Music is often called the universal language, and in the charming new children's book, The Musical Dragon: The dragon that wanted to join the band, music plays an important role. When a dragon comes to San Francisco's Chinatown from China just before the Chinese New Year, he hears that a swan has learned to play the trumpet. The dragon tries to play the trumpet too, but each time he plays a tune, disaster strikes. Although a dragon is considered good luck in Asian myths, this dragon is not having any luck at all playing music The friendly dragon master brings in a band to help solve the problem. Will the band be able to make beautiful music with the dragon? Find out if this musically challenged dragon is really The Musical Dragon. A retired teacher now living in Tehachapi, California, author Richard Oldenburg graduated from Van Nuys High School, whose famous graduates include Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell and Robert Redford. Inspired by his wife of 26 years and his grandchildren, he writes "to observe children smile as the story unfolds." His next book is an update of The Three Little Pigs. Illustrator Samantha Cerney has loved art ever since a crayon was put in her hand (she now prefers oil paints and pen and ink.) She is a graduate of the Art Institute of San Diego and illustrates children's books and teaches youngsters how to be creative and imaginative in their own artistic pursuits. Samantha is inspired by her family, her faith, and children who show a willingness to learn.