Kids love dragons, and dragons come in many shapes. In Western stories they often breathe fire and guard treasure; in Chinese stories, dragons are wise, kind and bring the rain. These picture books celebrate dragons of all kinds.
1. Long Goes to Dragon School
written by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Mae Besom; Yeehoo Press, 2023
Long is a water-breathing dragon from the East at a school full of fire-breathing dragons. A story about being different, trying your best and finding your own way.
2. LEGO® Fantastic Tales of Dragons
featuring Yinglong, retold by Helen H. Wu; Buster Books (Michael O’Mara), 2023
Four dragon legends from around the world, including my retelling of Yinglong, the winged dragon of Chinese legend. It comes with LEGO bricks to build your own dragon. Best for ages 8 and up.
3. Everyday Happy: Long the Dragon and Friends Coloring Book
by Helen H. Wu; Yeehoo Press, 2024
Color along with Long the water dragon and his friends as they enjoy dumplings, boba tea, camping and holidays. A cozy coloring book for young dragon fans.
4. Dragons Love Tacos
by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri; Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012
Dragons adore tacos of every kind, but give them spicy salsa and the party goes up in flames. This silly modern favorite is made for reading aloud with big voices and lots of giggles.
5. The Paper Bag Princess
by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko; Annick Press, 1980
After a dragon burns down her castle and carries off her prince, Princess Elizabeth puts on a paper bag and outsmarts the beast herself. This beloved classic turns the fairy tale upside down, with a funny, spirited ending kids remember.
6. There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon
by Jack Kent; Golden Books, 1975
Billy finds a tiny dragon on his bed, but his mother insists dragons don’t exist, and the less anyone notices it, the bigger it grows. This gentle classic about being heard has a satisfying punchline that families can talk about together.
7. Dragon Was Terrible
by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli; Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2016
Dragon scribbles in books, burps in church and scares the whole kingdom, and no knight can tame him. A clever young boy finds a better answer than force: a story, which makes this a playful read about the power of books.
8. Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon
by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua; Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2020
When Amy’s class makes dragons, she notices that none look like the long, wise Chinese dragons from her grandmother’s stories, so she sets out to make her own. It’s a sweet, funny celebration of heritage and creativity, with cheerful art from Charlene Chua.
9. The Truth About Dragons
by Julie Leung, illustrated by Hanna Cha; Henry Holt and Co., 2023
A mother tells her child about two kinds of dragons: the fire-breathing ones of Western fairy tales and the wise, water-loving dragons of Chinese tradition. This lyrical story about a child who belongs to both cultures has luminous, dreamy illustrations.
10. D Is for Dragon Dance
by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by YongSheng Xuan; Holiday House, 2006
This lively alphabet book walks through Chinese New Year traditions, from firecrackers and lanterns to the grand dragon dance at the end. Bold illustrations in the style of Chinese paper cutting make it a festive pick for little ones learning about the holiday.
Dragon books are perfect for Lunar New Year, a dragon-themed birthday or any day a little reader wants an adventure.
More picture book lists
- 8 Picture Books to Celebrate Lunar New Year
- Picture Books About Perseverance and Trying Again
- Picture Books About the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
- 14 Best Children’s Books About Cultures Around the World
Browse all of Helen’s picture book lists, or see all of Helen’s books.
