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Song of the Yellow Dragon
Two children search for a legendary dragon's magic in this enchanting fantasy, perfect for readers ages 9-13!
There is a secret that every child knows: Magic is real. But by the time children turn thirteen, they forget that magic is anything but make-believe.
Mengyao wants to remember. Born in a village nestled in a secluded vale, Mengyao wants to hold on to magic and become a Divine Healer. But with her thirteenth birthday fast approaching, she is losing hope.
Young emperor Kai is on the run from traitorous advisors. He’s searching for the fabled Dragon’s Pulse, a magic capable of defeating his enemies. On the brink of his thirteenth birthday, Kai doesn’t have much longer. So when he meets Mengyao—the girl whose name is mentioned in his legend—he forces aside his instinctual distrust and recruits her to help him on his quest.
On their perilous journey, Kai and Mengyao find aid in unexpected forms like a jade hare, a moon goddess, and a handful of promises. But as enemies close in and time runs out, secrets that will reshape the fate of their kingdom forever come to light.
There is a secret that every child knows: Magic is real. But by the time children turn thirteen, they forget that magic is anything but make-believe.
Mengyao wants to remember. Born in a village nestled in a secluded vale, Mengyao wants to hold on to magic and become a Divine Healer. But with her thirteenth birthday fast approaching, she is losing hope.
Young emperor Kai is on the run from traitorous advisors. He’s searching for the fabled Dragon’s Pulse, a magic capable of defeating his enemies. On the brink of his thirteenth birthday, Kai doesn’t have much longer. So when he meets Mengyao—the girl whose name is mentioned in his legend—he forces aside his instinctual distrust and recruits her to help him on his quest.
On their perilous journey, Kai and Mengyao find aid in unexpected forms like a jade hare, a moon goddess, and a handful of promises. But as enemies close in and time runs out, secrets that will reshape the fate of their kingdom forever come to light.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Ying Ping Low
11 books15 followersYing Ping Low has published multiple middle grade novels in Singapore under the name Low Ying Ping. Her novels have won the Singapore Book Award and been shortlisted for the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award and the Popular Readers’ Choice Award. Song of the Yellow Dragon will be her first novel published into the US market.
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February 9, 2026Though as a kid I loathed passionately stories in which kids forgot their adventures as soon as they left childhood, I could accept having magic only as a kid, lost as one grew. So adult me tried this book--and I'm so glad I did.
I just loved the narrative voice, wise, gentle, humorous, but full of magic itself in the word pictures it painted. I would have loved it equally as a child, for the prose is clear as water yet as powerful.
The customs of ancient China are beautifully woven in with the fantasy, giving us two appealing kids--one a boy emperor escaping from evil counselors, and the other a girl determined to hold onto her magic and become a witch for the good of the world.
The two meet, end up on the run together though their goals are different, until their paths meld. And the dragon? Read it and see!
It's a delightful tale, full of excitement and adventure, coming to a deliciously satisfying end that would have had me checking the book out over and over again from my local library.
I just loved the narrative voice, wise, gentle, humorous, but full of magic itself in the word pictures it painted. I would have loved it equally as a child, for the prose is clear as water yet as powerful.
The customs of ancient China are beautifully woven in with the fantasy, giving us two appealing kids--one a boy emperor escaping from evil counselors, and the other a girl determined to hold onto her magic and become a witch for the good of the world.
The two meet, end up on the run together though their goals are different, until their paths meld. And the dragon? Read it and see!
It's a delightful tale, full of excitement and adventure, coming to a deliciously satisfying end that would have had me checking the book out over and over again from my local library.
February 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a fun and adventurous story.
It’s both whimsical and serious. You have two different young people with different motivations and hopes. At some point, their paths are woven together in a unique way.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advance copy
Out May 12, 2026
✨🐉 ✨
“There is a secret that every child knows: Magic is real. But by the time children turn thirteen, they forget that magic is anything but make-believe.
✨
Mengyao wants to remember. Born in a village nestled in a secluded vale, Mengyao wants to hold on to magic and become a Divine Healer. But with her thirteenth birthday fast approaching, she is losing hope.
✨
Young emperor Kai is on the run from traitorous advisors. He’s searching for the fabled Dragon’s Pulse, a magic capable of defeating his enemies. On the brink of his thirteenth birthday, Kai doesn’t have much longer. So when he meets Mengyao—the girl whose name is mentioned in his legend—he forces aside his instinctual distrust and recruits her to help him on his quest.
✨
On their perilous journey, Kai and Mengyao find aid in unexpected forms like a jade hare, a moon goddess, and a handful of promises. But as enemies close in and time runs out, secrets that will reshape the fate of their kingdom forever come to light.”
#SongoftheYellowDragon
What a fun and adventurous story.
It’s both whimsical and serious. You have two different young people with different motivations and hopes. At some point, their paths are woven together in a unique way.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advance copy
Out May 12, 2026
✨🐉 ✨
“There is a secret that every child knows: Magic is real. But by the time children turn thirteen, they forget that magic is anything but make-believe.
✨
Mengyao wants to remember. Born in a village nestled in a secluded vale, Mengyao wants to hold on to magic and become a Divine Healer. But with her thirteenth birthday fast approaching, she is losing hope.
