GARDEN OF THE PURPLE DRAGON
by Carole Wilkinson
Hyperion Paperbacks for Children
Hardcover: 9781423103387
Paperback: 9781423103394
Ages 8-12
384 pages

Being an Imperial Dragon Keeper is considered a prestigious occupation, but it’s not a glamorous one. There is hard work involved, which is further complicated when taking care of a baby dragon as well --- not to mention being on the run from the Imperial guards, after allegedly stealing the last known Imperial Dragon.

This wasn’t the life that former slave girl Ping could ever have imagined living, after escaping from Huangling Palace with her loyal pet rat, Hua, and the wise Danzi --- especially when she was left behind to care for Danzi’s son, Kai, when the ailing dragon accompanied by the peculiar rat traveled to the fabled Isle of Blest.

For the past few months, Ping and Kai have been living in the secluded region of Tai Shan near the ocean. As much as she cares for the young dragon, Ping is lonely and misses her old companions, including her friendship with Liu Che.

Hua unexpectedly returns, but the joyous relief that Ping feels vanishes when Ping’s goat is found dead. The necromancer resurfaces, and Ping fears for her and Kai’s safety. Next, Ping is discovered by the Imperial guards, who accuse her of being a sorceress. They travel to the Ming Yang Lodge, where, to her surprise, there have been many changes. Liu Che is now Emperor and has appointed a Longevity Council. Ping hopes to renew her friendship with the Emperor but is met with indifference. However, it is the cheerful Imperial Magician, Dong Fang Suo, who shows the most interest in her interaction with Danzi, and then later Kai, when Ping is no longer able to secretly care for the young dragon who disguised himself as a soup ladle by shape-shifting.

The Emperor is thrilled that there is another Imperial Dragon. Soon, Kai is living a life of luxury, though Ping is treated not much better than when she stayed at the lodge before. The young dragon is a delight to the Emperor while also being a little menace to the staff, including the Dragon Attendant, who Kai refers to as “Saggypants.”

Meanwhile, Ping hopes to gain more knowledge about her role as dragon keeper, but the Emperor seems more concerned with his meetings with the Longevity Council than helping her. To make matters worse, Ping doesn’t know how to read or write, skills that have always been important to her. Fortunately, the Emperor’s sister, Princess Yangxin, offers to tutor her. Ping befriends the Princess, who has had her own life of seclusion after leaving her unhappy, arranged marriage to a much older political rival. Unluckily, Ping’s lessons and friendship are put in jeopardy when Hua makes a surprise appearance one afternoon.

Along with the Emperor’s apparent ill health, due to the bizarre regiment prescribed by the ministers, Ping feels uneasy about the current living situation and is worried that the necromancer won’t stop from collecting his “fortune.” She also wants to fulfill her promise to Danzi (who often visits Ping in her dreams) that his son will live the life of a free dragon. The Emperor’s desire to “live for a thousand years” and care for Kai when he gets older reminds Ping about her own future with the dragon, so she decides to try to find an apprentice (and her family), but her quest will be a dangerous one. However, the greatest peril that Ping and her companions face may be in the safest place of all.

Please note: While I was aware of some of the strange practices and beliefs in ancient Chinese culture, I was taken aback by a couple of particularly graphic scenes involving so-called “medicinal practices” during and after a shocking plot twist towards the end of the novel. They were effective in the villain/horror factor, but perhaps a little too much so. The ending is well worth reading, though, and hints at a possible follow-up.

GARDEN OF THE PURPLE DRAGON, the sequel to DRAGON KEEPER, continues Ping’s journey as she discovers her past and her true destiny. Dramatic adventure, humorous moments and emotional scenes keep the pages turning throughout.

    --- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

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