STORY HOUR! Ping Zhu: Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

Join us at Brookline Booksmith for an all-ages story time to celebrate the release of Animals of the Chinese Zodiac with illustrator Ping Zhu.

Register for the event!

RSVP to let us know you're coming! Depending on the volume of responses, an RSVP may be required for entrance to the event. In the event that we reach capacity and have to close RSVPs, there will not be a waiting list.

Get your copy!

EVENT ATTENDEES: Preorder your copy of Animals of the Chinese Zodiac through this page. Books will also be available for purchase at the event. Books can be picked up 30 minutes before the event in the event space.

CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE EVENT? Preorder the book here to have it signed, and choose to have it held for pickup or shipped from the store!

Book orders are processed for pickup or shipping after ticket sales have closed.

Event accessibility

• This event will take place at street level.
• If possible, events are livestreamed. Check out our store YouTube channel for livestream updates.
• ASL interpretation may be provided (based on the availability of interpreters) but must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance of the event.
• Please email us at ticketing@brooklinebooksmith.com as soon as possible if you require ASL interpretation, guaranteed seating, or other accommodations. Seats are limited.We will do our best to serve your needs!

Animals of the Chinese Zodiac: An Illustrated Guide to the 12 Signs

The ultimate guide to the Chinese Zodiac, featuring fun facts, frame-worthy illustrations, and a choose your own adventure-style quiz to find your perfect zodiac match!

Are you a patient Ox, a brave Tiger, or a friendly Pig? It’s time to meet your match!

This joyful celebration of cultural traditions offers a funny, interactive, and beautifully illustrated introduction to the Chinese Zodiac for curious kids ages 6-9. Readers will meet the twelve animals of the Zodiac – from the powerful Dragon to the energetic Horse – each with its own personality traits and traditions. But, there’s a twist! While Zodiac animals are determined by birth year, readers can also take the book’s playful flowchart quiz to discover which animal truly matches their personality, reminding them that, ultimately, no label can define them.

Spanning nearly 70 pages, Animals of the Chinese Zodiac is packed with fascinating facts and vibrant storytelling. A fold-out retelling of The Great Race legend reveals how the twelve animals earned their place in the Zodiac, while lively profiles introduce each animal’s strengths, lucky numbers, best friendships, possible future careers, and more. Ping Zhu’s lavish hand-painted illustrations are bold, colorful, and expressive, and the book’s eye-catching foiled cover makes it a perfect gift to be treasured for years to come.

Whether welcoming Lunar New Year or learning about the Chinese Zodiac for the first time, this essential, authentic, and unique book brings an ancient tradition to life for a new generation.

Age range: 6-9

Ping Zhu is a Chinese-American artist based in Brooklyn, whose work is frequently seen in The New York Times. A graduate of ArtCenter College of Design, in 2013 she received the ADC Young Guns award. Her children’s book debut, The Strange Birds of Flannery O’Connor: A Life (2020), was selected by The New York Times as one of the Best Children’s Books of the year.

About Brookline Booksmith

Brookline Booksmith, thriving in the heart of Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Massachusetts, since 1961, is one of New England’s premier independent bookstores. We offer a vast selection of books, ranging from current bestsellers to the most eclectic titles. We are also known for our beautiful and inspired gifts. Customers buy and sell gently used books in our treasured Used Book Cellar and enjoy our bountiful bargain book selection. We host award-winning events series (including our groundbreaking Transnational Literature Series), offering more than 300 author talks, community conversations, and book clubs annually. Find more at brooklinebooksmith.com!