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Dragon Dancer
It is the eve of Chinese New Year. Lanterns are hung in the shopping malls and Yao is preparing to wake the ancient sky dragon, Shen Long, from his year-long sleep. From the moment Shen Long opens his great amber eyes and unfurls his silver-blue tail, Yao will be propelled on a magical journey to battle the bad luck of the previous year and usher in the good. Will he succeed? Will his grandfather watch over him and protect him from harm?
A beautiful story of a Chinese festival and its symbolism for Chinese communities everywhere.
A beautiful story of a Chinese festival and its symbolism for Chinese communities everywhere.
32 pages, ebook
First published October 12, 2015
113 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Chng
100 books82 followersJoyce Chng (also spelled Ch’ng) lives in Singapore. They write science fiction and fantasy as well as YA and MG. Their short stories have appeared in The Apex Book of World SF II, The Future Fire and Multispecies Cities. Dragon Dancer (Lantana Publishing) is Joyce’s first picture book, celebrating dragon dancing and Lunar New Year; it was followed by Oyster Girl (Pepper Dog Press), a tribute to their grandmother and the hawker heritage in Singapore. For YA readers, Fire Heart is a fantasy book about swords and coming-of-age. They also write books for adults as J. Chng and urban fantasy as J. Damask. You can find Joyce at their website, or on X and Bluesky at @jolantru.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 2, 2018
It is the eve of Chinese New Year and it is time for Yao to wake Shen Long, the sky dragon. Yao's grandfather used to be a dragon dancer, who would collect and dispell the bad luck that had accumulated over the previous year. The story is told from the perspective of Yao, the dragon dancer. To be sucessful as a dancer, you must feel the dragon is alive and that is the way Yao tells the story. You can feel the magic of the dragon as you read this story and gaze at the beautiful and exotic illustrations. The last page of the book gives a brief overview of Chinese New Year celebrations. A great book to add to a library about holidays, muli-culturalism and customs around the world. My grandson loved the illustrations in this book and wanted to know if he could be a dragon dancer. A great addition to a school or public library or even a family collection. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
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February 8, 2023Yao wakes Shen Long so they can dance all the bad luck away. Shen Long is a gorgeous, paper dragon painted by Yao's grandfather. It's Chinese New Year, and their exuberant dance is paired with beautiful illustrations. The story highlights the yearly tradition, and the connection to family.
February 24, 2018
A beautifully illustrated story that celebrates the emergence of a young Dragon Dancer during The chinese Lunar New Year. I also love that this is an #OwnVoices book from Lantana Books/Lerner Publishers right here in Minneapolis!
December 26, 2017
As the Lunar New Year approaches, a Singaporean boy named Yao waits to awaken the sky dragon, Shen Long. When he does, Yao will go on a magical adventure with the dragon, dancing the bad luck of the previous year away, and bringing in the good luck for a prosperous new year.
Originally released in the UK by Lantana Publishing in 2015, Dragon Dancer is a gorgeous book that draws on ancestry, legend, and tradition for Lunar New Year reading. The text pulses with the energy of the dragon dance, the art coming alive from the page as the dragon writhes, corkscrews, and spins away misfortune and welcomes in prosperity. The background pages remain starkly white, allowing the brilliant colors to spring off the page and into readers' imaginations. The music in the story urges dragon and dancer on, and draws the reader into the narrative: you can feel the drums pounding, the cymbals clashing, the crowds cheering. Yao thinks of his grandfather, hoping for his strength and guidance as he prepares to wake Shen Yao, and the dragon praises his skills as a dragon dancer. A note from the author provides a bit of personal experience of the New Year celebration. This one's a definite purchase for my holiday collection.
Originally released in the UK by Lantana Publishing in 2015, Dragon Dancer is a gorgeous book that draws on ancestry, legend, and tradition for Lunar New Year reading. The text pulses with the energy of the dragon dance, the art coming alive from the page as the dragon writhes, corkscrews, and spins away misfortune and welcomes in prosperity. The background pages remain starkly white, allowing the brilliant colors to spring off the page and into readers' imaginations. The music in the story urges dragon and dancer on, and draws the reader into the narrative: you can feel the drums pounding, the cymbals clashing, the crowds cheering. Yao thinks of his grandfather, hoping for his strength and guidance as he prepares to wake Shen Yao, and the dragon praises his skills as a dragon dancer. A note from the author provides a bit of personal experience of the New Year celebration. This one's a definite purchase for my holiday collection.
