This traditional Chinese tale shows the danger of trying to demand your own importance. The town Magistrate is determined to have things his own way, much to the final detriment of the town.

The magistrate (a leader) of a Chinese village wanted to protect his people so he had a huge wall built. He was very proud of this accomplishment. The magistrate catches his grandson and other children coloring on the wall, at first he is upset but then he begins to think that he great wall is "plain." The magistrate hires a painter to paint a dragon on the wall. The painter accepted the responsibility of painting the dragon but he gave some conditions. What will happen when the magistrate challenges the painter's conditions?

The story reads like a folk tale...a long, heavily worded story but we divided into 2 nights and my son really liked the illustrations.

This book had beautiful illustrations that added to the story. The Chinese culture and history is present throughout the book and should probably be read to fourth grade and above.

An artist is set with the task of painting a dragon on the wall protecting an ancient city. The citizens are astounded by the painter's talents and believe the artist's talents to be heaven sent. When the artist adds eyes to his creation the painting comes to life.

Illustrations were rendered in pastel.