Guardians of the Moon: The Year of the Rat – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: new jobs, strengths, weaknesses, friendship.
Children’s book title: Guardians of the Moon: The Year of the Rat.
Children’s author: Eric Huang.
Children’s illustrator: Phung Nguyen Quang.
Genre: Children’s fiction.
Published by: Little Tiger.
ISBN: 9781788957380.
Recommended for children aged: 6-9 year-olds.
First published: Paperback January 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: reading as a class in the lead-up to the Chinese New Year or for younger readers who enjoy animal stories and are ready to start reading independently. Some assistance with pronunciation may be needed.
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Our review:
Meow and Ming are now working alongside the Jade Emperor and his helper god, Tu Di Gong. As Guardians of the New Moon, their role is to help everyone prepare for the Year of the Rat—Su’s big moment, as she was the first animal to complete the Great Race. However, as the big day approaches, it becomes clear there’s still a lot to do, and Su and Meow are struggling to work together.
When they anger Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess, things go from bad to worse. Meow has to call in reinforcements from nearby temples, but each new arrival seems to add to the chaos. Meanwhile, they must keep the growing list of problems hidden from Tu Di Gong and the monks who live in Meow’s own temple!
Our verdict:
The second book in this fun and informative series focuses more on the relationships between Meow, Su, and Ming than on the actual Year of the Rat celebrations. The solution to the challenge of crossing the Weak River is revealed fairly quickly, highlighting why Su chose the Ox to assist her with the final task. The story delves into the strengths of the three friends, as they begin to realise that their differences make them stronger as a team.
The Year of the Rat concludes with the introduction of the Ox, setting up the next book in the series. It’s already clear that preparations for the Year of the Ox will be anything but smooth!
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Su figured out how to cross the Weak River by using Ox to carry her across. Did you guess what you should and shouldn’t do?
- The author altered the legend of the river. Do you think this is acceptable? What is the difference between legend and history that makes it easier to change certain details?
- Meow and Su have to work together to ensure the first-ever Year of the Rat is a success. How difficult is it to work with someone who isn’t your friend? What can both of you do to make it easier?
- By the end of the story, the cat and the rat become friends. How did the goddess Mazu express her displeasure with them when they weren’t getting along?
- If you could swap places with anyone for just one day, who would it be? Would they be famous, or even human?
- Meow, Su, and Ming each had unique strengths that helped solve their problems and brought them closer together. What do you think you would have been best at if you’d been there, and what would you have needed help with?
- The Year of the Ox is next, but Xiao Nioh doesn’t want excitement or adventure. What does he prefer to do? What problems might this cause?
Many thanks to Little Tiger for the review copy.
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Browse our Year 3 reading list.