January 20, 2019
Picture book: Dragon Dancer by Joyce Chng
Joyce Chng published by Lantana Publishing Ltd was the book I was graciously gifted to review for Multicultural Children's Book Day. This story takes place in China on the eve of The Lunar New Year. We experience the event through the eyes of young Yao, the dragon dancer. Yao faces Shen Long, the dragon, with excitement and nostalgia as he wishes his grandfather could see him performing the dance. Shen Long speaks to Yao as he prepares to enter the street near the shopping mall where together, they will dance the bad luck away and welcome the good luck in.
I read this book to my two young children. They loved the beautiful images and metaphors used throughout the story. We believe when Yao hears Shen Long speak to him, it is really his grandfather's voice of encouragement as Yao longs to make him proud. Having Shen Long be a main character with a voice truly engages the reader in the story and allows you to experience Yao's perspective. We appreciated learning about the Lantern Festival and its history through this beautifully crafted tale.
Multicultural Children's Book Day 2019 (1/25/19) is in its 6th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom. our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids' books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of the se types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
View our 2019 Medallion Sponsors here:https://wp.me/P5tVud-
View our 2019 MCBD Author Sponsors here: https://wp.me/P5tVud-2eN
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday....
TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Make A Way Media: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual @McChildsBookDay Twitter Party will be held 1/27/19 at 9:00pm. E.S.T.
Join the conversation and win one of 12 five book bundles and one Grand Prize Book Bundle (12 books) that will be given away at the party! We will be giving away a prize every 5 minutes!
FREE RESOURCES from MCBD
Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: https://wp.me/P5tVud-1H
Free Empathy Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday....
Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
Joyce Chng published by Lantana Publishing Ltd was the book I was graciously gifted to review for Multicultural Children's Book Day. This story takes place in China on the eve of The Lunar New Year. We experience the event through the eyes of young Yao, the dragon dancer. Yao faces Shen Long, the dragon, with excitement and nostalgia as he wishes his grandfather could see him performing the dance. Shen Long speaks to Yao as he prepares to enter the street near the shopping mall where together, they will dance the bad luck away and welcome the good luck in.I read this book to my two young children. They loved the beautiful images and metaphors used throughout the story. We believe when Yao hears Shen Long speak to him, it is really his grandfather's voice of encouragement as Yao longs to make him proud. Having Shen Long be a main character with a voice truly engages the reader in the story and allows you to experience Yao's perspective. We appreciated learning about the Lantern Festival and its history through this beautifully crafted tale.
Multicultural Children's Book Day 2019 (1/25/19) is in its 6th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom. our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids' books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of the se types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
View our 2019 Medallion Sponsors here:https://wp.me/P5tVud-
View our 2019 MCBD Author Sponsors here: https://wp.me/P5tVud-2eN
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday....
TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Make A Way Media: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual @McChildsBookDay Twitter Party will be held 1/27/19 at 9:00pm. E.S.T.
Join the conversation and win one of 12 five book bundles and one Grand Prize Book Bundle (12 books) that will be given away at the party! We will be giving away a prize every 5 minutes!
FREE RESOURCES from MCBD
Free Multicultural Books for Teachers: https://wp.me/P5tVud-1H
Free Empathy Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday....
Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.
January 24, 2019
This is a great book for the Chinese New Year collection of picture books! It is the story of a dragon dancer named Yao who finds his dragon costume, Shen Long, in storage and wakes him up for the Chinese New Year dance at the the shopping mall. Shen Long is an ancient dragon with his own voice that only his dancer can hear. The dance is noisy with drum beats, cymbals, and fire crackers. The note in the back tells us the noise is to remind us how a monstrous creature once ravaged a village for food and only loud noises by the villagers would frighten him away. Today, the dragon dancer is dramatically dancing to chase bad luck away and invite in the good luck. The dragon dancer,Yao, hopes his grandfather will be proud of his dance.
The illustrations are done in deep tone watercolors with lots of blue, green, red, and golds. There are lots of white spaces on the page to highlight the images which are in irregular shapes throughout the book and across the two page spreads. It feels like you are dealing with an old dragon and old traditions.
Chinese New Year is celebrated for two weeks and ends with the Lantern Festival. The festival welcomes spring and celebrates family reunions. Children receive red envelopes of money and wear new clothes to welcome the new year. Spring cleaning is also a tradition which removes junk and unused items which are thrown away or given to charity. Cleaning up brings positive energy and good luck and prosperity. Lion and dragon dancers will dance at shopping malls, restaurants, and homes to invite more good luck.
