The Last Dragon

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Kindergarten-Grade 4?When Peter Chang's parents send him to Chinatown for the summer to stay with his great aunt, he feels alienated and homesick?until he discovers a worn-out dragon, large enough for 10 men to carry, crammed in a shop window. His aunt reluctantly agrees to let him take it home, and he embarks on a summer-long quest to restore the wrecked bundle of silk and wood to its former glory. He involves many others in the project: the tailor, Great Aunt's mahjongg friends, the kitemaker, the herbalist, an artist, and, at last, the Buddhist priest, all of whom are touched by Peter's determination. Watercolor paintings, reminiscent of Ted Lewin's work, lovingly depict in glorious and enticing detail a close-knit Cantonese community in an unnamed big-city Chinatown. Expressions and gestures vividly convey each character's emotion as Peter wins the adults over to his cause. His anxiety and joy, along with the affection and excitement of his elders as the dragon comes to life, light up the book. The well-written text, as substantial as the artwork in specific and authentic detail, draws readers into Peter's new world. A welcome story about contemporary Chinese American life.?Margaret A. Chang, North Adams State College, MA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.