Long Goes to Dragon School

by Helen H. Wu, Mae Besom (Illustrator)

Overview

★ Children's Favorite 2024 Winner

★ Librarian's Favorite 2024 Winner

★ Northern Lights Book Awards Winner 2023

★ National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist 2023

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781953458506
Publisher:	Yeehoo Press
Publication date:	03/21/2023
Pages:	36
Sales rank:	220,158
Product dimensions:	10.70(w) x 10.70(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD550L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

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, illustrated by Julie Jarema (Beaming Books, 2022) and Long Goes To Dragon School, illustrated by Mae Besom (Yeehoo Press, 2023). Helen is the Publisher of Yeehoo Press, an independent children’s book publisher based in San Diego, California. Being fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, Helen loves to share stories that empower children to understand the world and our connections. Born and raised in Hefei, China, Helen moved to the US in her 20s. Currently, she resides in sunny Southern California, with her family and two kids.

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.

Editorial Reviews

"A story of diversity and inclusion." –Kirkus Reviews 

“Long learns perseverance and self-acceptance, while his class learns a valuable lesson on cultural differences.” –Booklist

“An insightful picture book in which a young dragon with unique abilities struggles to fit in." –Foreword Reviews

"An entertaining and instructive way to introduce readers to a growth mindset, inclusivity, and self-belief." –The Children's Book Review

"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

"A witty and charming book that 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

"Dragons from both the East and the West come together in a swirl of colors and discover their very own talents in a delightful way." –Bookworm for Kids

From the Publisher

2023-01-05
Wu offers a picture book about dragons that tells a story of diversity and inclusion.

Long, a young dragon, is excited to begin Dragon School, but he worries: “Where I’m from, everyone breathes out water, not fire.” In class, each student tries to cook a potato after a spectacular, fiery demonstration by Professor McKay. Long knows he can’t generate flames, so he unsuccessfully pretends to do so. “ ‘You’ll find your own path,’ Professor McKay tells the class.” Long “concentrates. He meditates. He resorts to experimental methods.” However, nothing works. As other dragons use their unique skills to successfully cook their assigned foods, Long tearfully admits to his teacher that he can’t breathe fire, only water. Professor McKay guides the youngster to use his water to cook a pumpkin; soon, it’s “perfectly steamed.” Together the class prepares a wonderful picnic. Wu weaves a positive message into a delightful story that will appeal to young readers. Using a dragon as the main character strengthens the overall message that everyone is different and has unique gifts to share. Besom’s appealing watercolor illustrations wonderfully complement the text, clearly representing the story’s events. From beginning to end, the images will likely enchant youngsters as they get to know Long’s world.

A beautifully illustrated tale with an affecting message.

Kirkus Reviews