Nian, The Chinese New Year Dragon
Sleeping Bear
2020
Children's Book Illustration, Cover Illustration, and Handlettering

2020 EUREKA Excellence in Nonfiction Awards - Gold Winner
2020 Feather Quill Reviewer's Choice Award
Mei hates springtime. Why? Because it's only in the spring that Nian, a fierce dragon, can leave his mountain prison under the sea to terrorize the local village. When the villagers hear the rumblings of Nian's hungry stomach, they know that winter is over and spring is approaching. But this year, on the night before the first day of spring, a magical warrior visits Mei in her dreams. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever.
Author Virginia Loh-Hagan (PoPo's Lucky Chinese New Year) gives this retelling of the Nian legend an original twist while explaining the origins of Chinese New Year traditions.