For Perfect Picture Book Friday this week I am continuing my Asian theme.
The Last Dragon
Written by Susan Miho Nunes and illustrated by Chris K Soentpiet
Clarion Books, 1995, Fiction
Suitable for: ages 5-8
Themes/Topics: Chinese New Year, Chinatown in NYC, multicultural
Opening and brief synopsis: “The Dragon hung in the window of the Lung Fung Trading Company on Jefferson Street collecting dust, cobwebs and bug skeletons.” Unhappy about having to spend the summer with his great aunt in New York’s Chinatown, Peter discovers a lot of fun, satisfaction and identity with his culture in repairing the old ten-man dragon he finds in a shop window, with the help of his new friends.
Links to resources: Chinese New Year Games and Activities
Why I Like This Book: I am always looking for books to help children become more aware of other cultures and festivals. This is a story that immerses the reader, from a child’s point of view, into the celebration of the Chinese New Year, the importance of culture for second-generation immigrants and a superb insight into New York’s Chinatown. It also offers a positive look at generations and close cultural communities working together on projects that reinforce the culture.
For more books that can be used in the school or home classroom, with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books at Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog!
The Chinese new year 2012 will be celebrated on 23rd of January and is the year of Dragon.
Chinese New Year - New York
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Sounds fun! I have a PB WIP based in a Chinese Temple. I should probably read this one for research 🙂
Good idea, but this one is fairly wordy as it was written 15 years ago, you are probably aiming for fewer words 😉 and of course, different focus.
This book sounds wonderful! I am so enjoying seeing what everyone chooses and learning about all these great books. Our list is coming along 🙂 Thanks for anothe great choice!
I’m glad to find a good book on the Chinese New Year. I, too, enjoy reading books about other cultures to my kids.
Yes there is a lot of information packed into the story in this one!
Love this book! Glad to see a book on the Chinese New Year, through the eyes of a child. So many great entries this month. Sounds like a fun book.
This book sounds great — educational but in a fun and accessible way. (And I love that dragon photo you’ve included!)
I have to read longer books by myself for now, as my son doesn’t have the attention for it. I enjoy multicultural themes, because I enjoy traveling and exploring different cultures.
Yep, this one would definitely not hold Enzo’s attention yet, I fear, Stacy 😉
I, too, love Picture books taking place in other cultures. This one gave me my idea for Picture Book Idea Month. About how we celebrated Christmas as a child in my country of origin, The Netherlands.
Thanks so much for the idea.
And yes, the book you picked for Perfect Picture Book Friday sounds like a great read.
I spent a couple of years in the Netherlands and absolutely loved celebrating Sinta Klaas…. always very creative. I enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t as commercialized as Christmas! It is true I haven’t really read any picture books about these Dutch celebrations. Great idea!
Loved this! Right with you on this one Joanna! This also reminded me about Christmas in Europe and my travels through Asia.
Thankyou Joanna.
Yes, I love experiencing festivities in other nations, Diane. I have been in China too for New Year and it’s wild!!!! People travel for days to be with family for this festival.
Sounds like a cute book Joanna, and great idea to do an Asian theme 🙂
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Hugs,
Rach
Yes, Rach, it has been interesting to focus on Asia for a few posts.
Great recommendation! We read a lot of multicultural lit in the library. Have you read Coolies by Chris Soentpiet? It is an amazing picture book about the Chinese immigrants’ experience building the transcontinental railroad in the US.
Hi kelly, no I need to look out for Coolies, thanks for the tip!