What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragon Dancing
In this preschool picture book, young children show us the wonder and fun of learning. After reading a book about dragons with their teacher, these inventive preschoolers decide to make their own dragon out of colored paper, yarn, feathers, and . . . themselves! Soon they’re out the door, onto the playground, and into another world—the world of imagination. Becoming a magnificent dragon, the children dance over snowy mountains, through tall forests, and into whispery meadows, before returning to school for a wonderful birthday treat. A perfect accompaniment to Chinese New Year celebrations, Dragon Dancing is both a treat for the eyes and the mind.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published December 28, 2006
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Carole Lexa Schaefer
38 books16 followersWhen Carole Lexa Schaefer was growing up, she wanted to be both a poet and a journalist. In an unexpected way, she feels she achieved her ambition. While studying for a master's degree in early childhood education, she once put together a picture book made of photo essays. "The lyrical, every-word-counts genre captivated the poet and journalist in me," Carole Lexa Schaefer recalls--and she's been writing stories for children ever since. Her first book with Candlewick, THE COPPER TIN CUP, traces the origin of a family keepsake that's been handed down for generations. "It was inspired by my connections with my immigrant relatives through stories and songs--invisible heirlooms--to keep handing on," she says.
The longtime director of a Seattle preschool that she founded in 1980, Carole Lexa Schaefer often draws on her experience with young children when writing stories. In DOWN IN THE WOODS AT SLEEPYTIME, not one of the baby animals in the woods is ready to go to bed, until Grandma Owl finally finds a way to settle everyone down. The author says she was inspired "by all my friends at Little Friends Preschool who like to play just a little bit longer--even at sleepytime." Luckily, preschool teachers now have some help at nap time: DOWN IN THE WOODS AT SLEEPYTIME, says PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, is a book in which "author and artist make bedtime about as appealing as it gets."
With her next books, Carole Lexa Schaefer switches gears from sleepytime to partytime. FULL MOON BARNYARD DANCE is a rousing read-aloud that showcases farm animals dancing as they learn to appreciate their differences. ONE WHEEL WOBBLES, a zany counting book, follows one fun-loving family on Family Parade Day as they roll along on an ever-increasing number of wheels--Gramma on a motorcycle, Sister on a trike, and Grampa on some snazzy skates. Of ONE WHEEL WOBBLES, Carole Lexa Schaefer explains, "I wanted to create a counting book for children with which they could have a rollicking good time."
Carole Lexa Schaefer, who has a master's degree in early childhood education from the University of Washington, taught school for ten years in places as varied as Taiwan, Switzerland, and Micronesia, as well as Missouri and Washington. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, the author now lives in Seattle.
The longtime director of a Seattle preschool that she founded in 1980, Carole Lexa Schaefer often draws on her experience with young children when writing stories. In DOWN IN THE WOODS AT SLEEPYTIME, not one of the baby animals in the woods is ready to go to bed, until Grandma Owl finally finds a way to settle everyone down. The author says she was inspired "by all my friends at Little Friends Preschool who like to play just a little bit longer--even at sleepytime." Luckily, preschool teachers now have some help at nap time: DOWN IN THE WOODS AT SLEEPYTIME, says PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, is a book in which "author and artist make bedtime about as appealing as it gets."
With her next books, Carole Lexa Schaefer switches gears from sleepytime to partytime. FULL MOON BARNYARD DANCE is a rousing read-aloud that showcases farm animals dancing as they learn to appreciate their differences. ONE WHEEL WOBBLES, a zany counting book, follows one fun-loving family on Family Parade Day as they roll along on an ever-increasing number of wheels--Gramma on a motorcycle, Sister on a trike, and Grampa on some snazzy skates. Of ONE WHEEL WOBBLES, Carole Lexa Schaefer explains, "I wanted to create a counting book for children with which they could have a rollicking good time."
Carole Lexa Schaefer, who has a master's degree in early childhood education from the University of Washington, taught school for ten years in places as varied as Taiwan, Switzerland, and Micronesia, as well as Missouri and Washington. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, the author now lives in Seattle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 15, 2010
Great book for exercising imagination as we follow a dragon on his adventure through different scenes. What I didn't like was the lack of story and a missed opportunity to capture the the cultural significance of the dragon (even in the most basic way).
January 3, 2020
This one is between three and four stars for me.
I enjoyed the imaginative romp that the children took through the world. I also enjoyed the onomatopoetic use of language and the bright illustrations.
