The Bronze Dog: Stories of the Chinese Zodiac, A Story in English and Chinese [Hardcover]

This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells the story of two young brothers and a magical dog in both English and Chinese.

Once upon a time, at the foot of the mountains called Zhongnan in the Shaanxi Province of China, there were two brothers who lived alone and depended on each other. One day, the elder one dug out a bronze dog while tilling which made the brothers very happy, as they could sell it for money. But unexpectedly, the bronze dog suddenly got bigger and swallowed the elder brother. Having seen this, the younger one rushed to find a hammer, intending to smash the bronze dog to save his brother. In order not to be destroyed, the bronze dog promised to give the young boy three gifts which he wanted most. But he told the dog he would rather ask for nothing but his brother. The bronze dog was deeply moved by the love between the two brothers, so it spat the elder one out and magically turned into a real dog. Luckily, the brothers got a new companion, and all of them lived happily ever after.

Other books in theChinese Zodiac Series(as well as the year of that animal) include:

• Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019
• Magical Rooster—2005 & 2017
• Water Dragon—2012 & 2024
• Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028
• Snake Goddess Colors the World—2013 & 2025
• Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026
• Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027
• Little Rat and the Golden Seed—2008 & 2020

The illustrations are meant to look like the ancient stone relief that was popular during the Han Dynasty. They are not all that colorful or detailed, but they introduce a bit more of the culture to the reader. I love that the story is in both English and Chinese. The last page of the book shares a bit about the year of the dog and the characteristics that go with l3ã