The Dragon's Pearl

by Julie Lawson

Book Overview

"Who knows what the gods have in store for us?" Xiao Sheng sang out to his mother every morning. "Today may not be the same as yesterday."

In spite of his hardships, Xiao Sheng is a cheerful boy who loves to sing. He works from sunrise to sunset to earn enough money to feed his family. When Xiao finds a magic pearl, everything is changed forever.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0773728821
• ISBN13: 9780773728820
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Fitzhenry & Whiteside
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.3" x 11.1"
• Age Range: 7 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 4

Customer Reviews

One of the best illustrated fairy tales ever published

This is a meticulously researched, beautifully told, and exquisitely illustrated fairy tale. During a severe drought, a poverty-stricken boy discovers by accident a magic pearl that saves his, his mother's, and many of their fellow villagers' lives until some villains came with the intent to snatch the pearl away. In addition to the common theme of the struggle between good and evil, this tale expounds particularly well the Chinese concept of the benevolent dragon and filial piety. The illustrations are worth noting. Paul Morin, an award-winning Canadian artist, spent months on location in China to research the scenery, architecture, costumes, and customs of the people. As in his previous book, The Orphan Boy, he incorporated real objects onto his canvas to enrich the texture of the paintings. If you are looking for a magnificent picture of the Chinese dragon, look no further.A wonderful book for children 6 and up for reading, for adults interested in Chinese folklore, and for storytellers. Highly recommended.