I enjoyed the imaginative romp that the children took through the world. I also enjoyed the onomatopoetic use of language and the bright illustrations.
February 14, 2013
A short story featuring an imaginary Chinese Dragon created by young children. Good length for story time.
December 23, 2020
I was expecting more influence of the cultural impact of the dragon. Still a cute book, I just wish it had that bit of context for story time purposes.
Read
September 9, 2019"Dragon Dancing" by Carole Lexa Schaefer is about a young girl and her class making a paper dragon to celebrate her birthday. When the dragon is complete, the kids "travel the world" as this dragon: through forests, over oceans and under cherry blossom trees. Finally, they make their way back to the classroom and eat some cake together.
This book is full of whimsical and colorful illustrations that are sure to catch anyones eye on first glance. I like all of the onomatopoeias used, but I think it could have benefited from more a story-line. I also liked the diversity of the children depicted in this book. I would not have to worry about children feeling excluded from relating to this story.
Something that I liked in this book is how the illustrations helped clarify what some of the onomatopoeias meant. I would use this in therapy to have the client describe to me, for example, what they thought "mish-mooshing through the soft marshes meant" based on the illustration of the dragon. There are also plenty of words in this easy-to-read book that could be used for articulation practice. The plot-line of the young girl's classmates celebrating her birthday is something I could discuss with my client if a more social-objective is being targeted.
This book is full of whimsical and colorful illustrations that are sure to catch anyones eye on first glance. I like all of the onomatopoeias used, but I think it could have benefited from more a story-line. I also liked the diversity of the children depicted in this book. I would not have to worry about children feeling excluded from relating to this story.
Something that I liked in this book is how the illustrations helped clarify what some of the onomatopoeias meant. I would use this in therapy to have the client describe to me, for example, what they thought "mish-mooshing through the soft marshes meant" based on the illustration of the dragon. There are also plenty of words in this easy-to-read book that could be used for articulation practice. The plot-line of the young girl's classmates celebrating her birthday is something I could discuss with my client if a more social-objective is being targeted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2019
Dragon Dancing is about a class who creates a dragon for the birthday Dragon's birthday. Then the dragon dances around over snowy mountains, across foamy seas, through tall forests, along soft marshes, and through meadows. Then he comes back to the classroom and the class enjoys the Birthday Dragon's snack.
I thought this book was cute, but it's not exactly my favorite book. I was a little bored reading it. It also took me a while to realize that it wasn't literally the dragon's birthday, but one of the student's birthday. The pictures were also a little weird. The pandas looked derpy, I don't like that. Not to mention the dragon looks pretty high. I do like that the book showcases another culture.
I can use this book to teach my students about Chinese culture. I can read this book to them, then we can work together to make a list of the features of a dragon, and what the dragon will need to be a dragon. Then we can make a class dragon and dance together around the school. I can also teach them about Chinese culture as we are making our dragon.
I thought this book was cute, but it's not exactly my favorite book. I was a little bored reading it. It also took me a while to realize that it wasn't literally the dragon's birthday, but one of the student's birthday. The pictures were also a little weird. The pandas looked derpy, I don't like that. Not to mention the dragon looks pretty high. I do like that the book showcases another culture.
I can use this book to teach my students about Chinese culture. I can read this book to them, then we can work together to make a list of the features of a dragon, and what the dragon will need to be a dragon. Then we can make a class dragon and dance together around the school. I can also teach them about Chinese culture as we are making our dragon.
May 15, 2017
The best thing about dragons is nobody can tell you you're making them look wrong.
It's cute. There's a class full of young children, possibly kindergarten age, and they're playing with paper. It's Mei Lin's birthday, and they make crafts and take some string and construction paper and feathers and things and they make a dragon. Then they all go out and have a dragon dance, and then they come back for the snack. The end.
It's just little kids playing together. Their dragon is inspired by the Chinese style of dragon. It kind of makes me think of the traditional Lion Dance that I'm more familiar with. It's just kids having fun together and making something bigger than they are and playing with it, and having fun with their imaginations.
Message: Dragons are awesome.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
It's cute. There's a class full of young children, possibly kindergarten age, and they're playing with paper. It's Mei Lin's birthday, and they make crafts and take some string and construction paper and feathers and things and they make a dragon. Then they all go out and have a dragon dance, and then they come back for the snack. The end.
