The Beat of the Dragon Boat

Ages 6 to 7, Grades K to 3

On the night before the Dragon Boat Festival, a young boy asks his grandfather how the dragon boat races first began. His grandfather tells him that legend has it that the races started in the ancient time of the Dragon King, when every lake and river had a guardian dragon. In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize good luck, and have great power, especially over water and weather. On race day at the harbor, all the boats have a carved dragon head. As a final touch, to wake up their team's boat, the boy paints in the dragon's eye. But once the race is underway, their boat is in last place. How can they wake their dragon?

A young boy learns about the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival from his grandfather when he attends his first dragon boat race.The Chinese Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, ushering in the start of summer. On the night before the Dragon Boat Festival, a young boy asks his grandfather how the dragon boat races first began. His grandfather tells him that legend has it that the races started in the ancient time of the Dragon King, when every lake and river had a guardian dragon. Dragons symbolize good luck, and have great power, especially over water and weather.On race day at the harbor, all the boats have a carved dragon head on their bows. As a final touch, to wake up their team’s boat, the boy paints in the dragon’s eye. But once the race is underway, their team’s dragon boat is in last place. How can they wake their dragon?

About the Author

Christina Matula grew up in Ottawa, Canada, of mixed Taiwanese and Hungarian

heritage. Her books include The Shadow in the Moon and Mixed-Up Mooncakes. She lives

in Helsinki, Finland.

Nicole Wong was born in the Year of the Dragon and has illustrated over 25 books for

children, including If the Rivers Run Free. She lives in Fall River, Massachusetts.