Powerful Like a Dragon
Powerful Like a Dragon by Christopher Cheng is a poignant picture book published by Roaring Brook Press on April 15, 2025. This 40-page edition, presented in English, tells the true story of a family’s quest for safety amid the turmoil of war, highlighting the resilience of children in challenging circumstances.
In this narrative, young Shu Lok embarks on a journey with his cousins, seeking refuge from the war that suddenly disrupts their lives. As they traverse treacherous landscapes and endure hardships, Shu Lok learns that his identity is not defined by conflict. The story emphasizes themes of strength, resilience, and kindness, encouraging readers to find their inner power, symbolized by the dragon. Accompanied by stunning illustrations from Jacqueline Tam, Powerful Like a Dragon offers an insightful glimpse into a child’s experience during the Imperial Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941.
Official synopsis Publisher
In this life-affirming picture book, acclaimed author Christopher Cheng weaves the true story of his family’s search for safety in the midst of war, demonstrating the strength of children in the face of the impossible.
Young Shu Lok didn’t know there was a war until it appeared on his doorstep.
Overnight, everything changes. His parents send him away, tucking him into a basket alongside his cousins to be carried to safety.
They travel in search of a place the war does not reach, over cloud-wreathed clifftops, and through cold, hungry nights where a rocky bed and cold bean curd cake are all that await him.
But Shu Lok comes to find that war does not define him. He remembers his parents’ words: be powerful like a dragon. Even if food and comfort are scarce, strength, resilience, and kindness can always be found. Even in the harshest times, dragons can learn to fly.
Based on author Christopher Cheng’s true family story and with breathtaking, sweeping illustrations by Jacqueline Tam, Powerful Like a Dragon is an honest and heartfelt invitation into one child’s experience during the Imperial Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941.
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