The Lunar New Year is a time of great celebration in many parts of the world. This New Year is particularly special as it ushers in the Year of the Dragon which can bring good luck, strength and great change. While written and illustrated by Chinese-Australian creators, ‘Our Family Dragon’ references other Asian cultures and First Nations families.
The story features an unnamed boy who revels in his family’s preparations for the New Year celebrations. The house is cleaned thoroughly with all the bad luck swept outside. Large quantities of special food are prepared to welcome the Dragon while games and stories are shared with the extended family. The celebrations continue over 15 days. The family has bright new clothes and children are gifted red packets of lucky money from their elders.
On the eve of the New Years Day the family go to Chinatown to see the lion dance and the colourful dragon illustrated here with great gusto. They return home to share the feast and our young boy is surprised when his older sister Jiě jie arrives. She was born in the Year of the Dragon so the coming year will be special for her.

The illustrations capture this special time and invite readers’ responses. A double page spread of special food tantalises the taste buds. The endpapers feature the different animals that represent a year in the Chinese zodiac. There is a focus on family interaction and closeness throughout along with full or partial images of a dragon which add to the anticipation and excitement the young boy feels.
Teaching resources are available for this book on the Allen & Unwin website.

1. Celebrations
2. Cultural Traditions
3. Family
4. Relationships
5. Social Life