✨
Young emperor Kai is on the run from traitorous advisors. He’s searching for the fabled Dragon’s Pulse, a magic capable of defeating his enemies. On the brink of his thirteenth birthday, Kai doesn’t have much longer. So when he meets Mengyao—the girl whose name is mentioned in his legend—he forces aside his instinctual distrust and recruits her to help him on his quest.
✨
On their perilous journey, Kai and Mengyao find aid in unexpected forms like a jade hare, a moon goddess, and a handful of promises. But as enemies close in and time runs out, secrets that will reshape the fate of their kingdom forever come to light.”
#SongoftheYellowDragon
May 10, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Young Readers Group for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a nice, short story that was easy to swallow in a day. It follows two protagonists on a magical journey, most of it rooted in Chinese myths and legends.
I didn't really like Kai as a protagonist and thought he was a self-serving jerk that didn't really deserve much but then I remembered he's like 12, lol. He does get better though.
I feel like this could've gotten further in the fantasy angle but it was meant to be an easy MG read so it worked pretty well as it is.
This was a nice, short story that was easy to swallow in a day. It follows two protagonists on a magical journey, most of it rooted in Chinese myths and legends.
I didn't really like Kai as a protagonist and thought he was a self-serving jerk that didn't really deserve much but then I remembered he's like 12, lol. He does get better though.
I feel like this could've gotten further in the fantasy angle but it was meant to be an easy MG read so it worked pretty well as it is.
May 25, 2026
4.2 stars. I just finished this so quickly penning my immediate thoughts down–this was a fun read! I particularly liked the Chinese mythology and culture like the moon goddess, dragon gods, and meanings behind the names.
It’s been a while since I read middle grade but I love the genre (especially MG fantasy) for its whimsical world and underlying messages; they are soothing yet gently nudge readers to think more, perhaps about the unpleasantries of growing up.
Song of the Yellow Dragon is set in a world where magic is real, in the form of healing, whispers from the wind, and other miracles in nature. All children know this, but lose the knowledge at the age of thirteen and recount it only as dreams or reckless imagination. It’s an analogy for losing one’s whimsy and carefree nature as one faces adult responsibilities, and I'm similar to Mengyao in the way that this made me sad too. I don’t want to lose what I see as my zest for life, just to be an adult, which is what, getting a job? LOL. But at the end of the story I understood, we choose to grow up so we can live life to the fullest. Just like how Mengyao wants to become a witch to help people, she can’t fully do that if she stays a child forever. So in a way, we grow up to fulfil our dreams and make impacts on the world; it does not have to be a sad thing.
I liked the ending and I’m glad that both Mengyao and Kai have learned a lot from each other and the world from this journey. The adventure itself was also well-written, I loved the magic in communicating with flora and fauna and the scenery and people they encountered along the way.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I’m so glad to see an Asian MG fantasy. Thank you Low Ying Ping for writing this and thank you Times Distribution for my review copy! All thoughts are my own.
It’s been a while since I read middle grade but I love the genre (especially MG fantasy) for its whimsical world and underlying messages; they are soothing yet gently nudge readers to think more, perhaps about the unpleasantries of growing up.
Song of the Yellow Dragon is set in a world where magic is real, in the form of healing, whispers from the wind, and other miracles in nature. All children know this, but lose the knowledge at the age of thirteen and recount it only as dreams or reckless imagination. It’s an analogy for losing one’s whimsy and carefree nature as one faces adult responsibilities, and I'm similar to Mengyao in the way that this made me sad too. I don’t want to lose what I see as my zest for life, just to be an adult, which is what, getting a job? LOL. But at the end of the story I understood, we choose to grow up so we can live life to the fullest. Just like how Mengyao wants to become a witch to help people, she can’t fully do that if she stays a child forever. So in a way, we grow up to fulfil our dreams and make impacts on the world; it does not have to be a sad thing.
I liked the ending and I’m glad that both Mengyao and Kai have learned a lot from each other and the world from this journey. The adventure itself was also well-written, I loved the magic in communicating with flora and fauna and the scenery and people they encountered along the way.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I’m so glad to see an Asian MG fantasy. Thank you Low Ying Ping for writing this and thank you Times Distribution for my review copy! All thoughts are my own.
May 12, 2026
What if magic doesn’t disappear, we just forget how to see it? ✨
I went into Song of the Yellow Dragon was a heartfelt adventure wrapped around memory, identity, and the fragile belief in magic.
Told through the intertwined journeys of Mengyao and Kai, this story pulled me in almost instantly. Mengyao’s quiet determination to hold onto magic, even as the world insists she’ll forget, felt deeply relatable in a way that surprised me. And Kai? His urgency, his mistrust, and the weight of his responsibilities added a layer of tension that kept me turning pages.
What I loved most was how immersive the world felt. The magical elements, a jade hare, a moon goddess, whispers of the Dragon’s Pulse weren’t just decorative, they felt rooted in folklore and meaning. The story balances wonder with real stakes, and I appreciated how it didn’t shy away from the idea that growing up often means letting go unless you fight not to.
That said, the pacing leaned a little uneven in places for me, especially in the middle where the journey slowed before ramping back up. But the emotional payoff toward the end made it worth it. The themes of memory, belief, and destiny lingered with me long after I finished.
Overall, this is a warm, thoughtful fantasy that feels perfect for younger readers but still offers something meaningful for adults who miss that sense of childlike wonder.
✨️Thank you, Storygram Tours, Storygram Kids, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and Ying Ping Low for sharing Song of the Yellow Dragon with me!
