Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon

August 1, 2019
This retelling of a Chinese legend explains why people light firecrackers, wear red, and give food offerings to celebrate Chinese New Year. In Loh-Hagan's account, a fierce dragon named Nian ruled the land until a magical warrior's spell forced him underground. But each spring, the spell's strength weakens and Nian awakes to fill his empty stomach--he especially likes eating boys and girls! One night, little Mei dreams of the magical warrior, who charges her with defeating the monster. The next day, clever Mei discovers that the dragon is afraid of loud noises. She tells the villagers to bang on pans and light firecrackers, scaring the monster off. A few days later it returns, and she discovers that it is afraid of fire and the color red. She tells everyone to wear red and light lanterns. With each return of the dragon, another New Year's tradition is explained, until finally she defeats the dragon for good. Wispy illustrations paying homage to Chinese brush painting illuminate this retelling and its spunky female lead, giving new details and a refreshing twist to a famous Chinese story. Endnotes explain more about Chinese New Year traditions but do not address why the evil monster here is a dragon when dragons in Chinese folklore are traditionally auspicious creatures. A charming retelling of a Chinese legend despite some liberties taken. (Picture book. 4-8)

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December 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-Every spring, the dragon Nian escapes his magical prison to terrorize the countryside and feast on the livestock and the locals (last year, the fierce beast ate Mei's father and brother). This spring, the warrior who imprisoned Nian appears to Mei in her dreams, tells her she must defeat the beast for good, and gives her his cane to help. Over the next 15 nights, Mei discovers that the dragon fears loud noises and bright things. She then tricks Nian into eating the magical cane. There are many versions of this legend to explain the meaning behind traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. Loh-Hagan makes it her own by making the hero a young girl who figures out how to defeat the dragon, and the narrative builds exciting tension as Mei saves the day. Banks's kinetic artwork features a large (and age-appropriately scary), Chinese-style dragon. The bright red color used to frighten Nian really pops against the otherwise muted palette. VERDICT A wonderful version of a classic legend and a welcome addition to holiday collections.-Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 16, 2019
In this adaptation of a Chinese legend, Loh-Hagan pits child Mei against a formidable dragon named Nian, who emerges every spring from his undersea mountain to feast on villagers (“He especially loved to eat little boys and girls”). After the magical warrior who bound Nian visits Mei’s dreams, she awakens with the warrior’s walking cane and a quest to defeat the dragon in 15 days, lest he be freed forever. Her initial efforts—scaring Nian away with cacophony and the color red—work for spans of five days each, at which point he returns, hungrier. After another dream visit, Mei formulates a plan: hiding the cane in a food-stuffed scarecrow for Nian to choke upon. An author’s note explains the origins and inspirations behind her tale. Though boldly rendered illustrations by Banks in places edge discomfitingly close to stereotype (some background characters, and the scarecrow, have lines for eyes), Loh-Hagan’s engaging narrative will likely appeal to fans of mythology. Ages 6–10.

November 1, 2019
Grades 1-3 The author of PoPo's Lucky Chinese New Year (2017) revisits the Lunar New Year with this retelling of a Chinese legend. Mei is called to deliver her community from Nian the fearsome dragon, and she only has 15 days to do it. Using her wits and the help of the villagers, the brave girl vanquishes Nian by scaring it with loud noises, blinding it with bright clothing, lanterns, and flags, and finally subduing it with a magical cane. Through simple language, Loh-Hagan explains the origin of some of the traditions still practiced during the Spring Festival, fluidly weaving into the tale many of the customs, from the 15-day-long celebration to the lighting of lanterns. Transitions between scenes are sometimes awkward, but Banks' vivid and expressive art aids in bringing more cohesion to the work. The renderings evoke Chinese brush painting while also depicting strong lines with a more modern sensibility. An author's note offers information about the holiday for readers who may not be familiar. A girl-powered take on Chinese New Year legends.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)