The Year of the Horse Tales from the Chinese Zodiac Read Aloud Kid s Book

The Year of the Horse Tales from the Chinese Zodiac Written by Oliver Chin Illustrated by Jennifer Wood After months of waiting, Mama and Papa Horse finally welcomed their new baby. The foil tried to stand, wobbled, and gradually gained a sheer footing. Her parents were thankful and named her Hannah. Their relatives came to congratulate them. You've got yourselves a fine filly, remarked Uncle Fu. Auntie Yi doted on her niece and added, She already likes being center of attention. A teacher and her student were painting nearby and peeked into the stables. The boy remarked, Now she, this horse is as big as me. She laughed. Ha ha, Tom, you are both very young and have a way to go. Tom visited Hannah regularly and soon they became friends. They liked to play games such as roll out the barrel, keep away, and musical stalls. Grazing in the pasture, Hannah daydreamed, I wonder what we'll be when we grow up. Papa answered, Darling, we'll show you what we do. So they followed the adults to the fairgrounds. At the arena, Mama explained, Dear, I'm a show horse. I train to jump hurdles and trot gracefully. Papa jogged at the fields. The stallion bragged, I'm a race horse and run quickly around the track. In town, they watched Uncle Fu work. He grunted, I'm a draft horse and pull large loads every day. At the park, they played with Auntie Yi. She said, I'm an old gray mare and enjoy being with kids. Hannah admired her family. They have a lot of skills and responsibilities. Grooming Hannah's velvet coat and combing her silky mane. Tom replied, Hopefully, we'll find something that we're good at too. The next day, a royal messenger delivered an important letter to Lao Xi. She gasped, The governor has requested a new painting from me, but the capital is so far away. And I cannot bring it there myself. I'll help you, Lao Xi, volunteered Tom. The journey is too long and wild to walk alone, stated the teacher. Someone must go with you. So they set off to interview some candidates. They found good prospects. The sheep was an able hiker, but I provide the town's wool. The dog was a loyal companion, but I guard the town's gate. The ox was a strong worker. But I tend the town's farm. As Tom and his teacher left empty-handed, Hannah proposed, How about a horse? Tom and Lao Xi liked her idea. So they all went to ask her family for their aid. Her parents' ears perked up at the news. However, Papa remembered their schedule and shook his head. Mama Nade, Unfortunately, our calendar is packed with many big contests. Uncle Fu chewed the idea over, but sighed. I'm sorry, but my workload is just too heavy as it is. Auntie Yi politely declined, too. But she hinted, I think you're looking for fresher legs than mine. Hannah felt her friends' disappointment. Wanted to raise their hopes. Hannah piped up. I can do it. Aren't you too young? Snorted Papa. Isn't the road too dangerous? Riddled Mama. But Hannah is becoming a big gal. Has special qualities, countered Lao Xi. They knew she was right and reluctantly agreed. Tom and Hannah's hearts raced. Thank you! They squealed in delight. Now the horse and rider practiced together. Using gear and giddy-ups, they patiently listened to each other and learned to act as one. From a standstill, they bolted forward, leaving a cloud of dust behind. Meanwhile, Lao Xi was inspired by their budding partnership. She drew big, broad strokes. She tried small, delicate brushes as well. Finally, after many sketches, she finished her painting with a satisfied smile. Now it was time for Hannah and Tom's trip to begin. Everyone gathered to say goodbye to the young travelers. With her art under wraps, Lao Xi advised, trust in each other and move as one. Hannah's parents hugged her. Dear, keep on the path and stay alert. She assured them, I'll do my best, just like you taught me. Tom took the reins and away they went. The pair galloped across rolling hills and colorful meadows. High in the saddle, Tom gazed in wonder as they passed towering peaks. Hannah carried Tom as they crossed winding rivers. They were moving at a fast clip. Then they entered a bamboo forest and had to slowly steer their way through the shadows. Suddenly, Hannah heard a hiss, halted in her tracks and reared. Whoa, yelled Tom. A snake lay in their path. But there was no room to turn around. So Tom spurred Hannah onward. They charged ahead and Hannah leapt high over the hurdle. Good girl, praised Tom. In the coming days, they would nimbly tiptoe past sleeping strangers. During chilly nights, they kept warm below the soaring clouds that circled the misty mountains. Shouldering Tom through sun and rain, Hannah would not halt. Finally, they glimpsed the capital rising in the distance. Reaching their destination, they hollered, We made it! They delivered Laoshi's scroll to the grateful governor. Well done, he marveled and invited Tom and Hannah to dinner. They rested and saw the city sights, but were chomping at the bit to go home. The governor thanked Hannah and Tom and bid them farewell. The return trip was more easygoing as they stopped to admire the scenery and smell the flowers. At last, they happily arrived at their town gate. The two received a rousing welcome. Hooray for Hannah, shouted the crowd. Laoshi was glad to hear the governor was so impressed that he wanted to start his own pony express. Then she gave them a present. Here is a copy of my painting, Laoshi announced. The word for horse stands for Hannah's valiant spirit. Hannah's family pranced proudly and displayed the character prominently in the town square. Afterward, Hannah and Tom continued to horse around. They had fun counting their blessings and flicking their tails. But they sincerely understood each other. As true teammates do. These friends forged a strong bond and blazed their own trail. And everyone would always celebrate this rewarding Year of the Horse. People born in the Year of the Horse are energetic and animated. They are proud and love attention. But they can be impatient, hot-blooded, and headstrong. Though they are free spirits, horses are steadfast and resilient companions.