DRAGON FLOWER

A young girl must find a magic flower that will cure her mother’s illness.

Watercolorlike illustrations evoking Chinese brush paintings set a fairy tale–like scene as a small wagon hitched to a horse carries Mae, her parents, and their belongings. They’ve been traveling for months in search of the mysterious flower. Mae’s mother tells her that it’s very rare, growing in a “secret place guarded by monsters.” One night, an odd light wakes Mae, who follows it into a deep forest, where she finds a field of the ruby-red flowers she seeks. But a huge, furious dragon is waiting. Bold Mae explains her predicament to the dragon, who makes her a bargain. If she can rescue the dragon’s child from a deep crevice in the mountain, she can take the flowers. Mae, both kind and brave, makes her way down into the narrow passages—but can she complete the quest? Translated from French, this thrillingly told and original tale is steeped in Chinese visual traditions and lore, giving readers a taste of long-ago myths and legends. Against the muted backdrops, the bright-red dragons and Mae’s blue dress draw the eye, while Mae’s expressive face and movements will engage readers.

Modern and classical storytelling styles combine to create a compelling narrative.