(2) 4-6 Monkey King and the World of Myths series. Worlds collide when brazen Chinese Monkey King Sun Wukong sneaks into the heavenly kingdom and strikes a deal to become a monster hunter and the first beast to earn his godhood. Seeking the Yao-Qi, a monster transformed by an evil energy, Wukong travels to the far west, meeting gods, humans, and creatures from Greek mythology. Although considered a lowly beast by gods and humans, energetic and curious Wukong is instrumental to challenging the prejudices of those around him. Lam intertwines lessons in employing critical thinking skills to understand others with fast-paced writing and appealing panel illustrations. With plenty of humor, adventure, and heart, this first book in a projected graphic novel series makes for a rousing read. A character glossary provides additional information and an invitation to explore their original stories. In a note, Lam discusses how the "mixed-cultural experience" of growing up in Hong Kong and Los Angeles inspired her story.

Reviewer: Kristine Techavanich | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alison Czinkota. This festive book is filled with birthday-related goodies on every colorful page. Read about astrological signs, the Chinese zodiac, the "Celtic tree calendar," birth stones and flowers, and numerology. Discover birthday trivia, customs from different cultures, and random "weird and wonderful facts." The life of this party, however, is the "Month by Month: Calendars & Activities" section. A snippet of information about an event, holiday, or tradition is featured on every day of each month. Following the calendar page, a double-page spread highlights an activity, including crafts (make a gift bow out of junk mail), recipes (Brazilian birthday brigadeiros; mocktails), a party planner quiz, and how to say "Happy Birthday" in different languages. The festive candy-colored illustrations contribute to the celebratory mood.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 This comprehensive guide provides aspiring astronomers and stargazers with a wealth of information about the constellations of both hemispheres. Readers will be tempted to jump right to constellation-searching but should start at the beginning for some contextual history and science. The illustrations are largely aqua and gold on navy backgrounds and have a neat retro aesthetic. Back matter includes extensive star maps. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Joey Chou. The Chinese Zodiac animals (plus Cat) join Ruby on her journey to spend Chinese New Year with her grandmother. Brightly colored digital illustrations include visual cultural markers and draw on Chinese aesthetics, elevating the festive (if somewhat predictable) narrative. The book includes directions for three related crafts and a brief description of the Chinese Zodiac legend. A welcome #OwnVoices addition to collections seeking Chinese New Year picture books. Holiday craft directions appended.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Mind Games series. These appealing volumes about astrology, psychic abilities, and predicting the future each begin with a chapter on early cultural beliefs, followed by five or six chapters outlining current knowledge and speculation. Frequent photographs and line drawings accompany the plentiful quizzes and entertaining activities, which let kids challenge their own future-predicting skills. A concluding activity is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Mind Games titles: Are You Psychic? and Astrological Signs.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA In this conclusion to the Zodiac quartet, the stars are set against Rho. The impulsive young guardian from House Cancer must defeat her nemesis and right the balance of the Zodiac while relying on her love Hysan and other friends for strength. Inconsistent pacing swings from slow exposition to breakneck action, but fans of the space-opera series will want to see it through.

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Andie Tong. While investigating the disappearance of one of their allies, Steven and his fellow super-powered heroes work to defend the world from Maxwell's continuing quest to control all twelve zodiac signs--and, by extension, gain their corresponding powers. This middle volume intensifies the plot with twists and shifting alliances, all leading to a game-changing climax that will leave fans eager for the next volume.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Andie Tong. Teenager Steven Lee interrupts a sinister ritual where the powers of the Chinese zodiac escape to seek out human hosts. Now gifted with the supernatural abilities of the Tiger, Steven searches for the escaped powers while evading a war profiteer who wants control of all twelve signs. Action, humor, and inventive powers contribute to an exciting first installment in a planned trilogy.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) YA Rhoma Grace (Zodiac), disgraced leader of House Cancer, wrestles with guilt and self-doubt in the aftermath of her planet's destruction. Cryptic messages from her enemy, Ophiuchus, and a series of terrorist attacks throughout the galaxy force Rho to rejoin the fight for unity among the Twelve Houses. With its well-integrated zodiac elements, budding astrologists will devour this thought-provoking, romantic space opera.

Reviewer: Barratt Miller

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Melissa van der Paardt. Loosely based on a traditional Chinese tale, this story erases any cultural authenticity. Mouse Shu trains hard to win the Jade Emperor's race for inclusion in the zodiac; his best friend, Mimi the cat, can only think of the cupcake prizes. The cartoonlike digital illustrations have some amusing touches. The back endpapers feature a chart of the zodiac animals, their traits, and their years.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 If a thirteenth zodiac sign was suddenly added, how might the entire world change? In this book, every personality is instantly skewed, and thirteen-year-old Jalen must battle the twelve Keepers throughout New Orleans to send them back to their rightful places. A flat protagonist limits appeal, though astrology devotees will have fun figuring out which sign is represented by which character.

Reviewer: April Spisak

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sally Rippin. The ancient Jade Emperor tells thirteen animals that they will race; the "first twelve animals to cross the river" will have a year named after them. The animals line up and, each in its own unique fashion, cross the river. The Chinese-ink, linocut, and digital-media illustrations are exuberant and fluid, evoking mood and furthering the whimsical tone of this retelling.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Catherine Louis. Calligraphy by Wang Fei. This story explains that long ago, when the Great Emperor named the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, crafty Rat was first in line. Bold linoleum prints feature a double-page spread for each animal. The shapes of the animals harmonize with the calligraphy used to write their Chinese names, forming dramatic and memorable compositions in red, black, and white.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Meilo So. Nai Nai reads a story about the Chinese zodiac to her granddaughter, Willow, and Willow's pet cat, Mao. Mao, angry that the tale omits Cat, stalks off to bed, then tells Willow the real (and wordy) story. The framing is contrived; more effective are the illustrations, which reflect both the story's contemporary setting and its Chinese folk-art elements.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Anne Wilson. The Jade Emperor wants to name the years of his new calendar after animals, so he announces a swimming race to determine the order of the names. Rat, being smart and sneaky, manages to come in first, with the eleven other zodiac animals behind him. Whimsical, attractive collage illustrations match the story's humor. Additional information about the Chinese calendar is included.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 4-6 This exposition on the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac and the attendant characteristics of each contains playful language and lively artwork that make the presentation fresh and appealing. Energetic calligraphy includes the Chinese sign for each animal along with a transliteration. A chart at the back will help readers figure out which animals match their birth month and year.

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(3) K-3 Illustrated by YongSheng Xuan. In this unusual version of the origin of the Chinese zodiac, Dragon, ashamed of his bald head, borrows Rooster's antlers. When the Jade Emperor ranks Dragon ahead of Rooster, he "squawked with rage" and is crowing his protest to this very day. The illustrations--done in the style of traditional Chinese cut-paper art--provide a bold complement to the text.

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