I went into Song of the Yellow Dragon was a heartfelt adventure wrapped around memory, identity, and the fragile belief in magic.
Told through the intertwined journeys of Mengyao and Kai, this story pulled me in almost instantly. Mengyao’s quiet determination to hold onto magic, even as the world insists she’ll forget, felt deeply relatable in a way that surprised me. And Kai? His urgency, his mistrust, and the weight of his responsibilities added a layer of tension that kept me turning pages.
What I loved most was how immersive the world felt. The magical elements, a jade hare, a moon goddess, whispers of the Dragon’s Pulse weren’t just decorative, they felt rooted in folklore and meaning. The story balances wonder with real stakes, and I appreciated how it didn’t shy away from the idea that growing up often means letting go unless you fight not to.
That said, the pacing leaned a little uneven in places for me, especially in the middle where the journey slowed before ramping back up. But the emotional payoff toward the end made it worth it. The themes of memory, belief, and destiny lingered with me long after I finished.
Overall, this is a warm, thoughtful fantasy that feels perfect for younger readers but still offers something meaningful for adults who miss that sense of childlike wonder.
✨️Thank you, Storygram Tours, Storygram Kids, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and Ying Ping Low for sharing Song of the Yellow Dragon with me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Song of the Yellow Dragon, kids grow up knowing magic is real but once they turn 13, they forget it all. Mengyao, living in a quiet village, dreams of becoming a divine healer. With her birthday looming, she fears losing the very magic she needs. Then she crosses paths with Kai, a runaway young emperor trying to escape treacherous advisers and searching for the legendary Dragon Pulse to defeat his enemies. Together, they set off on a dangerous quest, chased by fiends, and along the way discover what friendship, courage and destiny truly mean.
Steeped in Chinese mythology and fantasy, with vivid and lush settings, this story is pure magic. It kept me hooked from start to finish with an ending that's beautifully tied together. I love both Mengyao and Kai, who are both layered and compelling: Mengyao is trusting and cheerful but has her own agenda for helping Kai, while Kai, shaped by the palace’s cutthroat environment, begins distrustful yet shows heartwarming growth.
The narration is in third person, and while the intrusive narrator style doesn’t always work in every story, Ying Ping absolutely nails it here. Her prose is beautiful, drawing you in with emotive descriptions, while also witty and humorous, making the journey feel both enchanting and fun. (The humour is reminiscent of her Prophecy of the Underworld series, which I reckon is becoming her signature style? 😉).
This stands out as one of my favourite reads thus far this year, and I’m pretty sure it’ll stay at the top of my list well into 2026.
Thank you to the author for gifting me the advance reader copy!
Steeped in Chinese mythology and fantasy, with vivid and lush settings, this story is pure magic. It kept me hooked from start to finish with an ending that's beautifully tied together. I love both Mengyao and Kai, who are both layered and compelling: Mengyao is trusting and cheerful but has her own agenda for helping Kai, while Kai, shaped by the palace’s cutthroat environment, begins distrustful yet shows heartwarming growth.
The narration is in third person, and while the intrusive narrator style doesn’t always work in every story, Ying Ping absolutely nails it here. Her prose is beautiful, drawing you in with emotive descriptions, while also witty and humorous, making the journey feel both enchanting and fun. (The humour is reminiscent of her Prophecy of the Underworld series, which I reckon is becoming her signature style? 😉).
This stands out as one of my favourite reads thus far this year, and I’m pretty sure it’ll stay at the top of my list well into 2026.
Thank you to the author for gifting me the advance reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What worked:
The opening hook is dramatic and should draw in young readers. Kai becomes a twelve-year-old puppet emperor after his father suddenly dies. He’s the emperor in name only until he reaches the age of 13, so his shady advisor makes decisions that run the empire. Kai overhears the advisor’s plan to kill him, so Kai flees the castle. Kai has never left the castle before, so he wanders the forest, not knowing where he’s going. In addition, readers learn that children 12 and younger believe in magic, but they immediately lose those thoughts and beliefs on their thirteenth birthdays. A second-person narrator tells the story, and it directly addresses readers at the plot’s key moments.
Mengyao and Kai offer contrasting characters. Living under the advisor’s control, Kai knows he’s in daily danger. He’s learned that he can’t trust anyone, so he’s wary of anyone he meets. On the other hand, Mengyao lives in a remote, unknown village where no one visits and no one leaves. The village provides fertile lands, plentiful food, friendly neighbors, and safety from any outside dangers. Mengyao’s dream is to become a Divine Healer, so she can help others and never lose her magic. The village’s lone Divine Healer refuses to accept Mengyao as an apprentice, so Mengyao’s open to the idea of leaving. She readily agrees to lead Kai through the forest, with the characters having separate motivations.
The plot becomes an adventure as Mengyao and Kai search for the Dragon’s Pulse. The quest is complicated by Kai’s thirteenth birthday, which is only two weeks away. As the day nears, it’s more difficult for him to remember the story of an ancestor, and he becomes unsure of why he’s traveling through the forest and desert and climbing mountains. The birthday creates a countdown for the plot, which becomes more suspenseful as the day nears. A huge surprise awaits the characters once they reach the Dragon’s Pulse, and it will alter the series as it moves forward.
