The Year of the Dragon - (Tales from the Chinese Zodiac) by Oliver Chin (Hardcover)

About the Book

Dominic the dragon befriends a boy named Bo as well as the other eleven animals of the Chinese lunar calendar and helps them enter the annual village boat race. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon.

Book Synopsis

The Year of the Dragon is the most lucky and popular... for good reason! Dominic is an adventurous dragon whose journey celebrates the new year.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon! This revised edition is bilingual in simplified Chinese. 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 is a welcome addition to this imaginative menagerie of endearing characters, whose stories embody the chief characteristics of each animal of the Chinese Zodiac in turn."
- Mirrors, Windows, Doors

From the Back Cover

"This bright and playful story makes the ancient tradition of the Chinese zodiac accessible to children everywhere... Kids will also have fun spotting all of the animals from the Chinese zodiac hiding in the pages of the book."-- Paper Tigers

The amusing tales of your favorite animals continue in The Year of the Dragon! Dominic's proud parents have high expectations for their son. But when Dom's friends want to paddle a boat in the village's annual river race, their elders disapprove. Now whose side will this dragon choose?

Dom's adventure to discover his unique qualities will delight kids of all ages. Seventh in the annual Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series, The Year of the Dragon shows all the charming characters of the Chinese lunar calendar and how a fiery spirit can light the way.

Review Quotes

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"The wildly imaginative original story about a boat race features zodiac animals, the Emperor and Empress, a boy named Bo and a baby dragon named Dom who ultimately saves the day." - San Francisco Chronicle

"Selecting some elements of Chinese culture, such as the Dragon Boat races that still take place today, the dragon's power over water, the dragon's legendary features as an amalgam of elements from the other real Zodiac animals and the pearl, a symbol of prosperity awarded at the end of the race, [Oliver] Chin weaves an original tale."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Oliver Chin has written the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series, Welcome to Monster Isle, Julie Black Belt, Timmy and Tammy's Train of Thought, The Adventures of WonderBaby, and other books. Called "an expert in Pacific Rim pop culture" by the San Jose Mercury News, he and 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 for studios such as Warner Bros. (Animaniacs), Nickelodeon (Pig Goat Banana Cricket), Netflix (Oddballs) and Cartoon Network (The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack). Her illustrations have earned recognition from the Society of Illustrators, Los Angeles and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Los Angeles, CA. Visit www.artofjwood.com..