Children of the Dragon: Selected Tales from Vietnam (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator) "A VERY LONG TIME AGO, when animals could still speak like people, a rice farmer awakened early one morning inside hid bamboo hut not far..." (more)
Key Phrases: khe tree, peaceful river, star fruit, Chu Cuoi, Thuy Tinh, Son Tinh (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Once upon a time in old Vietnam," begins "The Raven and the Star Fruit," exemplifying the spell of enchantment cast over these half dozen stories. If the setting is exotic with its banyan trees and lotus blossoms, water buffalo and tigers the classic themes are universal. They include talking animals and beautiful princesses, requited and unrequited love as well as familiar human flaws. For instance, in the above-mentioned tale a raven rewards the generosity of a poor couple by leading them to an island of treasures, while the same opportunity has disastrous results for the husband's foolish elder brother and his greedy wife. Garland (Shadow of the Dragon) places each story within its historical, geographical and cultural context, enriching readers' understanding of Vietnam and its people. "The Legend of the Monsoon Rains" recounts the ongoing dispute between the Lord of the Mountains and the Lord of the Seas for the hand of the emperor's daughter followed by a discussion of Vietnam's crops and weather; the tale of "The Boatman's Flute" highlights the country's transportation and governmental systems. Hyman (A Child's Calendar) complements the richly embroidered retellings with jewel-like India ink and acrylic illustrations. From the fluid pattern of stripes on a tiger's back (for a pourquoi tale) to the dark sweep of a maiden's hair and lissome bend of a willow branch, the artist applies her signature flowing lines and graceful artistry; she captures all the romance and beauty of the stories and their setting. Ages 8-12.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-This handsome volume gathers six well-told traditional tales not readily available elsewhere. Three legends explain the origins of the stripes on a tiger, the man in the moon, and Vietnam's wild monsoons. Three others address the consequences of unkind and rude acts. A proud princess rejects a boatman whose music has stirred her heart because he is poor and ugly. A greedy brother and a lazy sister come to a bad end when they try to replicate the good fortune gained by their generous, polite siblings. An introduction outlines the history of Vietnam, highlighting traditional literature and language. Long notes at the end of each story relate events and characters to aspects of Vietnamese culture. However, it must be noted that while Garland provides useful information, she does not give specific source notes. Libraries may already own The Brocaded Slipper (HarperTrophy, 1992) and The Golden Carp (Lothrop, 1993; o.p.), in which Lynette Dyer Vuong employs the techniques of fiction-dialogue and vividly described action-to retell her Vietnamese tales and provides specific sources and pertinent background information. Garland makes greater use of narration. Her offering is greatly enhanced by Hyman's strong color work, romantic sensibility, and dramatic characterizations. The artist contributes decorations, as well as half- and full-page illustrations for each story. With so few collections of Vietnamese folktales available, libraries in need of Southeast Asian folklore could overlook the lack of source notes and value this lovely new collection for its smooth writing and appealing format.

Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1st edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152242007
• ISBN-13: 978-0152242008
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #257,283 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite Folktales of Vietnam....., November 27, 2001

By	Roz Levine (Virginia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

As the introduction tells us: "To most Americans, the word Vietnam brings to mind one thing - a war fought in muddy rice fields and steamy jungles, as we've seen it depicted in movies and popular television programs. Very few of us know much about the history, culture, or folklore of this ancient country." Fortunately, Sherry Garland's new book, Children Of The Dragon, will begin to change our perception. This superb collection of six folktales is engaging, rich in history, culture, and tradition, and includes author's notes at the end of each story to broaden understanding, and enrich its meaning. From The Legend Of The Monsoon Rains, Chu Cuoi-The Man In The Moon, and The Raven And The Star Fruit, to How The Tiger Got Its Stripes, The Boatman's Flute, and The Bowmen And The Sisters, each folktale is entertaining, satisfying, and runs the whole gamut of emotions, from silly and amusing to poignant and tragic. Award winning illustrator, Trina Schart Hyman brings each tale to life with her marvelously vibrant and vivid artwork. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, Children Of The Dragon is a feast for both the eyes and ears, and is an intriguing and unique collection that transports the reader to another place and time.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Depth of a culture, September 1, 2006

By	Tassie (Washington state USA) - See all my reviews

I am really in the beginning stages of learning about the culture of Vietnam. My husband and I are in the process of adopting our second child, from Vietnam, (we have a 2 yo adopted from China already) and I am trying to get my hands on books on Vietnamese culture. I think this was a terrific book to buy as an intro to this rich culture, the traditional stories and how the traditions that stem from them remain an active part of modern Vietnamese culture. If you are trying to learn more about Vietnamese culture, I think this is a terrific book to start with.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars children of the dragon:selected tales from vietnam, January 16, 2007

By	Michael Triner (california usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

excellent book for vietnamese american children to understand and appreciate the culture that they came from. this book will become a gift to all the children i know and love