What didn’t work as well:
Considering Kai is an emperor, readers may tire of his attitude. Mengyao is stronger both physically and mentally, and Kai still has distrust simmering within. However, his apparent weaknesses are necessary as the plot nears the climax and secrets are revealed. His character undergoes a dramatic transformation.
The final verdict:
Young readers will enjoy this captivating adventure, as Kai and Mengyao evade the emperor’s enemies and pursue their dreams. I recommend you give this book a shot!
The opening hook is dramatic and should draw in young readers. Kai becomes a twelve-year-old puppet emperor after his father suddenly dies. He’s the emperor in name only until he reaches the age of 13, so his shady advisor makes decisions that run the empire. Kai overhears the advisor’s plan to kill him, so Kai flees the castle. Kai has never left the castle before, so he wanders the forest, not knowing where he’s going. In addition, readers learn that children 12 and younger believe in magic, but they immediately lose those thoughts and beliefs on their thirteenth birthdays. A second-person narrator tells the story, and it directly addresses readers at the plot’s key moments.
Mengyao and Kai offer contrasting characters. Living under the advisor’s control, Kai knows he’s in daily danger. He’s learned that he can’t trust anyone, so he’s wary of anyone he meets. On the other hand, Mengyao lives in a remote, unknown village where no one visits and no one leaves. The village provides fertile lands, plentiful food, friendly neighbors, and safety from any outside dangers. Mengyao’s dream is to become a Divine Healer, so she can help others and never lose her magic. The village’s lone Divine Healer refuses to accept Mengyao as an apprentice, so Mengyao’s open to the idea of leaving. She readily agrees to lead Kai through the forest, with the characters having separate motivations.
The plot becomes an adventure as Mengyao and Kai search for the Dragon’s Pulse. The quest is complicated by Kai’s thirteenth birthday, which is only two weeks away. As the day nears, it’s more difficult for him to remember the story of an ancestor, and he becomes unsure of why he’s traveling through the forest and desert and climbing mountains. The birthday creates a countdown for the plot, which becomes more suspenseful as the day nears. A huge surprise awaits the characters once they reach the Dragon’s Pulse, and it will alter the series as it moves forward.
What didn’t work as well:
Considering Kai is an emperor, readers may tire of his attitude. Mengyao is stronger both physically and mentally, and Kai still has distrust simmering within. However, his apparent weaknesses are necessary as the plot nears the climax and secrets are revealed. His character undergoes a dramatic transformation.
The final verdict:
Young readers will enjoy this captivating adventure, as Kai and Mengyao evade the emperor’s enemies and pursue their dreams. I recommend you give this book a shot!
May 12, 2026
Book review: 4/5 ⭐️
Genre: middle grade fantasy
Themes: quest, magic, dragons, Chinese lore
📖 Read if you like: The Last Dragon of the East
This is a story about growing up. A desire to cling to the magic and wonderment of childhood pulling against the responsibilities and goals of becoming an adult. It managed to balance the whimsical with the serious and had a rather charming premise integrating a coming of age story with lore. It was fun for all ages and easy to read.
All children know that magic is real, that is until they turn thirteen and forget. In the face of this impending doom, two children set off on an adventure to search for the fabled Dragon’s Pulse. One is the emperor fleeing his murderous uncle who seeks his crown, and the other girl living in an obscure hidden village intent on becoming a witch. Kai wants to power to defeat his enemies and Mengyao was the ability to be a Divine Healer. As they set off on this quest, a myriad of fairy tale figures will lend them aid as they bounce between the known and hidden worlds.
Mengyao is curious and friendly, which can also be considered nosy and naive. In contrast, Kai is imperious, wary and skeptical, which are a lot of adjectives synonymous for being a snob. Mengyao is the loud and enigmatic persona that propels the duo forwards, while Kai is the reserved hesitance that always thinks the worst. I liked that both were flawed and selfish in different ways as all children tend to be. The lesson that children are meant to learn and have the capacity to grow is one that crosses all readers.
I enjoyed the concept and adventurous quest as much as young reader would. I understood the morality tale in the ending, but I was still searching for a different one. As this is a story about change, I was hoping that the big reveal would inspire some rather larger ones in both characters instead of a return to the status quo. Perhaps it was also that I believed one would have made a far better leader than the other, and I mean stories really are better with a girl getting the power as Mengyao points out! I found Kai to be too sheltered and pretentious, which is just another avenue to the emperors of old. For a magical story, I wanted a magic ending instead of a return to normality. I suppose that was the point to make it relatable, but I enjoy fantasy for its possibility, not its reflection of reality.
Thank you to Penguin Kids and author Low Ying Ping for an early copy for review. Happy publication day!
Genre: middle grade fantasy
Themes: quest, magic, dragons, Chinese lore
📖 Read if you like: The Last Dragon of the East
This is a story about growing up. A desire to cling to the magic and wonderment of childhood pulling against the responsibilities and goals of becoming an adult. It managed to balance the whimsical with the serious and had a rather charming premise integrating a coming of age story with lore. It was fun for all ages and easy to read.
All children know that magic is real, that is until they turn thirteen and forget. In the face of this impending doom, two children set off on an adventure to search for the fabled Dragon’s Pulse. One is the emperor fleeing his murderous uncle who seeks his crown, and the other girl living in an obscure hidden village intent on becoming a witch. Kai wants to power to defeat his enemies and Mengyao was the ability to be a Divine Healer. As they set off on this quest, a myriad of fairy tale figures will lend them aid as they bounce between the known and hidden worlds.
