Mary Ellis was a primary school teacher for many years and the inspiration for her stories often come from work with children. Mary is married to the illustrator, Andy Ellis. They live in Barnes with their daughter Matilda.
Gr 3-5-Lily's parents are about to lose their farm, the only home the child has ever known. The family has been planning a trip to China, but, because of financial problems, her parents decide to send her and her brother by themselves while they look for a new home. Lily's mother wants her children to meet her family, and their trip is timed to coincide with Chinese New Year. Lily has an impulsive streak, a trait her mother attributes to her having been born in the Year of the Dragon. She has heard the family's 300-year-old story about the hidden treasures of Emperor Ch'ien-Lung and is determined to see Grandpa Zhang's treasure box of replicas and search for the real thing. Frequent black-and-white sketches complement the text, keeping readers engaged as they enjoy the historical and cultural information that is woven throughout this fast-paced adventure. A contemporary novel with a feisty female protagonist and an interesting setting.
Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego
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