Click Here To Purchase Jin Jin the Dragon

Author: Grace Chang

Illustrator: Chong Chang

ISBN 13: 978-1-59270-102-5

ISBN 10: 1-59270-102-7

Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books (New York)

Grace Chang was born in Beijing, China, to a family of entertainers. When Grace was a young girl, she enjoyed sitting with her father, Chang Bao Ting, while he wrote his radio shows. She often dreamt of becoming a writer herself one day. It certainly looks like her dream has come true! 

Enter the enchanting world of a little dragon called Jin Jin. He doesn’t know what type of creature he is- he has a beautiful golden tale and scales like a fish but he still can’t work out exactly who he is. And so begins his quest to discover himself.

He meets animals who he shares quite a lot in common with, like the snake for example, who can twist his body round trees. All these wonderful little animals may each have their own opinion on who this queer little creature is with his long tail and scales but one thing is for sure, they all agree, his name should be Jin Jin. This means, in Chinese I think, gold. A very fitting name that all people can relate to with his character.  

However Jin Jin cannot rest until he finds what his place is in the world and so he journeys to meet with Old Turtle and Crane who should be able to offer him some help. Eventually he learns just what type of creature he is and how very special he can be!

This is such a wonderful children’s book that has been an absolute pleasure to read and

 marvel at the beautiful illustrations drawn by Grace’s talented artist brother, Chong. I’m sure many children will love this book where you learn about Chinese lettering as well as the culture.

I liked how this story has a fantastic ending and a really good merit too for youngsters aged 9-12 about how everyone is different but each of us has our own special gift.

My only problem with this picture book was that it ended too soon. I was hooked and really sad when it finished. The illustrations are fluid and really help to bring you into the story.  Also I loved the Chinese Characters section page found at the back. We can clearly see what a splendid language it is - it really is not as difficult as it seems to learn Chinese. The writing reflects objects like for instance “river” as three lines or curved lines .  

I loved this book and I’m so sure everyone else will too. It just goes to show how wrong our Western culture is to dismiss the dragon as a fierce fire-breathing monster when really dragons are a very beloved creature in China. Hopefully this book will help to show you and your children this too and fulfil Grace Chang’s hopes that everyone will come to love dragons!

Even adults can appreciate it, like myself, who was about as excited to receive this book as a child. A fabulously written story with beautiful illustrations.