Mengyao is curious and friendly, which can also be considered nosy and naive. In contrast, Kai is imperious, wary and skeptical, which are a lot of adjectives synonymous for being a snob. Mengyao is the loud and enigmatic persona that propels the duo forwards, while Kai is the reserved hesitance that always thinks the worst. I liked that both were flawed and selfish in different ways as all children tend to be. The lesson that children are meant to learn and have the capacity to grow is one that crosses all readers.
I enjoyed the concept and adventurous quest as much as young reader would. I understood the morality tale in the ending, but I was still searching for a different one. As this is a story about change, I was hoping that the big reveal would inspire some rather larger ones in both characters instead of a return to the status quo. Perhaps it was also that I believed one would have made a far better leader than the other, and I mean stories really are better with a girl getting the power as Mengyao points out! I found Kai to be too sheltered and pretentious, which is just another avenue to the emperors of old. For a magical story, I wanted a magic ending instead of a return to normality. I suppose that was the point to make it relatable, but I enjoy fantasy for its possibility, not its reflection of reality.
Thank you to Penguin Kids and author Low Ying Ping for an early copy for review. Happy publication day!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and Ying Ping Low for the opportunity to read Song of the Yellow Dragon in exchange for an honest review.
Song of the Yellow Dragon is a novel for a middle grade audience that follows two twelve-year-old's on a quest. In this Chinese-inspired world, young people forget about the existence of magic upon their thirteenth birthday; POOF, gone. For Mengyao, magic is everything she wants to be. With inspiration from a local healer, referred to as a witch, Mengyao hopes to be able to access magic in her adulthood to help people, even if she no longer knows magic exists.
Elsewhere, twelve-year-old Emperor Kai is on the run for his life. After the totally not accidental deaths of his siblings and father, he has become Emperor long before he should. When he overhears a plot to kill him, he escapes with his life to seek the Dragon's Pulse, his ancestral magic that will help him maintain the throne. He just has to get it before his thirteenth birthday, when he will completely forget magic is real. He's running out of time.
When Kai ends up in Mengyao's village, her name is a meaningful sign in his quest, and together, the two embark on an adventure to get the Dragon's Pulse for his reign, all while avoiding soldiers and the looming assassination attempts upon them, before they can no longer view the quest as a possible reality!
This novel is perfect for readers ages 9-13 and offers two (well, technically three as we do see Mengyao's sister's third-person limited perspective at least a couple of times) perspectives, one boy and one girl. The children are both from very different backgrounds, and this offers unique elements to their characterization and the choices they make in their quest for each other, or for themselves. The idea of the reality of magic no longer existing upon one's thirteenth birthday offered a unique element that also added suspense to the plot. The mythos with the dragon and how it is approached at the end also has a lot to say about belief and culture.
A great stand-alone book that middle grade readers will devour.
Song of the Yellow Dragon is a novel for a middle grade audience that follows two twelve-year-old's on a quest. In this Chinese-inspired world, young people forget about the existence of magic upon their thirteenth birthday; POOF, gone. For Mengyao, magic is everything she wants to be. With inspiration from a local healer, referred to as a witch, Mengyao hopes to be able to access magic in her adulthood to help people, even if she no longer knows magic exists.
Elsewhere, twelve-year-old Emperor Kai is on the run for his life. After the totally not accidental deaths of his siblings and father, he has become Emperor long before he should. When he overhears a plot to kill him, he escapes with his life to seek the Dragon's Pulse, his ancestral magic that will help him maintain the throne. He just has to get it before his thirteenth birthday, when he will completely forget magic is real. He's running out of time.
When Kai ends up in Mengyao's village, her name is a meaningful sign in his quest, and together, the two embark on an adventure to get the Dragon's Pulse for his reign, all while avoiding soldiers and the looming assassination attempts upon them, before they can no longer view the quest as a possible reality!
This novel is perfect for readers ages 9-13 and offers two (well, technically three as we do see Mengyao's sister's third-person limited perspective at least a couple of times) perspectives, one boy and one girl. The children are both from very different backgrounds, and this offers unique elements to their characterization and the choices they make in their quest for each other, or for themselves. The idea of the reality of magic no longer existing upon one's thirteenth birthday offered a unique element that also added suspense to the plot. The mythos with the dragon and how it is approached at the end also has a lot to say about belief and culture.
A great stand-alone book that middle grade readers will devour.
May 12, 2026
Song of the Yellow Dragon, by Ying Ping Low, feels like the kind of middle grade fantasy that children completely disappear into. The premise of children slowly losing their belief in magic as they approach thirteen already creates such a bittersweet emotional foundation, but what really stood out to me was the atmosphere and sense of wonder woven throughout the story. The world feels rooted in folklore and myth in a way that gives the adventure weight without ever losing its sense of enchantment. I especially appreciated how the journey introduces magical beings and legends organically, allowing the story to unfold with the feeling of an old tale being passed down.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional undercurrent surrounding growing up and trying to hold onto wonder before childhood slips away. Mengyao’s desire to remember magic feels deeply relatable in that very specific middle grade way where children begin realizing the world expects them to “outgrow” certain things. The relationship dynamics and the sense of urgency throughout the journey help keep the story engaging, but there is also a gentleness to the storytelling that makes the quieter moments stand out. It reminded me of the kinds of fantasy books I would have become utterly obsessed with as a child, rereading favorite scenes and wishing I could step directly into the world myself.
