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D is for Dragon Dance
Introduces the wondrous traditions of a Chinese New Year through an illustrated and alphabetized review of such components as firecrackers, acrobats, and red envelopes.
32 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
2 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Ying Chang Compestine
32 books136 followersA leading national authority on culture and cuisine, award-winning author, and former food editor for Martha Stewart's Whole Living magazine, Ying Chang Compestine has written 27 books across multiple genres, including picture books, YA novels, and healthy adult cookbooks. She has hosted cooking shows, worked as a food editor for Martha Stewart’s Body+Soul, and was a spokesperson for Nestle Maggi and Celestial Seasonings.
Her novel "Revolution is Not a Dinner Party" and her memoir "Growing Up Under a Red Flag" recount her childhood during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. These works have received awards globally and high praise from prestigious media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Publisher's Weekly. Her novel "A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts" is currently being adapted into an animated TV series.
Named one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" by The Author's Show, her books have sold worldwide in multiple languages. Endorsed by Dr. Andrew Weil, her cookbook "Cooking with an Asian Accent" has been described as “a contemporary new cuisine.”
Ying believes food can be both healthy and delicious and that healthy eating is the key to a long, happy life. By integrating her background into her recipe creation, she features the three most critical Asian principles of food in her dishes: satisfaction of the senses, yin-yang balance, and medicinal properties.
In addition to writing, Ying has been a sought-after keynote speaker for high-end cruise ships, private jets, and resorts, including The World Residences at Sea, Crystal, Silver Sea, Viking, TCS World Travel, and Canyon Ranch. Ying is also frequently invited to speak at schools and conferences worldwide to share her journey as a writer—how her life in Wuhan, China, inspired her work—and to promote healthy eating and living. Her website is www.yingc.com
Her novel "Revolution is Not a Dinner Party" and her memoir "Growing Up Under a Red Flag" recount her childhood during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. These works have received awards globally and high praise from prestigious media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Publisher's Weekly. Her novel "A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts" is currently being adapted into an animated TV series.
Named one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" by The Author's Show, her books have sold worldwide in multiple languages. Endorsed by Dr. Andrew Weil, her cookbook "Cooking with an Asian Accent" has been described as “a contemporary new cuisine.”
Ying believes food can be both healthy and delicious and that healthy eating is the key to a long, happy life. By integrating her background into her recipe creation, she features the three most critical Asian principles of food in her dishes: satisfaction of the senses, yin-yang balance, and medicinal properties.
In addition to writing, Ying has been a sought-after keynote speaker for high-end cruise ships, private jets, and resorts, including The World Residences at Sea, Crystal, Silver Sea, Viking, TCS World Travel, and Canyon Ranch. Ying is also frequently invited to speak at schools and conferences worldwide to share her journey as a writer—how her life in Wuhan, China, inspired her work—and to promote healthy eating and living. Her website is www.yingc.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 28, 2020
This is simply an alphabetical run-through of all the activities and traditions associated with the Lunar New Year celebration. That part was fine, but I REALLY didn't like the illustrations in this one, particularly the depictions of children - ugh!
March 11, 2015
Clear and pleasant presentation of the basic Chinese New Year practices. There isn't really a story, but the same family and pets appear in various scenes. Nice illustrations -- especially liked the way the characters were incorporated as a background texture.
January 29, 2021
Author Ying Chang Compestine and illustrator YoungSheng Xuan join forces in this alphabetical celebration of the customs and beliefs associated with Chinese (Lunar) New Year. From acrobats tossing balls to the zodiac animals associated with each year, the entries here highlight culturally significant ideas, objects and activities. An afterword gives more detailed information, as well as a recipe for New Year's Dumpling Delight...
D Is For Dragon Dance is the third picture-book I have read from Compestine, and like the other two - The Runaway Rice Cake and The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale - it is a Chinese New Year title. Like most alphabet books, it is short on story and long on concept, which is just fine, given its purpose. It is engaging enough, and introduces a number of ideas that can be elaborated upon by parents and teachers, should they so desire, making it a good introduction to the holiday for younger children. The illustrations from Xuan, whose work I know from such titles as Eric A. Kimmel's Ten Suns: A Chinese Legend , were colorful and appealing, emphasizing the fun and excitement of each scene. Recommended to picture-book readers seeking titles for Chinese/Lunar New Year.
