Emma's Dragon Hunt

by Catherine Stock

Emma's grandfather, newly arrived from China, explains how dragons are responsible for earthquakes, heat waves, solar eclipses, and thunderstorms

Genres: Picture Books, Dragons, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This children's book is certainly enchanting! We ended up finding this one on Reading Rainbow, which believe it or not, my kids still watch.

Emma's grandfather has arrived from China and will now be living with her family; although, he doesn't seem happy and Emma questions why.

"Because there are sure to be dragons living in the hill under the house. They will dance on the new roof and keep me awake all night."

Emma becomes a little frightened until her grandfather explains that Chinese dragons are good, and that she shouldn't be afraid of them. The next day they go out into nature to hunt down a dragon for Emma to see for herself.

This book is colorfully illustrated and so magical. After spending the day with her grandfather, she learns all about Chinese dragon myths. The relationship between Emma and her grandfather blossoms and the understanding between the two is heartwarming. The story connects with nature and what a beautiful story it is.

4****

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute story! I wish it was still in print, as I'd like to order it for my library.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book!

This delightful tale of the interaction between a very young girl and her grandfather from the 'old' country is wonderful.

As the publishers and middlemen tie up these tighter and tighter, our children will be all the poorer as they lose access to a wide variety of materials.

I hope this one gets reprinted. It would have been something we would have read over and over. I know my daughter will be keeping it for her 2nd graders.

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, warm book about a young girl whose grandfather comes from China to live with her and her parents. When he first starts talking about dragons, Emma is frightened. But on their walks together, he teaches her more about the elusive dragons and their place in the world. It's about dragons, but also a truly lovely grandparent-grandchild relationship.

[Cheryl]

Reading others' reviews I can understand the appeal, but I don't feel it. So I'm not rating and you can ignore my comments here. Read it for yourself on Internet Archive.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully whimsical illustrations help tell this delightful story about Emma and her grandfather, newly from China, as they develop their relationship and search for dragons.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma's grandfather tells her stories about dragons.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why isn't this book everywhere?! I feel like the universe has been holding out on me for decades. Inspired by her visits to Hong Kong to see her parents, the author weaves a lovely tale of frolicking and searching for dragons in the marsh by the house. The bonding between Emma and Grandfather Wong is so sweet and guileless. Somehow the natural disasters occuring around them become part of the fabric of their scaley mesmerization. It's adorable!

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

What has a camel's head, a snake's neck, a stag's horns, an eagle's wings and claws, a lizard's tail and the whiskers of philosopher Wang Fu? Why a Chinese dragon of course! At least that is what Emma's Chinese grandfather tells her when he comes to live with her family in America. Every day, Emma and Grandfather go out to look for dragons. The feel the dragon shaking the earth (earthquake), see it eat the sun (solar eclipse), and hear it howl in the rain (thunderstorm). This delightful picture book illustrated by the author is suitable for reading to pre-school children and older.