The Water Dragon: A Chinese Legend - Retold in English and Chinese (Stories of the Chinese Zodiac) - Hardcover

"This super cool Chinese Legend is about a boy who journeys to save his town from drought." -- KidTime StoryTime "A translation into Chinese characters appears on every page, making it a fine language instruction tool." --Publishers Weekly "I read The Water Dragon to my 3rd-grade students as a read aloud. It is a wonderfully told folktale with lovely illustrations. The kids loved it. It is written in English and has Chinese sub characters. For teachers, this book would be a wonderful addition to your collection of legends and folktales. Parents can read it aloud to their children. My students absolutely were delighted by the ending!" --San Francisco Book Review "This remarkable book is experienced illustrator Li Jian's first foray into writing his own picture book. The pictures, which combine Li's classical training in Chinese painting with his talent for bringing fairy tales to life, are at least as compelling as the bilingual text (in English and simplified Chinese characters). Ah Bao is both a courageous and humble hero with a big heart and a sense of responsibility. He will be admired by children and parents, who will doubtless look forward to Li Jian's next solo offering." --PaperTigers.org blog "The Water Dragon is a Chinese legend and the story is fantastic with a surprise ending." --Parenting Healthy blog "Graceful watercolors in a traditional Chinese style with an autumnal palette suitably accompany the tale. [T]he story nonetheless has the satisfying elements of an entertaining and adventurous folktale." --Kirkus Reviews

This fancifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells a famous Chinese myth about a young boy's quest to save his village. Long ago, in a remote village in China, there lived a kind and generous little boy. He spent his days in the forest, collecting wood to trade for food. One day, the boy made a wondrous discovery: a magic stone that caused his money jar and rice crocks to overflow, both of which he shared with the poor villagers. But strange things began to happen. It no longer rained. The crops died. The rivers dried up. A terrible drought had struck and would not release its grip. The brave young boy, full of dreams of a white, water-spewing Dragon, took his magic stone on a journey--and discovered how to save his village. Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes--2007 & 2019 Magical Rooster--2005 & 2017 Little Monkey King's Journey--2016 & 2028 Snake Goddess Colors the World--2013 & 2025 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing--2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty--2015 & 2027 Bronze Dog--2006 & 2018 Little Rat and the Golden Seed--2008 & 2020