Art and text combine in generous double-page spreads to elucidate diverse elements of Chinese culture, one for each letter of the Western alphabet. Four-line verses identify the subject of each illustration, while sidebars offer longer nonfiction entries on subjects as diverse as the Great Wall, chop sticks, Chinese inventions, and Chinese food. The result is an encyclopedic gathering of information about China’s land, people, history, and customs, illuminated by richly colored, realistic, and enticing oil paintings. mac

Winding its way like a long dragon through 4,000 miles of mountains, desert, and grasslands, The Great Wall of China was built entirely by hand, taking hundreds of years and millions of workers to complete. That's just one of the myriad wonders of China children will discover in this far-reaching book. "D is for Dancing Dragon" brings China's history and culture alive by describing its unique customs, art works, music, foods, geography and wildlife. Children will learn, for example, that paper, ink, printing, umbrellas, kites and fireworks are all Chinese inventions. They'll find the secrets of how silk is made, how chopsticks work and why you should never cry on the Chinese New Year's Day. They will even learn a few Chinese words, as well as which astrological animal sign belongs to them. This captivating book is sure to be of special interest to anyone curious about this beautiful and mysterious land.