THE DRAGON'S PEARL Julie Lawson. Illustrated by Paul Morin . Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press, 1992. 32pp., galley, $17.95. ISBN 0-19-540843. CIP. Subject Headings: Pearls-Fiction. Dragons-Fiction. China-Fiction. Kindergarten-grade 3 / Ages 5-8 Reviewed by Norma Charles. Volume 20 Number 5 1992 October Xiao Sheng was a boy who toiled, gathering grass from dawn to dusk every day, earning just enough to feed himself and his mother. However, he was a goodnatured boy who loved to sing. One day his whole life changed when he found a magic pearl, a pearl whose magic included transforming him into a mighty Chinese dragon, provider of the long-awaited rains. This beautifully told traditional Chinese folk-tale is magnificently illustrated by Paul Morin's wonderfully textured paintings in earth tones of golds, greens and browns, which enhance the exotic mood of the story. The recent travels of the author and illustrator to China provide this book with a feeling of authenticity, both in the rich language and in the depiction of Chinese landscapes and characters. The book includes an informative page about Chinese dragons, which, unlike those fierce beasts of European mythology, are benevolent creatures, providers of precious rains necessary for successful crops. Highly recommended for purchase for all libraries. Norma Charles is a teacher - librarian at Henderson Annex School in Vancouver, British Columbia.