2020 EUREKA Excellence in Nonfiction Awards - Gold Winner 2020 Feather Quill Reviewer's Choice Award Mei hates springtime. Why? Because it's only in the spring that Nian, a fierce dragon, is able to leave his mountain prison under the sea to terrorize the local village. When the villagers hear the rumblings of Nian's hungry stomach, they know that winter has ended and spring is coming. But this year on the night before the first day of spring, a magical warrior visits Mei in her dreams. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever. Author Virginia Loh-Hagan ( PoPo's Lucky Chinese New Year ) gives this retelling of the Nian legend an original twist, while explaining the origins of Chinese New Year traditions. A wonderful version of a classic legend and a welcome addition to holiday collections.-- "School Library Journal" (12/1/2019 12:00:00 AM) Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan is an author and educator. She is currently the Director of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Center at San Diego State University and the Co-Executive Director of The Asian American Education Project. She lives in San Diego. Timothy Banks is an award-winning illustrator from Charleston, South Carolina. He’s created character designs for Nike, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network; quirky covers for Paste magazine; and lots of children’s books with titles like There’s a Norseman in the Classroom!, A Valentine for Frankenstein, and Monsters in Charleston. He’s also had the honor of being featured in the Lürzer’s Archive “200 Best Illustrators Worldwide” list, and his work has been exhibited at the Nucleus art gallery in California. Timothy plans to spend Chinese New Year celebrating with fireworks and painting his entire studio red. You can see more of his work at timothybanks.com, or follow @timbanks on Instagram.