I've searched nearly 5,000 years for a funny, vibrant, and enchanting tale about Chinese New Year. Well, no more dusting off the rehashed sayings from restaurant place mats. I've finally found a series that both young and old can enjoy. Actually these tales are just as much about the 12 calendar animals as they are about any cultural ritual. Yet, like kids, each character has its own personality (testy, determined, and ultimately lovable) that shines through. I'll have to make it my new annual tradition to collect all of them. But after waiting a few millenia, I can afford a decade more for stories that hit this sweet spot.