Although flatly ending with “That’s the legend told of the kind Water Dragon…” the story nonetheless has the satisfying...
Chinese dragons are made up of the parts of other animals, and this tale’s eponymous water dragon has a snake’s skin, a fish’s scales, an eagle’s claws and a deer’s antlers.
His origin is the subject of this bilingual tale about a boy who finds a magical red stone that creates endless rice and coins. Generous Ah Bao shares with his neighbors, but unfortunately the stone also dries up all sources of water. When the boy dreams about a water dragon, he sets out to find him. He first meets a giant snake trapped by a rock and helps him by removing it. The snake thanks him by giving him a piece of skin and warning him about a greedy red monster. The boy then meets a carp, a deer and an eagle and does good deeds for them, in turn receiving a body part from each and the same warning. He finally meets the monster and bravely escapes, but he turns into the dragon himself, sending water down to the thirsty earth. Graceful watercolors in a traditional Chinese style with an autumnal palette suitably accompany the tale. The book was originally published in China, and no sources are given for the tale.
Although flatly ending with “That’s the legend told of the kind Water Dragon…” the story nonetheless has the satisfying elements of an entertaining and adventurous folktale. (Folktale. 6-9)Pub Date: April 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-60220-978-7
Page Count: 42
Publisher: Tuttle
Review Posted Online: Feb. 28, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2012
In spite of the book’s flaws, dragons are very appealing, and tales for young audiences that model the scientific method are...
Zoey discovers that she can see magical creatures that might need her help.
That’s a good thing because her mother has been caring for the various beasts since childhood, but now she’s leaving on a business trip so the work will fall to Zoey. Most people (like Zoey’s father) can’t see the magical creatures, so Zoey, who appears in illustrations to be black, will have to experiment with their care by problem-solving using the scientific method to determine appropriate treatment and feeding. When a tiny, sick dragon shows up on her doorstep, she runs an experiment and determines that marshmallows appear to be the proper food. Unfortunately, she hadn’t done enough research beforehand to understand that although dragons might like marshmallows, they might not be the best food for a sick, fire-breathing baby. Although the incorporation of important STEM behaviors is a plus, the exposition is mildly clunky, with little character development and stilted dialogue. Many pages are dense with large-print text, related in Zoey’s not especially childlike voice. However, the inclusion in each chapter of a couple of attractive black-and-white illustrations of round-faced people and Zoey’s mischievous cat helps break up the narrative.
In spite of the book’s flaws, dragons are very appealing, and tales for young audiences that model the scientific method are nice to see. (Fantasy. 6-9)Pub Date: March 14, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-943147-08-3
Page Count: 96
Publisher: The Innovation Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
For very girly princesses-at-heart.
The author of the Canterwood Crest series switches from horses to magical unicorns in this chapter-book series opener.
Princess Bella lives in the Crystal Kingdom, where magic, unicorns and royalty coexist with intercoms and photography. As a royal, Bella’s eighth birthday is important—her aura will become visible, and she will get her own unicorn. Three birthday storylines ebb and flow: Bella’s commoner best friends feel left out by the royal traditions; Bella periodically worries that no unicorn will Pair with her at the unicorn ceremony; and a mysterious woman with an evil, red aura and her own bad unicorns is rumored to live on the edge of town. While the book respects Bella’s friends’ feelings with regard to privilege, the plotline is simply resolved—at first only royals are allowed in the special birthday parade, and then that’s changed so her commoner friends can attend. Rather like the evil fairy in “Sleeping Beauty,” the mysterious woman arrives, uninvited, to trigger exposition and then leaves. The unicorn ceremony also passes without tension or surprise. The plotting is borderline adequate and doesn’t sparkle nearly as brightly as the descriptions of delicious meals, jewelry, unicorns and, most fulsome, dresses. Easy-to-read, descriptive prose is augmented by friendly illustrations.
For very girly princesses-at-heart. (Fantasy. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4814-1105-9
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: June 17, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2014
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