Long ago in China, people in various areas lived under the protection of different animal spirits. When the tribes became envious of each other, war broke out. The children’s solution to war was to create a protective spirit with bits of all the animal spirits. Thus the dragon became a sign of peace for China. The tale is told in English and Chinese with colorful linocut illustra tions. 2008 USBBY Outstanding International Books List. pwc

Originally published as La Naissance du Dragon in French by Editions Philippe Picquier France, in 2006. Translated by Sibylle Kazeroid.