If I was reading this book to a class, I would give students some of the background information found in the author's notes at the back of the book to help kids understand the reason for the dragon dancing at the Chinese New Year. This book will be a good addition to the holiday collection.
I rate this book 4 out of 4. I received this book free from the publisher. #ReadYourWorld
The illustrations are done in deep tone watercolors with lots of blue, green, red, and golds. There are lots of white spaces on the page to highlight the images which are in irregular shapes throughout the book and across the two page spreads. It feels like you are dealing with an old dragon and old traditions.
Chinese New Year is celebrated for two weeks and ends with the Lantern Festival. The festival welcomes spring and celebrates family reunions. Children receive red envelopes of money and wear new clothes to welcome the new year. Spring cleaning is also a tradition which removes junk and unused items which are thrown away or given to charity. Cleaning up brings positive energy and good luck and prosperity. Lion and dragon dancers will dance at shopping malls, restaurants, and homes to invite more good luck.
If I was reading this book to a class, I would give students some of the background information found in the author's notes at the back of the book to help kids understand the reason for the dragon dancing at the Chinese New Year. This book will be a good addition to the holiday collection.
I rate this book 4 out of 4. I received this book free from the publisher. #ReadYourWorld
January 25, 2019
*I got this book as part of #readyourworld Multicultural Children's Book Day in exchange for an honest review.*
I have to admit, at the beginning of the story I was a little confused about what was happening, and my kids (4 and 2) were too. The end of the books fills in the gaps and provides the context; it might be helpful to read it at the beginning of the story for first time readers. But that's really my only quibble, and why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
The story describes a boy, Yao, dancing with a dragon, Shen Long, during the Chinese New Year. The dancing between the two main characters holds a tension that is built up throughout the narrative. Yao's grandfather, who is also the creator of the dragon, is essentially the third character in the story. His presence is felt throughout the pages and is a key element of the relationship between Yao and Shen Long. I loved how this narrative and the visuals were so complementary; together, they conveyed a sense of dreaminess that was a lovely way to express how personal and intimate the Dragon Dance was for Yao.
The real test of a child's book is whether actual children are engaged in it during the reading. On this account, the books was successful with both my kids. On each page, they pointed to the pictures, "what's this?" "that dragon's awake?!" and on and on. I love that they get an introduction to Chinese New Year in a way that awakens their imaginations. I would definitely recommend this book.Joyce Chng
I have to admit, at the beginning of the story I was a little confused about what was happening, and my kids (4 and 2) were too. The end of the books fills in the gaps and provides the context; it might be helpful to read it at the beginning of the story for first time readers. But that's really my only quibble, and why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
The story describes a boy, Yao, dancing with a dragon, Shen Long, during the Chinese New Year. The dancing between the two main characters holds a tension that is built up throughout the narrative. Yao's grandfather, who is also the creator of the dragon, is essentially the third character in the story. His presence is felt throughout the pages and is a key element of the relationship between Yao and Shen Long. I loved how this narrative and the visuals were so complementary; together, they conveyed a sense of dreaminess that was a lovely way to express how personal and intimate the Dragon Dance was for Yao.
The real test of a child's book is whether actual children are engaged in it during the reading. On this account, the books was successful with both my kids. On each page, they pointed to the pictures, "what's this?" "that dragon's awake?!" and on and on. I love that they get an introduction to Chinese New Year in a way that awakens their imaginations. I would definitely recommend this book.Joyce Chng
January 27, 2018
If I were sharing this picture book with youngsters unfamiliar with Chinese New Year, I might begin with the afterword so that they'd understand some of the traditions associated with these festivities. Then again, it might be more interesting for listeners to figure out what's happening from the text and the color-drenched illustrations. At first, they may even think that someone the protagonist, Yao, is preparing to do battle with a living, breathing dragon that has come to life. As the story unfolds, they will realize that this dragon, Shen Long, with its rich colors and subtle moves is a costume fashioned by the boy's grandfather. While I know a little bit about Chinese New Year and the dragon dance, this picture book does a remarkable job of capturing the essence of the experience with words evoking its sights and sounds. Readers may enjoy examining the illustrations for clues about the different elements of the dragon and for a glimpse or two of Yao's grandfather. I enjoyed the fact that readers are held in suspense until almost the last page.