I would especially recommend this to readers who love mythology inspired fantasy, magical quests, and stories that balance adventure with emotional reflection. It feels like a wonderful fit for children who still desperately want to believe there is magic hidden somewhere just beneath the surface of ordinary life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (Penguin Young Readers Group), for entrusting me with an ARC of this title. It is truly appreciated and always such a treat to be able to read new books and share my opinions with fellow literature lovers. Song of the Yellow Dragon is out and available as of May 12, 2026.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional undercurrent surrounding growing up and trying to hold onto wonder before childhood slips away. Mengyao’s desire to remember magic feels deeply relatable in that very specific middle grade way where children begin realizing the world expects them to “outgrow” certain things. The relationship dynamics and the sense of urgency throughout the journey help keep the story engaging, but there is also a gentleness to the storytelling that makes the quieter moments stand out. It reminded me of the kinds of fantasy books I would have become utterly obsessed with as a child, rereading favorite scenes and wishing I could step directly into the world myself.
I would especially recommend this to readers who love mythology inspired fantasy, magical quests, and stories that balance adventure with emotional reflection. It feels like a wonderful fit for children who still desperately want to believe there is magic hidden somewhere just beneath the surface of ordinary life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (Penguin Young Readers Group), for entrusting me with an ARC of this title. It is truly appreciated and always such a treat to be able to read new books and share my opinions with fellow literature lovers. Song of the Yellow Dragon is out and available as of May 12, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mengyao does not want to grow up, because she knows that she will lose her magic. She wants to grow up to be a witch. How can she do that without magic?
Kai is only 12, but he knows that he is the last surviving member of his royal family that got picked off one by one, and he is worried he will be the last one. He knows that if he can find the dragon pulse, he can defeat those who want him killed, so he runs away from the palace.
Kai and Mengyao meet, and decide that the dragon’s pulse will serve both of them, so go off in search of it.
Meanwhile Kai’s enemies are trying to find and kill him. And, when both of them turn 13, in a few weeks, they will forget about magic, and how to use it, and even if they find the Dragon’s pulse, they will think it is just a fairy tale.
This is an interesting story told in both third person, as well as having a narrator fill in the gaps that are in between. It is an interesting approach, but it works, because who doesn’t need an omnipotent story teller. Once I got used to having another voice in the story, I actually enjoyed this approach.
Mengyao is a good strong protagonist, determined to get what she wants. And while Kai is strong, too, sometimes you feel like hitting him over the head to see what Mengyao sees.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 12th of May 2026.
Kai is only 12, but he knows that he is the last surviving member of his royal family that got picked off one by one, and he is worried he will be the last one. He knows that if he can find the dragon pulse, he can defeat those who want him killed, so he runs away from the palace.
Kai and Mengyao meet, and decide that the dragon’s pulse will serve both of them, so go off in search of it.
Meanwhile Kai’s enemies are trying to find and kill him. And, when both of them turn 13, in a few weeks, they will forget about magic, and how to use it, and even if they find the Dragon’s pulse, they will think it is just a fairy tale.
This is an interesting story told in both third person, as well as having a narrator fill in the gaps that are in between. It is an interesting approach, but it works, because who doesn’t need an omnipotent story teller. Once I got used to having another voice in the story, I actually enjoyed this approach.
Mengyao is a good strong protagonist, determined to get what she wants. And while Kai is strong, too, sometimes you feel like hitting him over the head to see what Mengyao sees.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 12th of May 2026.
April 21, 2026
Kai rose to the throne at the age of 12 after the untimely death of his family. And he has just learned that his advisors are plotting to get rid of him.
Mengyao was born in a secluded village and hopes one day to be a Divine Healer—even if her only power at the age of 12 is killing okra.
They meet by accident and begin a quest to find
the fabled Dragon’s Pulse before they turn 13 and forget about magic. The Dragons Pulse will not only help Mengyao fulfill her dream, but will save Emperor Kai’s life.
After the first two chapters we were hooked. Lots of action in the beginning of this story and this continued throughout the book.
The vocabulary is in the higher end, so younger kids 8-10 may need help deciphering the meaning of some of the words.
Perfect for 9-13 year olds who love Wings of Fire, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and Sona and the Golden Beasts. And stories about legends, magic, and fantasy.
4.5 ⭐️
Publication date: May 23, 2026
** Thank you penguin Young Readers Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**
Mengyao was born in a secluded village and hopes one day to be a Divine Healer—even if her only power at the age of 12 is killing okra.
They meet by accident and begin a quest to find
the fabled Dragon’s Pulse before they turn 13 and forget about magic. The Dragons Pulse will not only help Mengyao fulfill her dream, but will save Emperor Kai’s life.
After the first two chapters we were hooked. Lots of action in the beginning of this story and this continued throughout the book.
The vocabulary is in the higher end, so younger kids 8-10 may need help deciphering the meaning of some of the words.
Perfect for 9-13 year olds who love Wings of Fire, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and Sona and the Golden Beasts. And stories about legends, magic, and fantasy.
4.5 ⭐️
Publication date: May 23, 2026
** Thank you penguin Young Readers Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**
Review of advance copy received from Author
“For had anyone heard of a yellow dragon, except in ballads and in dreams?”
This book was a dream. With sagely humour and a witty way with words, Low Ying Ping invites you into the heart of this tale.