It's just little kids playing together. Their dragon is inspired by the Chinese style of dragon. It kind of makes me think of the traditional Lion Dance that I'm more familiar with. It's just kids having fun together and making something bigger than they are and playing with it, and having fun with their imaginations.
Message: Dragons are awesome.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
February 10, 2021
When I checked this book out from the library, I thought it was about the Lunar New Year, and I thought it would enhance our study of China, but I thought wrong. It was still a lovely book with lovely language, but it was about student Mei Ling's birthday, not the New Year. The cultural references to China were never explained, although students having previous experience with Chinese culture would recognize that pandas live in China, bamboo forests are located in China, and this style of dragon originates from China. It was a bit of a disappointment from the Social Studies perspective.
And with such a multi-racial class depicted, I'm still trying to figure out why the illustrator was compelled to make the narrator white...
And with such a multi-racial class depicted, I'm still trying to figure out why the illustrator was compelled to make the narrator white...
April 18, 2018
This book is about a class learning about a Dragon then making their own. They go on a adventure with their imagination as they go dragon dancing.
I thought this book was fun to read and very colorful.
I think this would be a good book to read for a class activity following after the story. Each student can make their own dragon and share with the class.
I thought this book was fun to read and very colorful.
I think this would be a good book to read for a class activity following after the story. Each student can make their own dragon and share with the class.
July 24, 2021
Best part of the book is the fun onomatopoeic language and vibrant illustrations. Also enjoyed the focus on imagination/creativity in the narrative. Quick read. Best for younger kids (maybe age 6 and under).
December 14, 2019
What fun to have a creative class with dragons.
July 27, 2021
The sound effects are fun, but the story itself drags.
Read
December 21, 2021Bright illustrations
Fun sound effects
Some diverse representation although not connected to the dragon
Fun sound effects
Some diverse representation although not connected to the dragon
October 7, 2024
This felt culturally insensitive to me! Yuck!
January 2, 2020
What fun to have a creative class with dragons.
Read
February 10, 2017In this preschool picture book, young children show us the wonder and fun of learning. After reading a book about dragons with their teacher, these inventive preschoolers decide to make their own dragon out of colored paper, yarn, feathers, and . . . themselves! Soon they're out the door, onto the playground, and into another world--the world of imagination. Becoming a magnificent dragon, the children dance over snowy mountains, through tall forests, and into whispery meadows, before returning to school for a wonderful birthday treat. A perfect accompaniment to Chinese New Year celebrations, Dragon Dancing is both a treat for the eyes and the min
Subject: Dragons -- Fiction.
Imagination -- Fiction
Birthdays -- Fiction
Schools -- Fiction
Dragons -- Juvenile fiction.
Imagination -- Juvenile fiction
Birthdays -- Juvenile fiction
Schools -- Juvenile fiction
Subject: Dragons -- Fiction.
Imagination -- Fiction
Birthdays -- Fiction
Schools -- Fiction
Dragons -- Juvenile fiction.
Imagination -- Juvenile fiction
Birthdays -- Juvenile fiction
Schools -- Juvenile fiction
March 12, 2012
It’s Mei Lin’s birthday at school. After the teacher reads a book about dragons, the students head to the art room to make decorations for the birthday celebration. Mei Lin shouts, “Look at me! I’m Birthday Dragon!” Each child contributes an element to the dragon, “boink-boink eyes,” “a dragon-fire nose,” “a long, long, long tail.” Then the dragon comes to life as the children step inside the costume and go “stomp, bomp-tromping away” to outdoor recess. In a fantasy sequence, the dragon climbs, meanders, and swims, through mountains, forests, and oceans, until recess is over and the children run inside for Birthday Dragon’s snack!
The illustrations are colorful and feature multi-cultural children of all races. The brush strokes are broad and flowing, reminiscent of Chinese brush painting. This comparison is most apparent in pages that feature the Birthday Dragon’s imaginary adventures.
The text is full of onomatopoeias, which makes it a fun book to read out loud. Although the plot isn’t very developed and there’s really no conflict, the playful text and illustrations will appeal to younger children.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
The illustrations are colorful and feature multi-cultural children of all races. The brush strokes are broad and flowing, reminiscent of Chinese brush painting. This comparison is most apparent in pages that feature the Birthday Dragon’s imaginary adventures.
