The Beat of the Dragon Boat

K-Gr 3–A young child asks at bedtime, “Tell me again about the dragons, Yeye,” and so begins this story. Grandfather tells the boy a bedtime tale that is equal parts family tradition and exhilarating adventure. The boy awakens the next day ready to begin the festivities of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, from the preparation of delicious zongzi to helping with final touches on the boat. Matula beautifully links the rich cultural story to the excitement of the race itself, weaving details from the tale to the festival of the present. The story cascades as a river with the excitement at the start suddenly dropping to sadness as their boat falls to last place. Emotions swell again at the final whoosh of winning. Wong’s vivid, detailed images brimming with emotion lend a notable tender feel to the story. Wong takes readers from dragons that flow across the page in all their power and glory, to the most tender image of a grandpa sharing moments with his grandson. Back matter includes more information about the Dragon Boat Festival, Dragon King, and Qu Yuan, as well as a recipe for red bean zongzi.