We start with young Emperor Kai, eavesdropping on a conversation between his royal advisors, plotting his very own murder. Kai runs away, determined to chase an old legend: the Dragon’s Pulse, which he believes will save him from his enemies.
Kai must do this before he turns 13. In this world, children forget magic ever existed on their 13th birthday.
Led by the wind away from courtiers in pursuit, Kai meets the irrepressible Mengyao, a whirlwind of energy, curiosity and spirit. All she wants is to grow up to be a divine healer, and discovers that Kai’s pursuit of magic aligns with her own.
@lowyingping then brings us on a wondrous, unexpected journey that might induce a tear or two at the end.
This highly-anticipated middle grade title debuts internationally and in Singapore bookstores in May!
This book was a dream. With sagely humour and a witty way with words, Low Ying Ping invites you into the heart of this tale.
We start with young Emperor Kai, eavesdropping on a conversation between his royal advisors, plotting his very own murder. Kai runs away, determined to chase an old legend: the Dragon’s Pulse, which he believes will save him from his enemies.
Kai must do this before he turns 13. In this world, children forget magic ever existed on their 13th birthday.
Led by the wind away from courtiers in pursuit, Kai meets the irrepressible Mengyao, a whirlwind of energy, curiosity and spirit. All she wants is to grow up to be a divine healer, and discovers that Kai’s pursuit of magic aligns with her own.
@lowyingping then brings us on a wondrous, unexpected journey that might induce a tear or two at the end.
This highly-anticipated middle grade title debuts internationally and in Singapore bookstores in May!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read: March 16th - March 25th
Format: E-Book
Rating: 3.5 Stars rounded down
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
It being a 3-star is purely enjoyment based, because the book overall is very solid. Sometimes MG books just don't transcend their MG-ness enough to really resonate with me, so know this is a '3 star from an adult reader' 3 star.
It's a fun story that feels like there's a person standing in front of you recounting an old legend. Both of the protagonists are good, as was their dynamic. I loved the idea of magic existing in the world and us just forgetting once we're older. I've never seen that concept, and it's very interesting. I could see this making a whimsical, fun, colorful Studio Ghibli film or something.
So yeah, a really nice little MG book right here.
Format: E-Book
Rating: 3.5 Stars rounded down
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
It being a 3-star is purely enjoyment based, because the book overall is very solid. Sometimes MG books just don't transcend their MG-ness enough to really resonate with me, so know this is a '3 star from an adult reader' 3 star.
It's a fun story that feels like there's a person standing in front of you recounting an old legend. Both of the protagonists are good, as was their dynamic. I loved the idea of magic existing in the world and us just forgetting once we're older. I've never seen that concept, and it's very interesting. I could see this making a whimsical, fun, colorful Studio Ghibli film or something.
So yeah, a really nice little MG book right here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A boy wearing the emperor's colors arrives in a hidden valley that no one else can see and finds a girl who's convinced she can take him to the dragon ancestors ... and hopefully make a wish herself. So they begin a harrowing adventure, where they learn to question everything, but only one of them learns to trust.
This book has a little of everything: a grand epic quest, a bit of lighthearted friendship drama, sprinkles of magic, and of course, a cheeky narrator. It's not the strongest narrative style I've seen, but I appreciated the occasional asides to remind readers we're in good hands with this book. There were a few moments when the character growth felt forced, but I really love the characters, so I can forgive them as long as we have hope that they'll continue to grow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book has a little of everything: a grand epic quest, a bit of lighthearted friendship drama, sprinkles of magic, and of course, a cheeky narrator. It's not the strongest narrative style I've seen, but I appreciated the occasional asides to remind readers we're in good hands with this book. There were a few moments when the character growth felt forced, but I really love the characters, so I can forgive them as long as we have hope that they'll continue to grow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley! 4.5⭐️ Rounded up. Mengyao Xu lives in the Vale with just her older sister after her parent’s death. She dreams of being a witch and curing people as she kills vegetables sh3 tries to grow. One day a boy appears, an oddity in itself, Kaixuan Wong, the emperor! Kai and Mengyao form a bond as her sister works and make a plan to find The Dragon’s Pulse. Kai is being hunted by a hopeful usurper and Mengyao has a request of her own. But, magic stops when you turn 13 and they are counting down the days to get there. Meeting kind people, characters of folklore and escaping danger the children learn of each other’s lives and secrets are revealed. A beautifully told story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mengyao lives with her older sister in the Vale, a village that keeps its distance from the outside world. Kaixuan is the emperor after the unexpected death of his father. However, as he nears his thirteenth birthday, his uncle plans to kill him and become emperor. When Kaixuan leaves the palace to escape, he finds his way to the Vale. He and Mengyao join forces to find the Dragon's Pulse, a weapon that will allow Kaixuan to defeat his enemies and take his rightful position. While magic will help them on their quest, the clock is ticking as both are turning thirteen when the belief in magic disappears.
#SongoftheYellowDragon #PenguinYoungReadersGroups #GPPutnamsSonsBooksforYoungReaders #NetGalley
#SongoftheYellowDragon #PenguinYoungReadersGroups #GPPutnamsSonsBooksforYoungReaders #NetGalley
May 30, 2026
Song of the Yellow Dragon by Ying Ping Low is an adventure filled story where two lost souls meet to achieve their goals. This story was fun and I love the accompanying illustrations, makes the whole reading experience much more memorable.
