ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the year 141 B.C., Ping is an illiterate Chinese orphan who lives on the edge of one of the Emperor's least-used royal palaces. Her master is a boorish drunk who neglects his duties as Imperial Dragon Keeper. Under his watch, the Emperor's dragons have dwindled from a magnificent dozen to a miserable two. When the next to last dies, the remaining dragon, Long Danzi, coaxes Ping into helping him flee to the faraway ocean. Early on in the journey, Ping knows the dragon and the mysterious purple stone he carries are very special. But how is it that a grubby slave girl has come to be the keeper of the last imperial dragon? Only when the friends reach their destination will Ping be able to see herself as Danzi sees her, and learn to use the unique talents she alone possesses.

I read this some years ago. From memory I found this a sweet story, but nothing outstanding. It won a lot of awards, but the story was a bit bland for my tastes.

Releasing this at the Canberra Bookcrossing Christmas meet, held at the National Library of Australia. The theme this year is, "CHRISTMAS CAROL RELEASE CHALLENGE". The author of this book is Carole Wilkinson.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to whoever draws this book.
(Skyring drew the book.)



ADDED 15/11/2012: I spotted this in Skyring's lounge room.

This book is released:
In memory of Megi53’s mother

Picked up at the Canberra UnCANvention.

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Finally floated to the top of the TBR pile many years later... As Goldenwattle says, a sweet story that maybe could have done with a bit more oomph in places.

I would have liked an author's note or bio to know what Wilkinson's background is, and whether she's writing about Chinese culture from first-hand knowledge or just appropriating it so she can have cool dragons in her story.