Logan's Lantern by Lucy Tandon Copp

Logan has created a gorgeous little dragon lantern to carry in the Big Lantern Festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year. However, when he tries to leave his home, the little dragon is frightened of the dark and does not want to go. Logan also feels a bit scared but gathers his courage and takes the little dragon by the hand and goes firstly to the end of the street. There they see… ‘twinkling lights shimmered above their heads as flying fish swam through a river in the sky…’

They hear the sound of drums, so Logan suggests they walk a bit further and step by step they go carefully. They find leaping and twirling lion dancers full of energy. On they slowly go and see fireworks in the distance. They stop at the bridge and watch rockets whizzing and fountains fizzing. All the while the tightness of little dragon’s grip on Logan’s hand is gradually lessening. They enjoy sweet rice dumplings and then walk towards the moon where children are releasing their lanterns into the sky. Would Logan be able to let little dragon go?

Much of this richly expressive narrative is set against a night sky with vibrant illustrations that are colourful and appealing. The illustrator has cleverly created vignettes that float between every second or third page and draw the eye to Logan and the little dragon.

Logan's Lantern is a wonderful picture book to share with children when the Lunar New Year celebrations begin.

Themes: Luna New Year, Friendship, Courage, Dragons, Celebrations, Lantern Festival.

Kathryn Beilby