This book was fun and the two characters seems to pull off an interesting combination. An emperor who has others eyeing for his throne and an outcast who dreams to be a healer (witch). The story from start to finish was paced well and I had a great time overall.
The ending really put me off guard but thinking back, I really liked it because it's bittersweet. That's just how life goes and the author made it close to realistic if it were to happen in real life.
All in all, I recommend you to read this book.
This book was fun and the two characters seems to pull off an interesting combination. An emperor who has others eyeing for his throne and an outcast who dreams to be a healer (witch). The story from start to finish was paced well and I had a great time overall.
The ending really put me off guard but thinking back, I really liked it because it's bittersweet. That's just how life goes and the author made it close to realistic if it were to happen in real life.
All in all, I recommend you to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Song of the Yellow Dragon" is a wonderful middle grade fantasy read full of adventure, magic and mystery. Mengyao and Kai's journey was exciting to follow and the twists added quite a bit of surprise. I read this with my tween and we both really enjoyed it!
Here is my tween's review: I loved this book! Mengyao is brave and strong and I really liked how the magic works. The mystery in the story had me wanting to read until the end without putting it down.🐉💛
Thank you Ying Ping Low, Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for a copy of "Song of the Yellow Dragon" in exchange for my honest review.
Here is my tween's review: I loved this book! Mengyao is brave and strong and I really liked how the magic works. The mystery in the story had me wanting to read until the end without putting it down.🐉💛
Thank you Ying Ping Low, Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for a copy of "Song of the Yellow Dragon" in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this book with my 11 year old daughter who loves fantasy/quest type books. We enjoyed the concept of the story and the idea that they forget magic when they are older. My daughter was very invested in if Mengayo was going to remember the magic or not. We loved the dynamic of her friendship with Kai and how they help each other and learn more about each other. As a mom I liked how it showed them overcoming conflict and how they learned to rely on each other despite their differences. Overall this was a fun and magical story that I think those who enjoy fantasy books with characters on a quest will enjoy.
April 22, 2026
While this book was incredibly good and very sweet, I think the sticking point for me was the stakes. They felt inconsistent to the point where we would spend several scenes not doing anything and then suddenly the bad guys would find them again and they were running again. I also wanted more of the mythology a little bit. If this is mythic fantasy, I think I would have liked to see the gods being helpers and hinderers to the main characters. Overall, it was a well-paced, well-written read and I look forward to getting the book in print as well as reading the authors next one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gliding on the words of a kindly storyteller, as comfortable as a close friend, Kai and Mengyao come from different worlds to a journey bigger than either one could have imagined. Their fears of time running out until they forget magic exists takes over their thinking. But what a journey they have along the way! All the delicate twists and turns laid through the chapters provide a road to something they could have never dreamed.
May 12, 2026
Happy Release Day!
Children forget that magic existed as reality when they hit thirteen, and Mengyao desperately wants to remember so she can become a Healer. Kai is the emperor and looking for her to help him find a fabled power.
I loved this a lot and it's really a perfect middle grade book for someone who's worried about the idea of leaving magic behind just because they're growing up. (Please don't! Magic is fun!)
Children forget that magic existed as reality when they hit thirteen, and Mengyao desperately wants to remember so she can become a Healer. Kai is the emperor and looking for her to help him find a fabled power.
I loved this a lot and it's really a perfect middle grade book for someone who's worried about the idea of leaving magic behind just because they're growing up. (Please don't! Magic is fun!)
February 6, 2026
This was a wonderful story filled with adventure and the plot twist…🤯. I would have never thought. If you have children 9-13 they will definitely enjoy it!
Thanks to Netgally I was able to enjoy this whimsical story. All opinions are my own but as always I invite you to experience it for yourself.
Thanks to Netgally I was able to enjoy this whimsical story. All opinions are my own but as always I invite you to experience it for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I like the various world myths and how each culture brings their own spin to each story. Grandma spirit had me chuckling and I like how the kids still kept going even after wanting to quit. We all eventually have to grow up and make hard decisions; even when the path before us may not be the best one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Middle grade quest novel, elements of Chinese mythology -- maybe? Not clear what is actual myth and what is invented for the story. Two 12-year-olds end up on a quest journey, while at the same time trying to evade potential captors. But the story is rather uneven, and the motivations are often unclear. Some nice ideas.
May 5, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fantasy sometimes takes me awhile to get into and get through, even though I enjoy it, but this book hooked me from the start! It was a great story with lots of adventure and I loved the character development.
Newbery potential for sure!
Fantasy sometimes takes me awhile to get into and get through, even though I enjoy it, but this book hooked me from the start! It was a great story with lots of adventure and I loved the character development.
Newbery potential for sure!
May 29, 2026
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
I feel that this one is best for the target middle grade audience then it was for me. I think the story was well written. The characters grow and change with the story. The setting was well written. I think the world building was well written as well. It interesting but did quite capture me as a reader.
I feel that this one is best for the target middle grade audience then it was for me. I think the story was well written. The characters grow and change with the story. The setting was well written. I think the world building was well written as well. It interesting but did quite capture me as a reader.
Review of advance copy
ARC Copy...liked the Chinese mythology fantasy moods during the protagonists' journey and I feel the main theme is never lose sight of magic in the world even when things seem mundane. Mundane things are magical wonders themselves.
Review of advance copy received from Author
i loved this! review to come
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