AWAKENING THE DRAGON

Today, dragon boat racing is an international event and is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. Chan, who the flap copy tells us “can often be seen paddling a dragon boat on Lake Ontario,” explains that this ancient Chinese custom was originally meant to appease the dragon god of the river to ensure a successful agricultural season, and later became a memorial of sorts to a Chinese martyr/patriot. However, she offers no acknowledgment of experts or other documentation to support any part of this loosely organized, anecdotal look at the ages-old festival and its many traditions. A colorful cameo containing just a bit of an attendant, larger art piece embellishes each one- or two-page installment of information. This is the only element of consistency in the illustration, which ranges from graphic border panels to full-page paintings, all without labels. Those with an interest will have to look elsewhere to be satisfied. (Nonfiction. 7-10)