June 11, 2018
Although Yao is just a boy, he has loved the beautiful ancient dragon Shen Long since he was a little boy and his grandfather was the dragon dancer, now his grandfather is gone and he is the Dragon Dancer. For Chinese New Year, he dances the dragon at the shopping mall, bringing good luck and getting rid of the bad luck. His grandfather would be so proud.
There is a beautiful mix in this story of realism and fantasy. The sounds of the dragon talking are mesmerizing, and Tao's imagery of flying into the sky with the bad luck as he and the dragon do their job is both wondrous and beautiful. This is a great story to read at or about Chinese New Year. Includes an author's description of her childhood experiences at Chinese New Year and an explanation of the tradition of the dragon dancers.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
There is a beautiful mix in this story of realism and fantasy. The sounds of the dragon talking are mesmerizing, and Tao's imagery of flying into the sky with the bad luck as he and the dragon do their job is both wondrous and beautiful. This is a great story to read at or about Chinese New Year. Includes an author's description of her childhood experiences at Chinese New Year and an explanation of the tradition of the dragon dancers.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
February 6, 2018
Dragon Dancer is beautifully told. It incorporates the history of the Chinese celebration, the traditions that are passed from generation to generation, and the myth of good and bad luck. The story mirrors the dragon dance itself, beginning quietly, building into a wild swirl of color and noise, and then settling down after its purpose is done. The pictures are vibrant with color, yet take the shape of the dragon moving across the page. This book would be an excellent read aloud for 1st to 4th grade students who are learning about Chinese New Year.
Recommended for grades 1st - 4th. Lexile Level: NA
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Recommended for grades 1st - 4th. Lexile Level: NA
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
December 14, 2017
Wonderful story of the dragon dancer at Lunar New Year! I think the book will best serve children who are somewhat familiar with the holiday, tho' there is a very good explanation of the holiday at the end of the book. The tale is very exciting to read as it tells the tale of a young man's experience as a first time dragon dancer. The illustrations are very fluid and contain so much movement! I think kids 3rd up will enjoy it.
I received a free Kindle copy from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a free Kindle copy from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
February 27, 2023
The illustrations are almost like a graphic novel or video game, and just outshine the plot itself. While I enjoyed learning about the Chinese lunar new year and Shen Long, I'm kind of uncertain who the target audience is. It was long, the text could be cumbersome at times, and malls are slowly cycling out of existence, so I finished with more questions than answers (where does the luck go? Why is there so much bad luck? Why all the sudden Yao is chosen if he's been doing this routine for years?) I'm glad I read it, but I don't think I'll be buying it for rereading.
January 13, 2023
For more bookish thoughts, see my blog: Craft-Cycle
A stunning story that visually represents the scaring away of bad luck and welcoming the new year. The story follows Yao and his first dance with the sky dragon, Shen Long. Together they chase away the bad luck and bring good luck to their community.
Pailler's artwork is absolutely breathtaking. What wonderful color and movement. The illustrations really come to life and compliment the story perfectly.
At the back of the book is a note from the author with more information about Chinese New Year and dragon dances.
Beautiful and powerful.
A stunning story that visually represents the scaring away of bad luck and welcoming the new year. The story follows Yao and his first dance with the sky dragon, Shen Long. Together they chase away the bad luck and bring good luck to their community.
Pailler's artwork is absolutely breathtaking. What wonderful color and movement. The illustrations really come to life and compliment the story perfectly.
At the back of the book is a note from the author with more information about Chinese New Year and dragon dances.
Beautiful and powerful.
February 7, 2018
Gorgeous illustrations with a story about family, tradition, and the Chinese New Year. Seriously, the illustrations are stunning. I had a DRC, so I had to zoom in on them, but on paper this would be flawless. A little wordier than some other picture books, but the text flowed smoothly. An Author's Note at the end provides information about Chinese New Year.
April 10, 2020
Love this story about hope and light in the darkness. Beautiful story about connection, family and finding yourself. The illustrations are absolutely amazing! This would be an amazing story to share with kids and then draw their own dragons which are supposed to bring prosperity and joy according to the author.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgidu...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgidu...
May 26, 2017
In this multicultural book the Chinese new year is celebrated when a child is taken on an exciting adventure. I would give the story three out of five stars for it's interesting insight into the Chinese culture.
February 16, 2019
The perfect way to introduce a Chinese New Year tradition full of evocative language and ink illustrations. Full review, complete with pictures on my blog!
https://chrikarublog.wordpress.com/20...
https://chrikarublog.wordpress.com/20...
