The Dragon's Tale: and Other Animal Fables of the Chinese Zodiac (Hardcover)

~ (Author, Illustrator) "Once there was a boar who thought he was the greatest and strongest animal in the universe..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this striking volume, Demi (The Empty Pot; The Firebird) introduces each of the Chinese zodiac's 12 animal symbols by retelling the fables associated with them. Her writing is succinct and witty, and the morals less familiar than Aesop's ("The more you know, the more you know there is to know"). Fittingly, the circle is the central design element here: the text of each brief entry is set within a ring filled with thematically linked images; circular illustrations on facing pages playfully-and very cleverly-interpret the narrative. Sophisticated yet accessible to youngsters, Demi's art displays a pleasing symmetry and an intriguingly varied scale, effectively balancing minute details and larger, more encompassing symbols. Adding to the book's visual allure is the copyright page's list of traditional ingredients the artist used in making her paints for this project, among them the sap of the rattan plant and pulverized oyster shells. Kids will also be interested to learn that Demi painted with a single mouse whisker for "extremely delicate work." Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3?Demi presents the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Within a decorated circle on the left side of each double-page spread is a brief fable, followed by an appropriate maxim. The right side has a matching circle devoted entirely to illustration; like its mate, it is set on a white background. A few of the pleasant, solidly retold fables are reminiscent of such staples as "The Rat's Daughter" and "See for Yourself." They appear not to be specifically drawn from Chinese literature. Demi's trademark illustrations, done with "traditional paints" and "a brush of one mouse whisker...for extremely delicate work," feature the animals and many celestial motifs, from constellations on the endpapers to stars and the phases of the moon. A useful book to have around, especially for the Chinese New Year, but not an essential purchase for most libraries.?Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (October 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805034463
• ISBN-13: 978-0805034462
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #482,266 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Proverbs to tell and remember, May 30, 2008

By	Nomorerain "mamaezinha" (san gabriel, ca United States) - See all my reviews

This book tells interesting stories about each Chinese Zodiac sign. The Zodiac signs are presented in the order of the 12-year cycle. For each fable, wise verses follow to depict its moral value - so cleverly told! The illustration is exquisite! If you've read The Empty Pot, you'd know her careful attention to detail and content of her drawings.

2.0 out of 5 stars only OK, February 17, 2009

By	P.Detemple "boyzmom" (boston) - See all my reviews

Overall, this was disappointing. The fables are interesting, but it would've been more engaging for the kids if the chart showing what years are associated with which zodiac characters was included. My 2 kids, 5 & 6 y.o., would've been able to connect better with more 'zodiac' info to personalize it for them. Instead these fables, while interesting (esp to an adult), left them bored. 1 more thing, seeing the constellations on the inside cover flaps associated with each character was nice, but a comment as to when & where they appear in the sky on each character's page would've made it more useful. We love Demi's books, & this was our 1st disappointment. It felt like a rush job for a publisher, not the author or audience.