The Truth About Dragons

June 1, 2023
A parent spins a bedtime story that takes a biracial child on a cross-cultural journey. Donning a cloak and sturdy boots, the protagonist enters a lush autumn forest, venturing past "mischievous hobgoblins" and "glowing will-o'-the-wisps." The pages are richly detailed, framed with decorative borders in a palette that is reminiscent of European fairy-tale illustrations with a touch of art nouveau. In a small thatched-roof cottage, the child encounters a White-presenting wise woman who describes dragons as "fearsome and fiery creatures" that hoard treasure and defeat knights. After learning this, the young adventurer slips into another forest, one with sumptuous, flowing ink illustrations in the style of traditional Chinese landscape paintings. Guided by the footprints of nine-tailed foxes and the advice of a white rabbit who lives on the moon, the child reaches the palace of a Chinese-presenting wise woman. In this realm, dragons are described as "majestic creatures of air and fire" who "rule in the skies and rivers" and control the rain. The Chinese-presenting parent ends the tale by noting that both worlds, though distinctly different, exist within the child and are open to be explored--and that "two wise grandmothers await / to share with you / their truth about dragons." The book feels a little message-heavy, but it's nevertheless a much-needed celebration of intergenerational storytelling and biracial identity. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A beautiful adventure about embracing both sides of one's heritage. (Picture book. 5-8)

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Starred review from September 1, 2023

Gr 1-2-Readers will lean in to hear of a mysterious journey into the deepest heart of two enchanted forests. Leung crafts a melodious tale of Eastern and Western cultural mythologies stirred together and overflowing in a warm celebration of love. Guided by his mother's bedtime storytelling, a young child begins a search, with help from his two wise grandmothers, to learn of a revelation surrounding the realms of two types of dragons: the ones that breathe fearsome fires of red and those that rule the clear azure skies and tranquil rivers. These two blended worlds ultimately open his heart to a greater understanding of his own integrity. Luminescent watercolors sweep across pages worthy of a pause, even as the lyrical text carries readers along in their eagerness to know more. Nonetheless, most will pause to soak in luscious watercolor illustrations in jewel tones of ruby, sapphire, gold, and emerald. The remarkable wording infused into spreads of dynamic colors makes this enchanting story a true gift in the world of children's literature. VERDICT A must-have book to place on every library shelf where literary pathways will open up young children's minds as they discover their own hidden truths.-Lyn Smith

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 18, 2023
Grades K-3 At bedtime, a Chinese-presenting parent tells a story to a young child about "a most precious secret about a powerful magic that lives inside you." To help the child understand this meaning, the parent weaves a tale transporting the child to a forest with hobgoblins, glowing will-o'-the-wisps, and a cottage. There, a wise woman tells the child one truth about dragons that is captured by ornate illustrations evocative of European fairy tales. The parent's story then takes the child on another journey, where there is towering green bamboo, jagged mountaintops, nine-tailed foxes, and a white rabbit who lives on the moon. In an airy palace, the child encounters a Chinese-presenting wise woman, who describes another truth about dragons. On these pages, the colorful artwork incorporates Asian architecture, decor, garments, and other cultural details. The parent ends by reaffirming to the child that they can take both journeys and discover both worlds. The child is reminded of their two wise grandmothers, who await to share truths about dragons. A beautifully illustrated celebration of biracial identity.

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