Title The Boy who Painted Dragons Series --- Author Demi Illustrator Demi Publisher Margaret K. McElderry Books - 2007 First Printing Margaret K. McElderry Books - 2007 Category Children Warnings None Main Characters Ping Main Elements Dragons

Smoke, fire, dragons, wisdom, fear, and bravery...All of these elements are brought to life by award-winning author and artist Demi in a story of valor in the face of overwhelming fear.

With splashes of color and dramatic detail, a boy named Ping decorates his home with paintings of dragons. While they seem to be a proclamation of his love for dragons, they are actually an expression of his deepest fear. The Heavenly Dragon visits Ping after being impressed with the boy's outward declaration of love and respect for dragons and presents the boy with three pearls of wisdom. With bold and expansive illustrations that sweep across the pages, Demi's triumphant tale proves that the greatest fear of fear itself is one that can be conquered with truth and bravery.

Oh wow...such gorgeous artwork. Gilt dragons dance on dark background, their bodies a work of embroidery. I've been reading a lot of children's dragon books these past few months and this one has one of the most unique illustrations of them all. Dramatic colours and impressive dragons, written in a traditional folklore style, a boy who is afraid of dragons paints them to try to conquer his fears, without realizing the dragons noticed his work and were so flattered they wanted to honour him with gifts, gifts that will truly help him face his fears and love the dragons he draws.