Told from the perspective of Yao, a dragon dancer, we witness the beginning of a huge celebration to usher in the Chinese New Year. Yao has inherited a special duty as a dragon dancer, to wake Shen Long the ancient dragon god from his year-long sleep ready for the ceremonies that will take place.
Yao knows that his predecessors (including his grandfather) will watch over him as he performs the dragon dance, to wish in good luck for the coming year and banish bad luck from the last.
This book really is utterly stunning, told in atmospheric prose with glorious illustrations to match. As children learn about and help celebrate Chinese New Year at school here's the perfect story book to accompany those celebrations.
Charlotte's favourite bit: Shen Long's glorious fluttering eyebrows and whirling skyward dance
Daddy's favourite bit: A stunning book celebrating Chinese New Year with a traditionally atmospheric and vibrant tale.
(Kindly sent to us for review by Lantana Publishing)
"Dragon Dancer"
Written by Joyce Chng
Illustrated by Jeremy Pailler
Published by Lantana Publishing
Release Date: 12th October 2015