will take a liking to you. Sure enough, Bing heard the news and came to visit them in the attic.

In his hand, Bing offered a piece of cheese. Ralph cautiously climbed aboard for a nibble and then a warm pet. Soon, Ralph was running up Bings arm, through his sleeves, and across his shirt.

Bing was tickled pink, Lets go exploring! Nestling in, Ralph asked his parents,

Can I go

outside, please?
Mama replied, Ok, but remember to watch your step and mind your manners.

Rat
1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 People born in the Year of the Rat are ambitious, clever, and thrifty. They are nimble, optimistic, and sensitve. But sometimes they can be competitive and possessive. Though they may be nosy and a little thin-skinned, rats are truly resourceful and trusty pals!

$15.95 USA / $19.50 Canada

Oliver Chin is the author of The Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series, Julie Black Belt, Timmy and Tammys Train of Thought, The Adventures of WonderBaby, and other books. His family lives in San Francisco, California.

Jeremiah Alcorn is the artist of The Year of the Dog and The Year of the Pig, which ForeWord magazine recommended because "readers young and old will enjoy this journey." He resides in Alabama with his wife and three children.

Such a great combination of stunning pictures and gripping story. I absolutely love the illustrations." - Anna Tharyan, Toronto Public Library

If I've learned anything about favorite picture books, it will be requested so much even the kids will have it memorized almost word for word in no time." - Model Railroad News

Parents will find this a far more stimulating board book presentation than your usual alphabet title." - Midwest Book Review

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Printed in Singapore

[The illustrations of ] artist Jeremiah Alcorn are reminiscent of the work of Chuck Jones, the animator behind such Warner Bros. cartoon characters as Bugs Bunny. They look like animation stills." - Paul Kilduff, The San Francisco Chronicle I love it when my children are able to learn about the beliefs and traditions of different cultures, and books from the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series are a great way for them to do so. I highly recommend starting your own collection!" - The Boutique Caf Its tales of childhood friendships keeps you on edge as you wonder whats coming around the next corner. It teaches a lesson to respect your animals, as it nonchalantly teaches you to be yourself and to follow your instincts." - The Opinionated Parent
$15.95 US / $19.50 CAN

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