The Year of the Monkey - (Tales from the Chinese Zodiac) by Oliver Chin (Hardcover)

About the Book

The son of the famous Monkey King and Queen, Max takes a journey to be the best! This story features a bilingual Chinese translation.

2016 is the Year of the Monkey! The son of the legendary parents, Max has a lot to live up to. Now starting school, he befriends the boy Kai and learns a new sport. Succeeding in class is not easy, but luckily playing in the gym is! But when his parents tell him of their great expectations, does Max have what it takes to fly sky high?

When facing not only a lofty destiny but also rugged adversity, can Max forge his own claim to fame? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Kenji Ono creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children's book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year.

Book Synopsis

The son of the famous Monkey King and Queen, Max takes a journey to be the best! This story features a bilingual Chinese translation.

2016 is the Year of the Monkey! The son of the legendary parents, Max has a lot to live up to. Now starting school, he befriends the boy Kai and learns a new sport. Succeeding in class is not easy, but luckily playing in the gym is! But when his parents tell him of their great expectations, does Max have what it takes to fly sky high?

When facing a lofty destiny and rugged adversity, can Max forge his own claim to fame? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Kenji Ono creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children's book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year.

Max's thrilling climb to discover his true nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, animal lovers.

Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children's book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales.

"Illustrated by professional animator Kenji Ono, the dynamic artwork makes the zodiac animals jump off the pages. It's great fun to look for all 12 animals appearing throughout the book... Max exudes energy and determination, two wonderful traits to carry into the Year of the Monkey to achieve your dreams."
- Sampan

Review Quotes

"...the eleventh in Oliver Chin's highly acclaimed Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series is another winner, combining the playfulness that makes the stories so appealing to young readers with some good role-modelling... the cover is enough to demonstrate that the illustrations are as energetic as the narrative... Children will love the energy of both the narrative and the animation-inspired pictures in The Year of the Monkey - and alongside the humour there is a depth to the story, as young readers observe how Max doesn't give up when he realises that Jianzi is harder than he first thought and also learns to save his mischief for playtime. The book is another great addition to the Tales of the Zodiac series, as well as a thoroughly enjoyable stand-alone story for this Year of the Monkey and beyond."
- Mirrors, Windows, Doors

"I can easily see this book on school library bookshelves as its subject matter is really quite universal. The book is filled with strong action verbs, some which may be new to youngsters. These wonderful examples convey how words, complemented by fun illustrations, can add to the overall reading experience even make reading aloud for parents enjoyable and entertaining."
- Good Reads with Ronna

"I liked all of the colorful illustrations and the overall messages of teamwork, practice, courage, and determination. I think this book is a fun way to introduce children to the lunar new year. Be sure to point out the other animals in the Chinese zodiac that are shown throughout the book. We had fun searching for them on the different pages!"
- Here We Read

"Old meets new in this original story that celebrates the forthcoming Year of the Monkey with superhero-style comic art... How Max and Kai, his human partner, progress through a big-time tournament makes for an exciting trajectory and a charming affirmation. The take-away: Find your own way. This 11th book in the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series has energy, adventure and culture." - San Francisco Chronicle

"Ono's experience in 'moving pictures' is easily recognizable here, as Max's never-still energy can hardly be contained."
- BookDragon, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

"The story is very well written... The bold, bright illustrations are a perfect match for the lively, action-packed story... The Year of the Monkey is a fun, colorful, adventurous story of friendship, spirit, and determination, and a great addition to the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series."
- Frog a Blog

"The Year of the Monkey immediately gained my enthusiasm... The illustrations are amazing. The action flies off the spreads. Max and the other characters are larger-than-life, full of spirit, energy, and emotion. I like the bright, active colors and the distinctive Chinese look some characters possess." - Kid Lit Reviews

About the Author

Oliver Chin has written Julie Black Belt and more books.

Kenji Ono worked at DreamWorks Animation.