Dragon on the Loose - (Orca Echoes) by Marty Chan (Paperback)

About the Book

In this partially illustrated early chapter book, two friends bring a friendly dragon statue to life and must find a way to help her get home.

Book Synopsis

When eleven-year-old Hailey and her friend Kyle make a wish on a Chinese lion statue, they accidentally bring a dragon to life.

Scared at first, the kids soon realize that Zhu the dragon means them no harm, and they show the dragon around their city. It's all fun and games until Animal Control gets wind of a wild creature on the loose. The kids have to find a way to send their new friend back home before she's taken away.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

From the Back Cover

The dragon is alive! When Hailey and Kyle make a wish on a Chinese lion statue, they accidentally bring a dragon to life. Scared at first, the kids soon realize that Zhu the dragon means them no harm. It's all fun and games until Animal Control gets wind of a wild creature on the loose. Can Hailey and Kyle find a way to send their new friend home before it's too late?

Review Quotes

"This magical adventure gives opportunities to build responsible decision-making skills and make inferences about the emotional experiences of the characters."

-- "Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children's Book News"

"Chan's action-packed story deftly combines humor and feeling to draw readers in. Chen's cartoon-like illustrations help keep the sometimes sentimental text from feeling too heavy. All in all, this is a fun, quick-paced early chapter book with diverse characters. Recommended for beginning readers who enjoy dragons or friendship tales."

-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)"

"A delightful and imaginative romp through the bliss of childhood, this early chapter book packs a ton of Chinese culture, multigenerational love, friendship, and adventure into quick and easy-to-read chapters. A fun and meaningful addition to early chapter book collections everywhere, recommended for purchase."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

"Chan's vivid character dialogue and engaging, nicely paced storytelling take readers on a fantastical journey through streets full of history and personal meaning...[An] entertaining adventure featuring plucky kids and a magical creature."-- "Booklist"

"A fast-paced, adventure-filled story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats...encourages children to problem-solve under pressure and in constantly evolving situations. Chan also promotes Chinese culture in his story and compares and contrasts it with the western culture, allowing children who celebrate more than one culture to relate. Highly Recommended."

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

About the Author

Marty Chan is an award-winning author of dozens of books for kids, including Kung Fu Master, Haunted Hospital and Kylie the Magnificent in the Orca Currents line and the award-winning Marty Chan Mystery series. He tours schools and libraries across Canada, using storytelling, stage magic and improv to ignite a passion for reading in kids. He lives in Edmonton.

Grace Chen is a Chinese-Canadian artist and illustrator. A graduate of Sheridan College's Illustration program, Grace has a strong foundation in traditional mediums that greatly influences her current art. She is inspired by moments in her life, as well as the world, and the works of those around her. She enjoys drawing animals and characters in amusing scenarios. Grace lives in Toronto.