Guardians of the New Moon : Ming and Miaow’s Great Race
For ages 6+
This book is a valuable resource of cultural and mythological significance, making it a fantastic choice for schools or families wanting to explore the Lunar Zodiac.
Have you ever wondered about how the Lunar zodiac animals were chosen and why? Publishing just in time for Lunar New Year (28th January 2025), ‘Guardians of the New Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race’ is the first book in a new series written by Eric Huang, illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang, published by Little Tiger Press, for younger readers aged 6 - 9. This captivating tale combines authentic cultural roots with a race-against-time adventure. Through a sleepy temple cat, Miaow, and a fiery nine-tailed fox, Ming, young readers will embark on a journey filled with unexpected friendships, mythological insights, and problem-solving challenges.
The vibrant and colourful cover artwork and internal black-and-white illustrations throughout the book are brilliant, engaging and lively with a cute and cool cast of characters that children will enjoy getting to know - a huge draw for this target age group. The story has enlarged text too, perfect for those early on in their chapter book reading journey.
‘The Great Race’ is a legendary event that takes place in ancient times in East Asia when a very bored Jade Emperor one day decided it would be a fantastic idea. The winners of this race became the 12 zodiac animals who form the key element of cultural heritage for many East Asia countries. Readers of this series can feel reassured that the stories are coming from a place of authenticity due to the heritage of both creators. It was so interesting to follow the journey of so many different types of animals including prehistoric animals that for whatever reason left the race or failed to complete a particular stage. I also enjoyed learning why each of the 12 final animals that made it into the zodiac succeeded with their character and personalities playing a big part in why they succeeded, whether it was through deceit, trickery or teamwork. Have you ever looked up which zodiac animal relates to your birth year, and what its character traits are? My zodiac animal is the rabbit or cat, which actually makes sense!
Our main character Miaow is a Temple cat, a Temple cat that prefers their own company and a quiet life. The Great Race is definitely something that Miaow didn’t have on his list of things to do! Reluctant to join in this inconvenient test of character, Miaow can’t see the point… that is not until he meets race-mate Ming, a nine-tailed fox. Ming is a fiery character, quite the opposite of our sleepy, peaceful Miaow, and what’s more, she can magically transform into a human girl! As the days pass, and the challenges get tougher, an unlikely friendship develops.
Each stage of the race has different rules depending on the landscape or environment, and it’s interesting to see how animals take their knowledge of self to decide whether they attempt it, or not, whether they break the rules, or not, whether they adhere to the rules or whether they try to cheat or worse - sabotage others in the race. In the case of the latter, I’m referring to the mischievous and cheeky Su the rat, who ends up becoming the winner through her cunning strategic streak, hence the second book in the series is the Year of the Rat (published on the same day, 9th January kicking off the 12 animals cycle of the Lunar Zodiac of books). This year’s Lunar New Year Zodiac animal will be the Year of the Snake. I was a little bit disappointed that this wasn’t the next book in the series, but I get that the publishers wanted to start at the beginning of the cycle to make sense for the series.
Will Miaow and Ming overcome the odds to complete the Great Race, or will the Jade Emperor decide their fate? Perhaps with the help and guidance of a wise and friendly aqua dragon, Yi Lin, our two new best friends will succeed after all.
The Glossary at the end of the book features facts and tables with illustrations about the history of some of the key characters and places in the story. A Zodiac table of animals with their associated years is a delightful addition so that children and adults alike are able to have fun finding out which Zodiac animal correlates with their own year of birth.
‘Guardians of the New Moon : Ming and Miaow’s Great Race’ delivers on a race-against-time adventure, developing new friendships, learning empathy for others, and is edutainment for readers about an important East Asian mythical tale that is celebrated and loved around the world. This book is a valuable resource of cultural and mythological significance, making it a fantastic choice for schools or families wanting to explore the Lunar Zodiac.
Download the official book-based publisher Lunar New Year activity pack here.
“Thank you!!!”
