The River Dragon

by Darcy Pattison, Jean Tseng (Illustrator), Mou-Sien Tseng (Illustrator)

Ying Shao must make three dangerous trips across the river dragon's bridge before he can marry the lovely Kal-Li

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

DARCY PATTISON (www.darcypattison.com) is published in ten languages.

Children’s book author Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, Junior Library Guild selections, and NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.

Reviews

[Hilary]

"Dishonorable Sir, you will not escape me this time. Now give me the swallows!"

"Now, dragons are very brave folk, but it is true that they fear centipedes above all else..."

Wonderful, evocative illustrations with many subtle details. Will absorb engaged readers over many many readings. Jean and Mou-sien Tseng were awarded the Golden Goblet Award from China's most prestigious art society, the Society of China, for excellence in painting -- it is the first time the award has ever been given to an artist living outside China.

[Kelly Chesley]

Great job on illustrations . Story was good

[Dolly]

This is a wonderful Chinese folktale about a young man who must outwit a dragon in order to visit his betrothed. He also needs to prove his worth, as he is a humble blacksmith and his father-in-law-to-be is a goldsmith. The narrative is very entertaining and the illustrations are wonderful. Combined, they really evoke a sense of an older time in China. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Beverly]

A rousing Chinese folktale with terrific illustrations, in which a humble blacksmith has to trick a dragon in order not to be eaten by it.

[J.G. Foster]

It's a great story for kids. My kids couldn't wait to find out how Ying Shao is overcoming the Dragon. We love reading books to our children from other cultures.