D is for Dragon Dance - Hardcover

Compestine, Ying Chang

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 082344029X ISBN 13: 9780823440290

Publisher: Holiday House, 2018

Synopsis

A bilingual introduction to the Chinese New Year in English and Chinese.

From the dazzling dragon dance to the scrumptious steamed dumplings to the firecrackers that frighten away evil spirits, this alphabet book celebrates the traditions of the lunar new year. First published in 2006, this new rendition presents the English text alongside the Chinese.

About this title

About the Author:

YING CHANG COMPESTINE grew up in China and later moved to the United States. Her books include The Story of Chopsticks, The Story of Noodles, The Story of Kites, and The Story of Paper, all illustrated by YONG SHENG XUAN.

YONGSHENG XUAN is the acclaimed illustrator of many books for children, including The Rooster's Antlers: A Story of the Chinese Zodiac by ERIC A. KIMMEL and YING CHANG COMPESTINE'S The Story Of... series. He was born in China.

From School Library Journal:

PreS-Gr 1—Simple text and large illustrations fill this Chinese New Year–themed alphabet book. Short explanatory sentences add context for young listeners, although some may prompt further questioning from children unfamiliar with the holiday ("D is for Dragon Dance/E is for Evil Spirits/F is for Firecrackers/Dragon dancers and firecrackers scare away evil spirits."). Xuan's bold, textured illustrations feature a family preparing and celebrating, with large Chinese characters in a range of calligraphy styles subtly incorporated into the background. One page of back matter offers slightly more information about the holiday, ideas on how to "ensure good fortune in the New Year" and an artist's note. Unfortunately, while Xuan explains the calligraphy styles, no translation of the characters is given. Originally published in 2006, this new edition is bilingual, with all text appearing in English, simplified Chinese characters, and pinyin transliteration. The dumpling recipe in the original back matter has been moved online. VERDICT A solid choice for introducing the Chinese New Year to young children that will work well as a read-aloud in a group setting.—Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA

About this edition

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 082344029X
• ISBN 13: 9780823440290
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Xuan YongSheng