D Is For Dragon Dance is the third picture-book I have read from Compestine, and like the other two - The Runaway Rice Cake and The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale - it is a Chinese New Year title. Like most alphabet books, it is short on story and long on concept, which is just fine, given its purpose. It is engaging enough, and introduces a number of ideas that can be elaborated upon by parents and teachers, should they so desire, making it a good introduction to the holiday for younger children. The illustrations from Xuan, whose work I know from such titles as Eric A. Kimmel's Ten Suns: A Chinese Legend , were colorful and appealing, emphasizing the fun and excitement of each scene. Recommended to picture-book readers seeking titles for Chinese/Lunar New Year.
July 17, 2010
D is for Dragon Dance is an alphabet book for young children. The book does not have a main character. It does, however, take the reader through the alphabet and the traditional customs of the Chinese New Year, and intertwines them. “C is for Calligraphy,” “F is for Firecrackers,” and “Z is for Zodiac,” are some of the letters and traditions the author connects. Also, after many of the letter and tradition connections, the author gives a short explanation of the custom. For example on the page, “H is for Haircut,” the author continues to say, “Children get their hair washed and cut, and put on new clothes for a fresh start in the New Year.” I think the author did a great job at introducing traditions of the Chinese New Year in a simplistic way. I think it will leave children wanting to find out more about this celebration.
This book would be perfect for students who are Pre-K through second grade. It could be integrated into many units. It could be used to teach children about celebrations that take place around the world. It could also be used as a model for an alphabet book, when creating your own in the classroom. Finally, in the back of the book, the author includes additional non-fiction information about this Chinese tradition.
This book would be perfect for students who are Pre-K through second grade. It could be integrated into many units. It could be used to teach children about celebrations that take place around the world. It could also be used as a model for an alphabet book, when creating your own in the classroom. Finally, in the back of the book, the author includes additional non-fiction information about this Chinese tradition.
July 4, 2020
Absolutely wonderful introduction to so much about Chinese culture. Illustrations are charming; please don't judge by the mysteriously poorly reproduced images of the cover here. Author's and artist's notes are also illuminating, though I would have liked some 'further reading' or bibliographic titles. Highly recommended to all home-schooling families, primary school libraries, and ESL classrooms.
April 26, 2019
This is an English/Chinese alphabet book on elements of the Chinese New Year.
November 26, 2016
Alphabet books are for children learning their ABC’s. Such books are so often childish with simple drawings. Forget those books when you open up D Is for Dragon Dance.
Each letter gives a little Chinese culture. All are related to the celebrations for Chinese New Year.
The pictures are nicely done. They bear browsing to notice little details like the cat.
This is a read aloud book as many of the words will not be familiar to young children. The illustrations show what the objects or actions are. The story explains many of them.
This is a fun book even for children already familiar with the letters or for adults who would like to know a little more about Chinese New Year celebrations.
Each letter gives a little Chinese culture. All are related to the celebrations for Chinese New Year.
The pictures are nicely done. They bear browsing to notice little details like the cat.
This is a read aloud book as many of the words will not be familiar to young children. The illustrations show what the objects or actions are. The story explains many of them.
This is a fun book even for children already familiar with the letters or for adults who would like to know a little more about Chinese New Year celebrations.
May 31, 2012
This was an interesting and unique book that not only teaches the alphabet, but also gives kids some education about Chinese New Year. Both of the kids were interested in this book, but my niece was just thrilled with it (no surprise there, since she's obsessed with Chinese "stuff"). The letter "Z" was for Zodiac, and it showed the Chinese zodiac, which the kids had a ton of fun looking at! This is a fun, creative, educational, and unique book!
January 28, 2010
Teaches the alphabet through Chinese traditions/culture. At the back there's a Chinese horoscope and an author's explanation for adults. For people who'd like to expand their child's cultural knowledge. Colourful pictures that keep children interested.
January 1, 2023
Let me start by saying this book is truly wonderful with so much info about the Lunar New Year. It is definitely not your regular alphabet book.
As I read this by my own, I found it intriguing and very informative in the simplest way possible. However, I think I need to prepare more for my pupils as they lack of vocabs and knowledge hence the reading didn't go as smoothly as I hope it would be. Some words are too tough for them and not even pictures can help to explain it. They need more aids like videos perhaps and movement to help them understand the words and information better.
I incorporate some movement like squatting down making themselves very small and then jump and explode to explain what firecrackers is, and of course with BM translation, it helps. While some words like evil spirits and jade, we had harder times with these words. So, in the end, I decided to skip some words to lessen the awkward pauses. I'll have to prepare better in the future.
