THE TRUTH ABOUT DRAGONS

Catherine Ho's thoughtful delivery is ideal for this enchanting story contrasting Eastern and Western dragon mythologies. Listeners meet an Asian American boy whose mother's storytelling introduces his dual heritage. The boy's grandmothers become involved, too, and Ho never missteps in portraying each woman's gentle and loving voice. The Western grandma describes a dense forest and its scary inhabitants, including a fierce lizard-like creature. But she lives in a welcoming cottage and assures him all is well. The Eastern grandmother tells of a serene dragon with a pearl in its chin. Ho's soothing storytelling style echoes the value of having two cultures. Alluring music and the enticing sound effects of a brook and blowing leaves add to the dreamlike tale. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2024]