A Time of Golden Dragons - Hardcover

Song Nan Zhang was born in Shanghai. He received a Masters degree from the Beijing Central Institute of Fine Arts, and his paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. Song Nan Zhang lives in Montreal. His son, Hao Yu, was born in Beijing and arrived in Montreal with his parents in 1990. He has a journalism degree from Concordia University and has written for the Montreal Gazette. He now lives in London, England, and works for the BBC.

Gr. 3-6. At the time when Western calendars mark the millennium, many Chinese recognize the "Time of the Golden Dragon." The Chinese 12-year zodiac, symbolized by animals such as the rat and the dragon, has become popular in the U.S., especially at the Chinese New Year. A less familiar cycle, approximately two years in length, moves through the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal (gold), and water. So a particular time is not only the Year of the Dragon, but also that of metal or gold, hence the "Time of the Golden Dragon." This picture book for older children offers facts about dragon origins, dragon boat races, dragon homes, and other enticing dragon tidbits as it introduces the mythical creature as viewed through Asian cultures. Intricately detailed illustrations invite readers to linger and study each page. With neither table of contents nor index, this inviting potpourri is best suited for browsers and avid dragon fans. Linda Perkins
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