"Like the first journey, this one was long.
Cat lived at the edge of the kingdom -
across the Ruby River, through the
Moonstone Marsh, and atop the Crystal
Cliff.
Rat took the lead. But he asked the
others to help ...
in their own ways."
Rat has some qualms about the race he won to determine the order of the years on the zodiac calendar. It isn't about winning; he simply proved to be the savvy one. His guilt comes from pushing Cat into the river, leaving her behind, and preventing her from a place on the calendar. A visit with the eleven animals who finished the race has him suggesting that they should all offer an apology. The others don't feel responsible at all until asked if they did anything to help. Silence ...
So begins another journey - all together this time. They will find Cat. It's a long trek, all the way to the top of Crystal Cliff. They will help in any way they can. Pig will find food. To that end, Pig finds a persimmon tree, proceeds to eat more than he should and falls fast asleep. Now, they are eleven. Perhaps Dog can help with the river crossing. Frolicking there, Dog forgets about the others, leaving ten to move on. The others are given tasks to help make the crossing.
Each turn of the page unfolds a new dilemma that leaves additional travelers behind. When only two remain (Rat and Ox), shore is reached and they can move forward across Moonstone Marsh. Of course, Rat uses Ox to provide transportation. Only Rat can navigate the climb to the top, once again finishing first. There he finds Cat waiting, loses his grip, and appears about to meet his demise when Cat's dexterity brings him back from the brink of death. An unexpected ending satisfies.
What an adventure! The action is bolstered by brightly colored digital images. Filled with engaging detail and great variation in perspective, it will keep readers interested and always observant.
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