For post activity, we made some lantern ornaments and the kids loved it! They get to cut and then play with the mini lanterns afterwards. You just can't go wrong with crafts!
Overall, D is for Dragon is a great book to introduce Chinese New Year culture to your children. I do highly recommend it! Last but not least, thank you @booksonthemove for kindly providing free copy of this book.
As I read this by my own, I found it intriguing and very informative in the simplest way possible. However, I think I need to prepare more for my pupils as they lack of vocabs and knowledge hence the reading didn't go as smoothly as I hope it would be. Some words are too tough for them and not even pictures can help to explain it. They need more aids like videos perhaps and movement to help them understand the words and information better.
I incorporate some movement like squatting down making themselves very small and then jump and explode to explain what firecrackers is, and of course with BM translation, it helps. While some words like evil spirits and jade, we had harder times with these words. So, in the end, I decided to skip some words to lessen the awkward pauses. I'll have to prepare better in the future.
For post activity, we made some lantern ornaments and the kids loved it! They get to cut and then play with the mini lanterns afterwards. You just can't go wrong with crafts!
Overall, D is for Dragon is a great book to introduce Chinese New Year culture to your children. I do highly recommend it! Last but not least, thank you @booksonthemove for kindly providing free copy of this book.
February 16, 2019
Younger readers can learn all about the Chinese New Year celebration while learning their ABCs with this beautifully illustrated alphabet book. Each letter of the alphabet is on a two page spread and includes one or two aspects of Chinese New Year beliefs or customs: "K is for Kites, L is for Lantern/Chinese people believe that flying kites and lantern light scare away evil spirits, R is for Red Envelopes/Children receive red envelopes that contain good luck money, S is for Steamed Dumplings/Eat these special treats to begin the New Year." The vibrant watercolor, acrylic, and latex illustrations richly depict icons of Chinese New Year celebrations, over a background of Chinese calligraphic characters. Back matter includes a recipe for New Year's Dumplings, a Chinese Zodiac chart, and Tips to Ensure Good Fortune in the New Year.
FYI: I haven't seen this yet, but D is for Dragon has been reissued in 2018 by Holiday House in a bilingual edition written in English and Chinese characters, with the pinyon, a Romanization of Chinese characters based on pronunciation.
FYI: I haven't seen this yet, but D is for Dragon has been reissued in 2018 by Holiday House in a bilingual edition written in English and Chinese characters, with the pinyon, a Romanization of Chinese characters based on pronunciation.
January 27, 2021
Enjoy this wonderfully illustrated, vibrant and vocabulary-expanding alphabet walk-through of the Chinese Lunar New Year from Acrobats to Zodiac, and all of the other letters, showcasing events, celebrations, food, and traditions of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
This has been one of my favorite Picture Books for Chinese Lunar New Year, partially because it is so clear on the subject of each letter, as well as the imagery.
The other neat element of this book is that there are subtle calligraphy of the word "Dragon" hidden throughout each section. The book also features two animal companions for the siblings featured. See if you can find them. Lastly, part of the traditions of the Lunar New Year is to scare away the evil spirits. Be warned, for they may just be lurking on the outskirts of some pages.
5 Star illustrations by Yongsheng Xian.
This book is a perfect read-aloud for families, an introductory book for the Chinese Lunar New Year, and a great Story time tool-book to have.
This has been one of my favorite Picture Books for Chinese Lunar New Year, partially because it is so clear on the subject of each letter, as well as the imagery.
The other neat element of this book is that there are subtle calligraphy of the word "Dragon" hidden throughout each section. The book also features two animal companions for the siblings featured. See if you can find them. Lastly, part of the traditions of the Lunar New Year is to scare away the evil spirits. Be warned, for they may just be lurking on the outskirts of some pages.
5 Star illustrations by Yongsheng Xian.
This book is a perfect read-aloud for families, an introductory book for the Chinese Lunar New Year, and a great Story time tool-book to have.
February 21, 2019
Published in 2007, this picture book beautifully reveals many of the Chinese New Year traditions. Each letter of the English alphabet is represented with a tradition, an illustration, a description of the celebration, and the Chinese translation. For example, “A is for Acrobat. Shì zú ji yi rén.” At the end of the book you can find an author’s note, an artist’s note, and even a dumpling recipe. This book was recommended by CBC Diversity and has also received praise from organizations such as Kirkus Reviews and Booklist. I recommend this book because I loved the dual language representation and enjoyed how the Chinese translations were provided in both words and characters. A teacher may use this book to help young readers practice the alphabet, expand vocabulary (add new words on the class word wall), and develop cultural knowledge during the holiday season.