June 7, 2018
Absolutely glorious illustrations throughout turn a story about Chinese New Year celebrations into a fantastical depiction of the traditions of the holiday. Such a fun way to explore the culture!
June 12, 2018
Striking illustrations in this Chinese New Year tale.
January 31, 2019
Beautiful and perfect choice for Chinese New Year season...liken the surreal depiction of how and why a dragon dance is performed!
September 5, 2019
A beautifully illustrated book about the Chinese New Year. I loved the use of white space which made the illustrations even more vibrant and powerful therefore adding to the overall story.
February 1, 2020
The art in this book is beautiful. The vibrant colors are stunning.
December 22, 2021
I liked the book. It had some cool illustrations.
August 19, 2022
I thought this was beautifully written and illustrated!
February 3, 2021
Read at Storytime on February 3, 2021
Theme: Chinese New Year
Absolutely beautiful illustrations that make the text come to life just like Yao wakes Shen Long to dance. The author's note at the end helps people who are unfamiliar with Chinese New Year and dragon dances understand their significance to Chinese culture. It might be a favorite read of the year! I can't wait to get it into some of the kids hands.
Great for younger and older readers.
Theme: Chinese New Year
Absolutely beautiful illustrations that make the text come to life just like Yao wakes Shen Long to dance. The author's note at the end helps people who are unfamiliar with Chinese New Year and dragon dances understand their significance to Chinese culture. It might be a favorite read of the year! I can't wait to get it into some of the kids hands.
Great for younger and older readers.
July 5, 2016
Great illustrations to accompany a beautiful story... The representation of the dance of the dragon is particularly beautiful!
January 18, 2018
This is an interesting story of Chinese New Year. Shen is going to be a dragon dancer, and dance bad luck away in the shopping mall. With only a little knowledge of Chinese New Year, this book is a bit hard to understand, but the author gives more detail in the end. The story is interesting and makes me want to learn more. Plus, the artwork is gorgeous.
March 3, 2018
An ancient dragon and a young boy weave magic together to drive away bad luck and draw in the good.
Once a year Shen Long, a great blue-scaled tian long luck dragon, is woken from his slumber to dance the dragon’s dance of luck and prosperity. Always before had it been Grandfather who danced with Shen Long, but this year, Yao must take up the mantle and perform alongside the dragon. Yao hopes to dance well, to honour Grandfather, and prove himself a worthy partner to Shen Long.
I love this story! It's all about a new dragon dancer performing the dragon dance for prosperity and luck and a shopping mall. It's the first time he's done the dance alone. At first Yao has some worries, but they quickly fade under the magic of the dance, which we see from Yao’s imaginative perspective. It's a story that pays homage to the true power of our imagination, and it teaches about the luck dances and when/why/where they are done. At the end is an informative section about the Chinese Lunar New Year.
This artwork is gorgeous. Shen Long is amazing! I wish I could dance with the dragon. It's clear the artist loves their work, and new the topic well. Sometimes you get art that doesn't match cultural stories because the artist isn't as deeply acquainted with the story. Not so here! I read this with my cubs and it was a big hit with all of them. We have plans to get a hardcopy of the book.
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Myrick Marketing & Media for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Once a year Shen Long, a great blue-scaled tian long luck dragon, is woken from his slumber to dance the dragon’s dance of luck and prosperity. Always before had it been Grandfather who danced with Shen Long, but this year, Yao must take up the mantle and perform alongside the dragon. Yao hopes to dance well, to honour Grandfather, and prove himself a worthy partner to Shen Long.
I love this story! It's all about a new dragon dancer performing the dragon dance for prosperity and luck and a shopping mall. It's the first time he's done the dance alone. At first Yao has some worries, but they quickly fade under the magic of the dance, which we see from Yao’s imaginative perspective. It's a story that pays homage to the true power of our imagination, and it teaches about the luck dances and when/why/where they are done. At the end is an informative section about the Chinese Lunar New Year.
This artwork is gorgeous. Shen Long is amazing! I wish I could dance with the dragon. It's clear the artist loves their work, and new the topic well. Sometimes you get art that doesn't match cultural stories because the artist isn't as deeply acquainted with the story. Not so here! I read this with my cubs and it was a big hit with all of them. We have plans to get a hardcopy of the book.
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Myrick Marketing & Media for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews