Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon

Every spring, the dragon Nian escapes his magical prison to terrorize the countryside and feast on the livestock and the locals (last year, the fierce beast ate Mei's father and brother). This spring, the warrior who imprisoned Nian appears to Mei in her dreams, tells her she must defeat the beast for good, and gives her his cane to help. Over the next 15 nights, Mei discovers that the dragon fears loud noises and bright things. She then tricks Nian into eating the magical cane. There are many versions of this legend to explain the meaning behind traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. Loh-Hagan makes it her own by making the hero a young girl who figures out how to defeat the dragon, and the narrative builds exciting tension as Mei saves the day. Banks's kinetic artwork features a large (and age-appropriately scary), Chinese-style dragon. The bright red color used to frighten Nian really pops against the otherwise muted palette. VERDICT A wonderful version of a classic legend and a welcome addition to holiday collections.—Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA

In this adaptation of a Chinese legend, Loh-Hagan pits child Mei against a formidable dragon named Nian, who emerges every spring from his undersea mountain to feast on villagers ("He especially loved to eat little boys and girls"). After the magical warrior who bound Nian visits Mei's dreams, she awakens with the warrior's walking cane and a quest to defeat the dragon in 15 days, lest he be freed forever. Her initial efforts--scaring Nian away with cacophony and the color red--work for spans of five days each, at which point he returns, hungrier. After another dream visit, Mei formulates a plan: hiding the cane in a food-stuffed scarecrow for Nian to choke upon. An author's note explains the origins and inspirations behind her tale. Though boldly rendered illustrations by Banks in places edge discomfitingly close to stereotype (some background characters, and the scarecrow, have lines for eyes), Loh-Hagan's engaging narrative will likely appeal to fans of mythology. Ages 6-10. (Dec.)