In ancient times, the Chinese saw the dragon as both a protector and a threat, able to bring on rain or cause droughts. To honor this powerful creature, people created long narrow boats that they raced in an annual rainmaking festival. From the wearing of fragrant pouches, to the consumption of rice dumplings, to thrilling boat races, the dragon boat festival of today is a celebration of Chinese traditions all over the world. Arlene Chan, a respected librarian and an experienced dragon boat racer, explores the origins of the festival, its customs, and the races themselves. Beautifully detailed illustrations by Song Nan Zhang let you experience the beauty and energy of this ancient festival.
Nonfiction
Nonfiction genre
Could You? Would You?
A book of questions and possibilities to get kids laughing, thinking, talking, drawing, writing and exploring the world.
Our Stories, Our Songs: African Children Talk about AIDS
In Malawi and Zambia, children who have lost family to the AIDS pandemic tell their stories. This book is about the power of the human spirit to endure and hope for a better tomorrow.
Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship
This is the true story of two great friends: a baby hippo named Owen, and a 130-year-old tortoise named Mzee live in Kenya. In December 2004, something astonishing happen: A frightened young hippo, separated from his family by the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia, adopted an acient Aldabra tortoise as his mother. The old tortoise, for years a loner, accepted the baby hippo as his own. In spite of their many differences, Owen and Mzee are inseparable. What’s even more amazing is that the pair seem to have developed their own” language” of soft sounds and gestures, which continues to baffle wildlife experts.
Fairie-ality
The Fashion Collection from the House of Ellwand with “couture and photography” by Ellwand.
Austria
Informational book about Austria.
Belgium
“Provides comprehensive information on the geography, history, governmental structure, economy, cultural diversity, peoples, religion, and culture of Belgium”–Provided by publisher.
Norway
Provides comprehensive information on the geography, history, governmental structure, economy, cultural diversity, peoples, religion, and culture of Norway.
Are We There Yet?
Eight-year-old Grace, her parents, and her two brothers embark on a six-month-long journey to tour their country, Australia. Driving around the perimeter of the continent except when they plunge into the Outback to visit places such as Alice Springs and Uluru they drive, swim, hike, enjoy zoos, museums, and tourist sites.
Middle East
This book made in-depth look at the peoples and laces of this diverse and fascinating region-from the cradle of civilization to the powerful countries that playa central role in today’s global economy and politics.