The text is full of onomatopoeias, which makes it a fun book to read out loud. Although the plot isn’t very developed and there’s really no conflict, the playful text and illustrations will appeal to younger children.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
February 3, 2011
Goin' on a treasure hunt, gonna find a big one -- I'm not afraid, are you?
If time permits, read through the book once and then invite everyone to "pretend" to be dragons and follow the prompts in the story.
Whish-whoosh through the doors.
Zig-zag over snowy mountaintops.
Slip-slide across foamy seas.
Creep-crouch through tall bamboo forests.
Mish-moosh along soft marshes.
Swirl-whirl around whispery meadows.
La-dee-dawdle under sweet cherry blossom trees.
Stomp, tromp, der-bomp back to your realm.
Grr-umble-yumble-tummy looking for a dragon snack.
Yummmm! Found a treasure treat!
Show the group today's treat (if there is one) or change the last lines to lead to a craft.
The story begins with children making paper dragons. Ending with this story is a perfect segue to craft time. Be sure to play some music as background to the activity.
If time permits, read through the book once and then invite everyone to "pretend" to be dragons and follow the prompts in the story.
Whish-whoosh through the doors.
Zig-zag over snowy mountaintops.
Slip-slide across foamy seas.
Creep-crouch through tall bamboo forests.
Mish-moosh along soft marshes.
Swirl-whirl around whispery meadows.
La-dee-dawdle under sweet cherry blossom trees.
Stomp, tromp, der-bomp back to your realm.
Grr-umble-yumble-tummy looking for a dragon snack.
Yummmm! Found a treasure treat!
Show the group today's treat (if there is one) or change the last lines to lead to a craft.
The story begins with children making paper dragons. Ending with this story is a perfect segue to craft time. Be sure to play some music as background to the activity.
December 18, 2012
Not sure about this one. I really like Asian inspired stories and learning about the culture. This one talks about dragons with Asian/Chinese New Year context but no explanation. It is up to the reader to ask questions and the adult to provide context if needed. I've noticed lots of people get uncomfortable about "what's of interest to children/people" as if it is a given that when your experience is different you have no interest in other experiences. Seems to me adults should be using more of these kinds of stories to connect us all. Yeah, I like that the visuals give you the geography for the dragon and the words are just any group of kids, making up a game/story. Words are also full of sounds, great for preschool.
August 20, 2014
This week is "orange cover week" at our house, so we checked out this book.
This book is not at all what I expected. I expected a dragon -- dancing, which would have been awesome. Instead, I ended up with a multicultural tale, which was still pretty great.
My five-year-old son started Kindergarten this week. He gave names to all the kids around the illustrated table to match the names of the kids around his table.
So, I did like the multicultural aspect of this story, but I loved the onomatopoeia in the second half the of book.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars, but I round up.
This book is not at all what I expected. I expected a dragon -- dancing, which would have been awesome. Instead, I ended up with a multicultural tale, which was still pretty great.
My five-year-old son started Kindergarten this week. He gave names to all the kids around the illustrated table to match the names of the kids around his table.
So, I did like the multicultural aspect of this story, but I loved the onomatopoeia in the second half the of book.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars, but I round up.
January 17, 2014
It's Mei Lin's birthday so her classmates get together to make a big Chinese dragon to celebrate. Busy colorful illustrations and descriptive sounds show the students leaving the school and heading on a imaginary journey over snowy mountains, across foamy seas, through tall forests, marshes, under cheery trees and until they hear their teacher calling them back to school.
February 26, 2008
Fabulous writing -- its alliterative text perfectly captures preschooler-speak (dragons have "boink-boink eyes" and a "ricky-rack back") while reveling in teh joys of creative play. A perfect read-aloud for storytime.
Read
April 22, 2013This is a fun book about a classroom of students learning about Chinese new year and about dancing dragons. The students then create their own dragon and use their imagination to go to a different world where they are dancing in the forest. It's a fun story and educational story. Grades k-2
December 31, 2007
A great "multicultural" book that doesn't make a big deal out of it.
April 21, 2008
dancing, creativity, children artists, dragons, arts & crafts
August 27, 2009
Going to be a Stories Alive! program at KDL.
July 3, 2009
After hearing a story about dragons, a class of students create their own dragon.
January 23, 2010
Nice book about how a group of children created their own dragon dance to celebrate another students birthday.
Read
July 28, 2011Love the title, not sure the narrative lived all the way up to it. Whimsical, fun illustrations. --Laurie
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews