The Year of the Dragon: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac

The Year of the Dragon is on the San Francisco Public Library/SF Unified School District summer 2013 reading list, distributed to all K-5 public school students and recommended at all SFPL branches for their summer reading program.

"The Year of the Dragon, written by Oliver Chin and wonderfully illustrated by Jennifer Wood, is the perfect book to teach teamwork, critical thinking, and friendship." - Tokyo Bunnie

"Recommended...The acrylic drawings are bright and enticing. The illustrator also cleverly includes all the other animals of the Chinese zodiac in her drawings—fun for the reader to locate them. This is a great lesson in perseverance and working together as a team to achieve a common goal." – Library Media Connection

2012 was the year of the dragon! Dominic's parents advise the kingdom's Emperor and have high expectations for this high-flying dragon. However, when the boy Bo and the other zodiac animals want to learn paddle boat racing, will Dom sink or swim with them? Find out in the seventh book in the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series.

This latest adventure in the Tales from the Chinese Zodiac follows the Rabbit (2011), Tiger (2010), Ox (2009), Rat (2008), Pig (2007) and Dog (2006). Each book features a unique cast of a dozen creatures. In the Chinese lunar calendar, every year is represented by a special animal, who symbolizes special qualities and whose personality people identify with.

"If you’re looking for a way to further celebrate and explore the New Year, try finding books for your kids. A great kids’ book to help teach your kids about the lunar New Year is The Year of the Dragon Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. The story about Dominic and Bo is definitely one you will read to your kids year round." – QueensMamas.com

"a playful spin on the characteristics of a traditional Chinese zodiac animal. It is, in fact, utterly unconventional and that's probably why my girls like it so much." - Frog Mom

"The Year of the Dragon is a charming story with themes familiar to many children's books. The underlying message is one of cooperation, friendship, imagination and perseverance. These are by no means unique lessons in children's literature, but Jennifer Wood's whimsical illustrations set the story apart from the rest....You and your child will enjoy this charming story, and I am sure you will be looking for the other Zodiac animal books. The subject matter is not just entertaining, but is informs children about an important aspect of Asian culture. What better way to learn something new than by having fun while doing so?" – suite101