The Chinese Zodiac Calendar

The title of the book comes from the Chinese tradition of assigning a certain animal to each year. There are twelve animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig--one for each year in a 12-year cycle. The tradition says that you take on the characteristics of the animal for the year you were born. So, for example, I was born in the year of the sheep, so my zodiac sign says I will be "Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, determined, peaceful, generous, seeks security." Sounds pretty good to me!

What year were you born in the Chinese zodiac calendar? Use the picture to figure out your animal, then if you like, make a "comment" to let us know. Your moms and dads can find their year and animal, too!

Welcome to the Ashburn Kids Book Club Blog!

Hi everyone! I'm excited to start another school year with the book club. Our first meeting will be Thursday, September 6, 7-8:15 pm. We will be discussing the book, "The Year of the Dog," by Grace Lin. It is a fun and very readable book.

This blog is meant to be a fun way for all of you to participate in the book club. It's easy to make a comment-- just click where it says "comments" and then type your comment in the box and click "publish your comment." You can preview it first if you like. Also, let's just use first names and no last names.

Every week or so, I'll post something on the blog for you to answer or think about. Moms and dads are welcome to participate in the blog and make comments, too.

Oh! One more thing! Blogs are a bit tricky to read at first. The most recent post is always at the top of the page, so if you want to read post #1, scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Well, that's it! I'm new at this blogging thing and maybe you are, too. But it seems like a fun way to get everyone involved in the book club. Let me know what you think!

Mrs. Jackson, Ashburn Youth Services Librarian