February 9, 2022
This bilingual alphabet book is in English and Chinese. Of course, the alphabet part is in English, but translated into Chinese, except for the letter of the alphabet. So (I'm guessing) "A is for Acrobat" is translated something like "This is an acrobat." Most of the letters are accompanied by one -- three sentences about the subject, which are also translated into Chinese. The illustrations are vibrant and perfectly capture the subject. The dragon dance is a full double-page spread. Most of the illustrations have faint Chinese characters in the background. This book is a great way to introduce young readers to this holiday.
February 8, 2019
I am incorporating this book into my Chinese New Year lesson plan. Chinese New Year is important to several children in my class and I really wanted to incorporate children's books written by people from China. This book helped accomplish just that and was very enjoyable. However, there were a lot of "Chinese people believe ..." statements that seemed over-generalizing to me. I really like that this is an alphabet book as well as a book about Chinese New Year! Although "V is for veneration" seemed like a much higher reading comprehension level than the rest of the book.
October 12, 2020
Published: 2006
Genre: Concept book
Theme: Alphabet, Chinese Culture
This book teaches the Alphabet while also educating about Chinese culture. I would use this book to teach about culture and have students write a book that explains their culture through the alphabet. I loved the informational aspect to it, I learned a lot of Chinese beliefs and traditions and the illustrations were beautiful.
Genre: Concept book
Theme: Alphabet, Chinese Culture
This book teaches the Alphabet while also educating about Chinese culture. I would use this book to teach about culture and have students write a book that explains their culture through the alphabet. I loved the informational aspect to it, I learned a lot of Chinese beliefs and traditions and the illustrations were beautiful.
January 28, 2018
I always try to find books about other cultures and the way other people live so that my son will have a more balanced view of the world. This is certainly one such book. It focuses on the way modern Chinese people celebrate the Chinese New Year by using the english ABCs to present the different facets of the celebrations and their meanings.
November 26, 2018
This book is an ABC of fun about so many cool things about the Chinese New Year. I adored learning so much about a holiday I know very little about! A is for Acrobats. B is for Balls. C is for Calligraphy. D is for Dragon Dance. The amazing illustrations capture the wonders of this very special holiday!
August 28, 2020
I loved this! I know a little about Chinese New Year but this book was a great introduction as well as teaching tool for people who already know some (like me). I love that each page is written in English and Chinese. I will definitely be purchasing this for my school library, especially since the 3rd grade teachers at my school do a Chinese New Year celebration each year.
February 17, 2021
The artwork in this book is beautiful. The author goes through the A-to-Z’s of the Chinese new year including eating dumplings and seeing parades. At the end of the book, there is an illustration showing all of the years of the zodiac signs. My nieces and nephew had a fun time finding out what year they were born in.
February 1, 2020
A Chinese and English alphabet book that revolves around the Lunar New Year.
It looks thorough but I'm not in a position to make an informed opinion about it.
But if I was learning Chinese this is a book I would definitely gravitate towards.
It looks thorough but I'm not in a position to make an informed opinion about it.
But if I was learning Chinese this is a book I would definitely gravitate towards.
March 4, 2018
A lovely book that teaches both the alphabet, and cultural customs. I loved the artwork in this one!
December 30, 2019
An a to z book representing differnt aspects of the Chinese New Year. Preschool and up. Easy to follow also told in chinese.
February 5, 2021
great information presented in a colourful way!
February 15, 2021
The ABC’s of Chinese New Year.
February 16, 2021
Not my favorite book on this topic. But, it was free.
January 13, 2023
Something felt weird in this book for me. I wish there would have been more detail about each letter.
April 20, 2023
GREAT bilingual book! Lots of interesting information, and I learned some new things. the YoungShen Xuan illustrations are wonderful.
February 22, 2024
This one received a lukewarm reaction from Bebe, lover of all alphabet books. So… three stars it is. Too bad. I thought it was cute.
It was a quick read, anyway.
It was a quick read, anyway.
July 1, 2025
A colorful look and explanation at the various aspects and items used to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Age: 4 - 8
Content Considerations: mentions such customs as superstitions about evil spirits and ancestor worship.
#geography #asia #china #chinesenewyear
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Age: 4 - 8
Content Considerations: mentions such customs as superstitions about evil spirits and ancestor worship.
#geography #asia #china #chinesenewyear
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews