©1999 Chungliang Al Huang Huang, Chungliang Al. The Chinese Book of Animal Powers. Illustrated by Chungliang Al Huang. HarperCollins, 1999. ISBN 0-06-027729-7. $16.95. 40 pp.”* 4-7 NF PB Reviewed by AnnMarie Hamar Calligrapher and Taoist philosopher Huang's book is a fascinating introduction to the Chinese zodiac. According to Chinese legend, Buddha once gave a sermon in which he taught twelve animals about their strengths and weaknesses. He taught that each animal represents some form of chi, the creative life energy found in all living things. Buddha linked each animal to a month and year, then sent them into the world to guide and teach others. Since that time, the Chinese have believed that every person is born with one or two of the powers of at least two of these animals. The month and year of our birth determine which animals we are most like. The strength and appeal of this book lie in the way the vivid textual descriptions, calligraphy, and red and black ink drawings support each other. The text is entertaining, and offers explanations of the role each animal plays in Chinese mythology. Huang uses the energetic strokes of the Chinese calligrapher in his illustrations of the animals. He includes the Chinese character for each animal (which often resembles the animal itself or its movement) and a transliteration of its name. Readers who want to match themselves to the animals of their birth month and year can do so by checking the chart at the back of the book. This book will appeal to adults and children alike.
