The Year of the Dragon: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac
About this ebook
2012 was the Year of the Dragon! Dominic’s proud parents rule the sea and sky, advise the Emperor, and have high expectations for their son. Meanwhile Dom befriends the boy Bo and the other zodiac animals, who wish to paddle a boat in the village’s annual river race. But when other people and Dom’s parents disapprove, what will Dom do? Discover Dom’s ingenious solution in this enthusiastic tale!
When others tell him what to do, can Dominic eventually spread his own wings? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Jennifer Wood creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year.
Dominic’s exciting journey to discover his true nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, dragon lovers.
Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children's book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales.
"The Year of the Dragon, written by Oliver Chin and wonderfully illustrated by Jennifer Wood, is the perfect book to teach teamwork, critical thinking, and friendship."
- Tokyo Bunnie
"Recommended...The acrylic drawings are bright and enticing. The illustrator also cleverly includes all the other animals of the Chinese zodiac in her drawings--fun for the reader to locate them. This is a great lesson in perseverance and working together as a team to achieve a common goal."
- Library Media Connection
"If you're looking for a way to further celebrate and explore the New Year, try finding books for your kids. A great kids' book to help teach your kids about the lunar New Year is The Year of the Dragon: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. The story about Dominic and Bo is definitely one you will read to your kids year round."
- QueensMamas.com
"a playful spin on the characteristics of a traditional Chinese zodiac animal. It is, in fact, utterly unconventional and that's probably why my girls like it so much."
- Frog Mom
"The Year of the Dragon is a charming story with themes familiar to many children's books. The underlying message is one of cooperation, friendship, imagination and perseverance. These are by no means unique lessons in children's literature, but Jennifer Wood's whimsical illustrations set the story apart from the rest....You and your child will enjoy this charming story, and I am sure you will be looking for the other Zodiac animal books. The subject matter is not just entertaining, but is informs children about an important aspect of Asian culture. What better way to learn something new than by having fun while doing so?"
- suite101
Ratings and reviews
About the author
Oliver Chin is the author of many children's book such as Julie Black Belt, Welcome to Monster Isle, and the popular annual series Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. He co-wrote The Discovery of Ramen, The Discovery of Fireworks & Gunpowder, and The Discovery of Anime and Manga from The Asian Hall of Fame series. His family lives in San Francisco, CA.
Jennifer Wood illustrated children’s books The Year of the Dragon, Snake, and Horse. She is a character and prop designer for many animated TV series, such as the Nickelodeon shows The Fairly OddParents, T.U.F.F. Puppy, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, and Strawberry Shortcake. Her illustrations have earned recognition from the Society of Illustrators, Los Angeles and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives near Los Angeles, CA. See more at www.artofjwood.com.
