A Time of Golden Dragons [Hardcover]

Song Nan Zhang (Author), Hao Yu Zhang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2000 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Through the ages, the dragon has been an important symbol for the Chinese. A time of Golden Dragons is the most auspicious possible. In fascinating text and beautiful paintings, Song Nan and Hao Yu Zhang trace the dragon’s history. Perhaps inspired by giant crocodiles, the image of the dragon affects every aspect of life in China, including the marking of dragon years, the flying of dragon kites, and the eating of dragon cakes at dragon boat races.

A splendid introduction to the richness of Chinese culture, this is a book to cherish this special year and for years to come.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. At the time when Western calendars mark the millennium, many Chinese recognize the "Time of the Golden Dragon." The Chinese 12-year zodiac, symbolized by animals such as the rat and the dragon, has become popular in the U.S., especially at the Chinese New Year. A less familiar cycle, approximately two years in length, moves through the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal (gold), and water. So a particular time is not only the Year of the Dragon, but also that of metal or gold, hence the "Time of the Golden Dragon." This picture book for older children offers facts about dragon origins, dragon boat races, dragon homes, and other enticing dragon tidbits as it introduces the mythical creature as viewed through Asian cultures. Intricately detailed illustrations invite readers to linger and study each page. With neither table of contents nor index, this inviting potpourri is best suited for browsers and avid dragon fans. Linda Perkins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

“The fluidity of line and subtle colors … echo centuries of tradition, while the sense of detail gives the work a personal stamp.”
— Publishers Weekly

Praise for A Time of Golden Dragons:

“Song Nan Zhang’s lavish illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this bounty of dragon lore… a wonderful book … dragon enthusiasts of all ages will be delighted.…”
— The Asian Reporter

“…accurate, colourful, detailed illustrations that allow the reader to visualize and remember the significance of China’s dragon symbols.”
–Calliope


From the Trade Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Tundra Books (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887765068
• ISBN-13: 978-0887765063
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,521,568 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A celebration of dragons, June 22, 2001

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Time of Golden Dragons (Hardcover)

"A Time of Golden Dragons" is a visually stunning book. Song Nan Zhang provided the illustrations, and co-authored the text with Hao Yu Zhang. The book is an introduction to the image of the dragon in traditional Chinese culture. The authors discuss the place of the dragon in Chinese astrology, the relationship between the dragon image and the Chinese emperors, and other topics. There are many marvelous, full-color illustrations of dragons in various forms. Overall, this is a well-done educational text.

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review, January 3, 2012

By 

Bev (Wind Point) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Time of Golden Dragons (Paperback)

I purchased this for one of my grandchildren who is interested in Ancient Chinese Dragons. The book is very colorful and has interesting stories. It was well received and read promptly.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource for Chinese dragons!, November 22, 2004

By 

Allison Martin "Book Reviewer" (comeunity.com) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Time of Golden Dragons (Hardcover)

A Time of Golden Dragons tells the story of the Chinese dragon's history and legends, its role in celebrations, and its image as a zodiac sign. Dragons are miraculous creatures, often helpful, which are said to embody parts of many animals - deer, camel, serpent, frog, fish, tiger, eagle and ox. This book explains celebrations such as the Dragon Boat race, the symbolism of being born in the sign of the dragon, and representations of dragons in ancient and modern times. This is a colorful and educational book for anyone who is fascinated by Chinese dragons.