An American Library Association's Notable Children's Books of 1982, this story weaves a fantasy quest with elements of Chinese mythology.

Princess Shimmer is a dragon without a home after Civet, a sorceress, imprisoned Shimmer's sea home in a jewel. Shimmer is on a quest to get it back and to restore her home to its former glory. While tracking Civet, Shimmer meets up with Thorn, a young boy, and the two become friends as they both seek to right Civet's past theft.