Long Goes to Dragon School

$18.99

Written by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Mae Besom

Wrapped in Eastern and Western dragon lore, this fantasy tale celebrates perseverance, cultural inclusion, and self-discovery.
It’s the first day of Dragon School, where all the young dragons must learn how to harness their fire-breathing skills. Today’s lesson? Using it to cook food! All the dragons are excited to test their powers . . . except Long. Long is from the East and can only breathe out water. No matter how hard he huffs and puffs, he isn’t sure he can match his fire-breathing classmates. But will his talents be discovered? Or will Long find his own unique path to cooking-and to fitting in?
From TOFU TAKES TIME author Helen H. Wu and New York Times bestselling illustrator Mae Besom (WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?) comes a gorgeously illustrated and stirring tale around self-discovery.

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Details:

  • Format: Jacketed Hardcover
  • Pages: 36
  • Size: 10.6 X 10.6
  • Price: $18.99
  • Age Range: 4-7 years
  • Publication Date: March 21, 2023
  • ISBN: 9781953458506

Reviews

“A witty and charming book conveys a message of inclusion and diversity in the most delightful way possible.” –Eric Fan, The Fan Brothers, creators of The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky

“Children, and especially those from minority cultures, will find encouragement in this endearing tale of a young dragon learning to love his unique gifts.” –Livia Blackburne, New York Times bestselling author of I Dream of Popo

“Everyone has unique gifts to share. This delightful story’s message, will provide young children with an opportunity to see themselves in the main dragon character, Long… Celebrating cultural differences are a highlight of this must read for parents, teachers and anyone interested in cultivating an environment of acceptance and understanding. The soft watercolor Illustrations by Mae Besom are beautifully created and detailed, sure to draw the reader through multiple readings.” –Deb Adamson, author of I Miss Your Sunny Smile and Thankful Thanksgiving

What to Expect:

• NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ILLUSTRATOR, MAE BESOM: Award-winning illustrator Mae Besom uses traditional media to deliver striking illustrations that will captivate readers and leave them poring over every detail. A simultaneously fresh but classic imagining of Eastern and Western dragons.

• INSPIRED BY THE AUTHOR’S OWN EXPERIENCE: Helen H. Wu is a first-generation immigrant born and raised in China, who later moved to study and work in the US. The cultural similarities and differences helped inspire this story of two dragon worlds coming together within this school.

• LEARN MORE ABOUT CHINESE DRAGON LORE: With a rapidly increasing pop culture references to Asian dragon mythology, this picture book will help meet the growing demands of this interest and help explain the differences between Western and Eastern representation of dragons.

• A TALE OF PERSEVERANCE: There are great social emotional learning components here, especially centered around perseverance, self-acceptance, growth mindset, and goal setting. While Long doesn’t fit in with the rest of the dragons, he persists with a growth mindset and accomplishes his goals—all while staying true to his unique talents.

• COOK ALONG WITH THE DRAGONS: Kids will get to see bits of the cooking process, as dragons toast marshmallows, roast popcorn, grill fish, and much more. A fun way to learn more about cooking!

Author Bio

Helen H. Wu is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as a translator and publisher. She is the author of TOFU TAKES TIME. Fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, Helen loves to share stories that can empower children to understand the world and our connections. Helen resides in San Diego, California, with her family and two kids. Find her at helenhwu.com

Mae Besom is an award-winning artist whose books include New York Times bestsellers WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? and WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A CHANCE?. Mae uses traditional media, pencil and watercolor to create texture and light within her enchanting illustrations. Mae lives in Chongqing, China.

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