My Adventure in the Far East

From the time a child writes their name into the first page, this special book will transport them to a world of imagination, founded in the mythical tales of Old China. The many original line drawings are specially designed for the popular pastime of individual colouring, so that the book becomes a uniquely personalised and treasured story for each child. This charming story begins with the mysterious appearance of the legendary Jade Emperor, who in Chinese mythology is the ruler of heaven and responsible for all the people and animals on earth. There follows a magical flight over the earth to watch the Great Animal Race, one of the best-known myths of China, loved by every Chinese child. The Jade Emperor has to choose names for the Chinese years. He decides to invite every animal to an arduous race over rivers and mountains; he will name the years after the first twelve animals to finish. This dreamlike journey reveals the character of each Zodiac animal, and weaves a tale of incidents from their many wonderful adventures (as told in Snowflake''''s Animal Signs Series). The Chinese use animal stories to display human character; in this way Chinese children have for centuries been subtly introduced to the qualities and contradictions of human nature. The story ends with a wonderful ride across half the world on the back of a friendly dragon. What''''s more, as a child colours the animals and reads the story, they will learn to speak basic greetings in Mandarin and learn to count too! Every copy of this unique colouring story book is handmade and bound in traditional Chinese style with coloured wools, introducing Chinese art and culture as well as legends. Each page is decorated in the customary way with artists'''' personal seals. In China, red seals represent the sole identity of a respected person, even today; scholars used their seals to identify their works when books were scarce and highly valued. Other seals wish you Blessings and Good Luck. With all the red seals the illustrators and Snowflake Books are with your child throughout the whole adventure. The Eastern Adventure Box includes a colouring book and story woven around the legendary Great Animal Race of the 12 Chinese animals, a games map, lucky red bag with 1 dice and 12 animal counters, instructions and penalty board, and a special greeting card. All are creatively designed for children and families to explore a unique art and culture. See more