01 Jan / The Year of the Dragon: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac by Oliver Chin, illustrated by Jennifer Wood
Well, FINALLY, it’s my turn! The rest of the family got their Rabbit, Tiger, and Rat editions over the last few years … but lucky #7 in Oliver Chin‘s rollicking 12-part Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series is actually devoted to me!
Welcome to 2012 – the year of the DRAGON! Hear my joyous, hope-filled, tenacious roar!
“Dragons are special,” young Dominic’s mother tells him. They can control the winds, rain, and even advise the Emperor, his father adds. Dom certainly is one accomplished dragon: “This slinky serpent could play ping-pong, pick an entire orange tree, and roast marshmallows all by himself.”
Dom quickly becomes friends with local boy Bo and his buddies. Together, the motley crew decide they want to join the villagers on the river as they are practice for the big boat race next week. But no one seems to have the time to teach them to paddle. The Emperor lends them his “sleek ship,” but rowing with speed proves impossibly challenging.
While the seasoned boaters look on with jeers (adults behaving badly again!), Dom devises an unconventional new plan that just might help his team win the big festival race. Whatever the outcome, Dom, Bo, and their pals “… learned how to be good sports and make their parents proud of them in new ways.” Oh, if only my own brood were that malleable, ahem!
Wondering about all the dragons in your own menagerie? “People born in the Year of the Dragon [1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024] are strong and passionate, as well as idealistic and independent. But they can flare with emotion and be temperamental risk-takers. However, dragons are energetic and shoulder responsibility well, which make them the most reliable companions.” Sound like anyone you know?
As we dive all too quickly into 2012, here’s to a peaceful, contented, accomplished, happy new year indeed!
Readers: Children
Published: 2012