As families gather for Thanksgiving celebrations across the country, author Skip McCloskey has released a new children's book that aims to enrich holiday traditions with cultural storytelling. The Great Race: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac presents a charming retelling of an ancient Chinese folktale that explains the origins of the twelve Zodiac animals through an engaging animal race narrative.
The book follows the Jade Emperor as he creates the first Zodiac by summoning animals from across the kingdom to participate in a historic race. Each creature brings distinct strengths, flaws, and personalities to the competition, with the race results determining the order of the twelve Zodiac animals that continue to be celebrated in Chinese culture today. McCloskey's version combines playful storytelling with vibrant illustrations designed to make the ancient myth accessible and enjoyable for young readers.
McCloskey emphasizes the book's relevance to Thanksgiving traditions, noting that stories serve as bridges between cultures and generations. The themes of perseverance, humility, cooperation, and character development embedded in the narrative align with the values often discussed during family gatherings. The author believes that sharing stories from diverse cultures helps children develop understanding and appreciation for different traditions while strengthening family bonds.
The timing of the book's release coincides with a season when families naturally reflect on gratitude, traditions, and the stories that shape personal and cultural identities. Educators and parents seeking to introduce children to global folktales may find the book particularly valuable as it encourages cultural curiosity while maintaining entertainment value through lively artwork and engaging storytelling. The book is available for purchase at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G45N84BJ/.
For families looking to establish new Thanksgiving traditions, The Great Race offers an opportunity to combine reading time with cultural education. The story's emphasis on each animal's unique contributions reinforces the message that every individual brings something special to the world, making it particularly relevant for discussions about diversity and inclusion during family gatherings. As holiday seasons often prompt reflection on shared values and cultural heritage, McCloskey's book provides a tool for families to explore these themes together through storytelling.
