The Great Race

A parent might reach for this book when their child is hyper-focused on winning or struggling with the idea that "fair" doesn't always mean "equal." This classic retelling of the Chinese zodiac origin story is about a great race held by the Jade Emperor to decide which twelve animals will have years named after them. The story beautifully illustrates that there are many ways to succeed, from the Ox’s strength to the Rat's cunning and the Dragon's helpfulness. It's an excellent choice for ages 5-8 to spark conversations about perseverance, different kinds of intelligence, and the fact that everyone runs their own race.