Nian, The Chinese New Year Dragon

Ages 7 to 8, Grades 1 to 3

A young girl takes action when a dragon threatens her village in this retelling of the Nian legend, which explains why the Chinese New Year is celebrated for fifteen days.

2020 EUREKA Excellence in Nonfiction Awards - Gold Winner 2020 Feather Quill Reviewer's Choice Award Mei hates springtime. Why? Because it's only in the spring that Nian, a fierce dragon, is able to leave his mountain prison under the sea to terrorize the local village. When the villagers hear the rumblings of Nian's hungry stomach, they know that winter has ended and spring is coming. But this year on the night before the first day of spring, a magical warrior visits Mei in her dreams. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever. Author Virginia Loh-Hagan (PoPo's Lucky Chinese New Year) gives this retelling of the Nian legend an original twist, while explaining the origins of Chinese New Year traditions.

About the Author

Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan was born in the Year of the Dragon. She's the author of PoPo's

Lucky Chinese New Year. She lives in San Diego, California.

Timothy Banks's children's books include There's a Norseman in My Classroom and

A Valentine for Frankenstein. He lives in Charleston, South Carolina.