Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon

Written by Virginia Loh-Hagan and Timothy Banks

A girl must defeat a dragon in 15 days to save her village.

4.1 Goodreads · 296 ratings

32 pages· 986 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud· 570L

$16.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Mei dreads spring, for it brings the fearsome dragon Nian from his underwater prison to terrorize her village. This year, a dream reveals her destiny: she must defeat Nian within 15 days, or he will be free forever. As the clock ticks, Mei faces a daunting challenge that could change her village's fate and uncover the origins of Chinese New Year traditions. Can she rise to the occasion and save her people, or will Nian's reign of terror continue?

From the publisher

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.

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