Powerful Like a Dragon

Powerful Like a Dragon is a poignant and uplifting picture book based on author Christopher Cheng's family's true experiences during the Imperial Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941. It tells the story of young Shu Lok, who is sent away by his parents to find safety from the war. The narrative follows his challenging journey, marked by cold, hunger, and the absence of familiar comforts, as he travels with his cousins. The book beautifully explores themes of resilience, inner strength, and kindness, emphasizing that even in the face of immense hardship, children can find their power, much like a dragon learning to fly. It's an honest yet gentle introduction to a difficult historical period, focusing on the human spirit's ability to endure and thrive.

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.