The Great Race - Softcover

Dawn Casey has always had a passion for traditional tales, which she feels are vital nourishment for children. A primary school teacher and writer, Dawn says that passing on these stories is a great privilege, as well as a great pleasure. Dawn lives in East Sussex with her husband and daughter. This is her first project with Barefoot Books. Anne Wilson has an MA in Illustration from St Martin's College of Art, London. She has been illustrating children's books for several years, and this is her second project for Barefoot, following Storytime: First Tales for Sharing (1-84148-344-3). She gains much of her inspiration and use of colour from her travels. Anne lives in Reading.

"In The Great Race, Anne Wilson's whimsical collages even include baubles hanging from the trees on the riverbank, capturing the joyous spirit of this story about the Chinese Zodiac." --Foreward Magazine

"In this retelling of the ancient legend, Casey maintains the pace well. Back matter includes information about the Chinese calendar in general, as well as the more specific Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival. The book is a visual treat, with illustrations in simple collage designs on acrylic and painted backgrounds placed in such a way as to keep the eye engaged and moving. The palette is a pleasing mix of intense and muted tones. An attractive addition for most collections." --School Library Journal

"Prepared in collaged papers with acrylic and printed backgrounds, Wilson's creatively stylized folk art gives this retelling of an ancient legend a distinctive look. Youngsters will likely enjoy the final spread, which lists the years that fall under each respective animal, and the characteristics of people born under that sign." --Publishers Weekly

"In this retelling of the ancient legend, Casey maintains the pace well. Back matter includes information about the Chinese calendar in general, as well as the more specific Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival. The book is a visual treat, with illustrations in simple collage designs on acrylic and painted backgrounds placed in such a way as to keep the eye engaged and moving. The palette is a pleasing mix of intense and muted tones. An attractive addition for most collections." --School Library Journal

"In The Great Race, Anne Wilson's whimsical collages even include baubles hanging from the trees on the riverbank, capturing the joyous spirit of this story about the Chinese Zodiac." --Foreward Magazine