Dragonsong: A Fable for the New Millenium

Author: Russell Young
Illustrated by: Civi Cheng
Hardcover: 32 page(s)
Age Range: 6 - 12
Ontario curriculum: Social Studies - People and Environments

Book Description:

Once every thousand years the four Imperial Dragons choose one dragon to be Keeper of the Mountain. Now, little Chiang-An, being the youngest dragon, must find a gift that will last a thousand years to win the honor of the title.

This wonderful story carries Chiang-An around the world in search of the prize, and into contact with dragons from the West. Each shares his wisdom and gives Chiang-An a meaningful gift. When he finally heads home, he transforms all he has discovered into the gift that will provide prosperity for his beloved village.

Enchanting illustrations of misty mornings and shimmering waters add an opalescent curtain onto the pearlized scenes of China, Europe, Africa, Mexico, and North America. On the eve of a new millennium, this story brings forth good wishes and new hopes to every one of us.

School Library Journal
Dragon lovers will enjoy this original tale of a young dragon's quest to find the most precious gift for his homeland. Chiang-An lives in a tiny, unnamed village in southeast China. The people are poor but hardworking, and Chiang-An loves them and their lovely mountain. One day the village is visited by four Imperial dragons who announce that, to celebrate the new millennium and the Year of the Dragon, there will be a contest to see which serpent can find the richest gift for the village and become the Keeper of the Mountain. Chiang-An embarks upon a journey and meets an English, African, Iroquois, and Mexican dragon, each of which offers him a gift and a song from its culture. Chiang-An returns with the gift of hope for his village and the most beautiful "-song of honor and justice-of power, inspiration, and great beauty." The lush, computer-generated illustrations are richly colored and full of character with an interesting combination of effects from watercolor to photographic realism. Though the story is cumbersome and didactic, teachers may find it useful for Chinese New Year units.