Title: The Dragon’s Pearl Julie Lawson Author: Julie Lawson
Illustrated: by Paul Morin
Publish Date: January 1995
Publisher: Stoddart Kids
Pages: 32pp
ISBN: 0773728821
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Folklore
Annotation: A traditional Chinese folk tale about a terrible drought in China and a boy, Xiao Sheng, finds a magic pearl that transforms him into a dragon. This dragon forever changes the lives of his mother and neighbors.
Plot Summary: Xiao Sheng was a boy who worked extremely hard in order to earn enough to feed his mother and himself. He gathered grass from sun up to sun down, everyday. He found solace in singing and always saw the good of things. One day Xiao finds a magic pearl, in which transforms him into a powerful Chinese dragon—a provider of the long-awaited rains.
Personal Response: A traditional Chinese folk-tale told with beautiful illustrations by Paul Morin, who brings the story to life with textured paintings—increasing the authenticity and matching the rich language of Julie Lawson. Additionally, the book includes an informative page about Chinese dragons, effectively celebrating the benevolent Chinese dragon.
~Reader’s Advisory~
Themes: Benevolence
Age Range: 4 to 12
Subjects: Pearls, Dragons, Folk Tales, Myths, Legends, China, Son and Mother, Rain, Tradition, Picture Book, Poverty, Magic, Transformation, Singing, Drought, Benevolence
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