Guardians of the New Moon: The Year of the OX By Eric Huang Book 3
Illustration by Phung Nguyen Quang
Paperback published by little Tiger 3rd July 2025
ISBN 9781788957564
For age 6-9
It’s almost time for the Year of the Ox! Ming and Miaow are busy helping their ox friend Xiao Niihau get ready to kick off the festivities with a dance performance to wow the crowds. But when Xiao Nioh’s father Lord Chiyou makes clear his disapproval, the trio find themselves sent on a quest to save a village from a fearsome beast. Xiao Nioh is worried. He can’t fight a monster he’s a dancer, not a warrior like his dad! On their adventure, can the Guardians help their friend prove himself to his father while staying true to himself, or is the Year of the Ox ruined before it’s even had a chance to start?
MY REVIEW
I am delighted to give a big shout out for the Guardians of the New Moon series, written by the amazing author Eric Huang. I have read book 1: Guardians of the New Moon Ming and Miaow’s Great Race. Book 2: Guardians of the Moon the Year of the Rat. With sheer delight I now read the new book in the series book 3, Guardians of the New Moon The Year of the Ox. I loved doing ballet classes when I was a little girl, so I absolutely loved this book, and I’m sure all young girls that like dancing will connect with book 3. All boys that love dragons and Warriors, will adore this series. Xiao Nioh a big Ox, doesn’t want to follow the ancient family tradition to be a Warrior. Xiao Nioh, loves dancing, and gets the chance to dance for Jade Emperor. Xiao Nioh is nervous dancing in front of his father and Jade Emperor, but Ming and Miaow the temple cat, helps Xiao Nioh, prepare to dance giving their encouraging words of advice. We follow Xiao Nioh, When she is sent on a journey that will take three nights and four days, along with Ming, and Miaow. Will Xiao Nioh get to dance for the Year of the Ox opening party? All three books in the series are so much fun with beautiful illustrations, created Phung Nguyen Quang, and further more this series in bright colours will look fantastic on children’s books shelf shelves.
About author Eric Huang
Eric Huang has always been fascinated by legends and lore. As a boy, he was determined to find real-life dragons, so he studied palaeontology at university. Reality didn’t live up to his Jurassic Park dreams, though he found himself working as a secretary at Disney Publishing, launching a career in children’s books. Eric lives in London with his boyfriend Brian and cat McNulty. He’s a podcaster, writer, and lecturer at City University of London’s Masters in Publishing programme. https://www.instagram.com/erichuangbooks
About Illustrator Phung Nguyen Quang
Phung Nguyen Quang is an illustrator picture book author based in Saigon, Vietnam. He creates his stunning artwork using a mix of watercolour, acrylic and digital. His works are inspired by the folk culture of Vietnam and Asia. https://www.instagram.com/phung.nguyenquang
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