Jin Jin the Dragon by Grace Chang, Chong Chang (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

An enchanting story of a dragon that doesn't know what it is and sets off on a journey of adventure and discovery to find out. Beautifully illustrated in Chinese watercolor, this wonderful read aloud includes information on Chinese dragons (and how they differ from what we usually think of when we think of dragons), Chinese written characters and a picture history of 13 Chinese characters that are central to the story.

Children's Literature

When the scaly golden creature named Jin Jin hatches, he doesn't know what he is. As he travels the forest, he becomes friends with many different animals and notices e has something in common with each of them: scales of the fish, claws of the eagle, pliable body of the snake, antlers of the deer, and eyes like the hare. The animals tell Jin Jin that he needs to find Old Turtle and Crane, who will help him learn who he is. He follows clues (Chinese symbols) he finds as he searches and finally arrives at their village. However, before they can help him, a farmer runs up to ask the pair for help with a drought that is killing the rice fields. Jin Jin discovers that he has the ability to breathe water, which means he is a water-breathing dragon! This story of love and self-discovery introduces the reader to the Chinese dragons, which are kind, curious, and utterly enchanting. The story's tone and pictures have a traditional sense, while the words, the muted but bright colors, and the animals' friendly faces bring the story into modern times. Information about Chinese writing is woven into the text and discussed as the subject of the backmatter. A page about Chinese dragons is also included. This is a gentle introduction to Chinese writing and dragon lore, as well as to the importance of following clues toward self-discovery. Reviewer: Peg Glisson

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3- "One spring day, when the willow trees had turned green and the wind was softly blowing, a golden creature hatched, unnoticed, from a thousand-year-old egg." As he begins to explore the world, he encounters numerous animals, all of whom see themselves in him, and they name him Jin Jin. He has scales like the fish, claws like the eagle, emerald eyes like the hare, etc. He is advised to find Old Turtle and Crane, who will be able to help him solve the mystery of his true identity. On his journey, he meets many more animals, and also begins to find clues in the form of Chinese characters that guide him on his way. Finally, Jin Jin discovers not only who he is, but also why he is special. The place of dragons in Chinese culture is explained in an author's note, and there is additional information about Chinese characters. The writing is clear, at times lyrical, and nicely paced. The illustrations, done in Chinese watercolors, feature soft, peaceful greens that allow the golden Jin Jin, with his comical, expressive face, to take center stage. Dragons and dragon lore are always popular subjects, and this title will be appreciated by children longing for more.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

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