2018 is the Year of the Dog! Daniel is an adventurous puppy whose journey celebrates the new year. This revised edition features a bilingual Chinese translation. The puppy Daniel explores the world with his parents and the girl Lin, and learns how to become "man's best friend.” Growing up is an adventure, but being a good dog takes practice, as Daniel realizes when he barks up the wrong tree! Can Daniel prove his loyalty and dependability by helping Lin when she needs him the most? Befriending people and the other zodiac animals, can Daniel show his true colors? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Jeremiah Alcorn 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. Daniel’s rollicking journey 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, dog 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. "The tale, along with the wonderfully animated pictures by Miah Alcorn, makes for a fun read for young children and their parents. With this book, you could definitely judge it by its cover." - Book Dads PreS-Gr 2—Daniel the puppy wants to protect human Lin from the mythical creatures his father told him about—but after mistaking a rooster for a phoenix and a rat for a dragon, he needs to learn patience. When Lin takes a walk on a picnic and comes across the path of a tiger, Daniel finally gets his chance. Improbably, it is the puppy's barking, instead of the tiger's roaring, that alerts others to the danger. Last year's Year of the Rooster completed Chin's "Tales of the Zodiac" series, so this year sees a rerelease of 2006's Year of the Dog, with an added Chinese translation (simplified characters). However, this first volume remains overly long with clunky language and an unexciting, lagging plot. Appearances by the other zodiac animals are sometimes organic, but often seem shoehorned. VERDICT Libraries that have later volumes in the series should not feel obligated to backfill their collections with this update.—Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA “ Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a series of 12 books about these iconic calendar denizens, starting with The Year of the Dog … each book targets four- to eight-year-olds and stars a baby animal coming of age and learning how to personify the year it represents.” - Kidscreen Magazine “The book is brilliantly illustrated by Jeremiah Alcorn. In their journey together, Daniel discovers his true nature...” - Asian Week “A whimsical tale of confusion and adventure, as Lin and the puppy meet the other animals of the Chinese zodiac, some in their imagination, and some in real life... The cartoony and angular art style captures the eagerness of the young dog perfectly, in this upbeat astrological tale.” - Midwest Book Review “ The Year of the Dog is a great one. Its tales of childhood friendships keeps you on edge as you wonder what’s 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. This great tale of man’s best friend is a must have for all young ones.” - The Opinionated Parent "Do you know anyone who is honest, loyal and faithful but completely stubborn? The Year of the Dog could explain it all. With Oliver Chin's warm-fuzzy writing and Jeremiah Alcorn's spunky illustrations, the Year of the Dog is cuter than ever.” - Hyphen Magazine Oliver Chin is the author of many children's book such as Julie Black Belt, Welcome to Monster Isle, and the popular annual series Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. He co-wrote The Discovery of Ramen, The Discovery of Fireworks & Gunpowder, and The Discovery of Anime and Manga from The Asian Hall of Fame series. His family lives in San Francisco, CA. Jeremiah Alcorn is a professional animator on Disney’s new Duck Tales animated TV show. He illustrated the books The Year of the Dog, Pig, Rat, and Ox. He resides near Birmingham, AL with his family.