A fun, richly illustrated story that explores the multilayered traditions of Loongs in Asian culture.
In Li’s picture book, a lucky Loong teaches kids the truth about his often-misunderstood kind.
A bright red Loong (the Chinese word for dragon) with pointy teeth and flowing blue whiskers wakes among a group of young children and their teacher. While all are confused as to how Loong traveled all the way from the East China Sea to an American classroom, the students quickly deduce that their spirited celebrations of the Lunar New Year must have summoned him to them (just as “the Christmas spirit makes Santa’s sleigh fly!”). When Loong mentions that he is beloved the world over, a girl points out that many stories paint dragons in a bad light. Loong then sets them straight, noting how dragons are considered lucky in China before mysteriously disappearing. In defense of Loongs, the kids write letters to the authors of evil dragon stories to correct the narrative. Li’s story, despite some stilted prose, does a superb job of weaving together cross-cultural references and providing information about Asian traditions in an entertaining way. The real standout, however, is Lin’s artwork; every page is awash in reds and oranges, with small pops of color (Loong’s purple eyes, a student’s lime green skirt) delighting the eye. (The images themselves are simple and vaguely reminiscent of the Schoolhouse Rock! TV shorts of the 1970s.) The compelling facts and captivating pictures make for a worthwhile read.
A fun, richly illustrated story that explores the multilayered traditions of Loongs in Asian culture.Pub Date: Jan. 23, 2026
ISBN: 9781968048051
Page Count: 33
Publisher: Comma Books
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Not enough tricks to make this a treat.
Another holiday title (How To Catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Elkerton, 2017) sticks to the popular series’ formula.
Rhyming four-line verses describe seven intrepid trick-or-treaters’ efforts to capture the witch haunting their Halloween. Rhyming roadblocks with toolbox is an acceptable stretch, but too often too many words or syllables in the lines throw off the cadence. Children familiar with earlier titles will recognize the traps set by the costume-clad kids—a pulley and box snare, a “Tunnel of Tricks.” Eventually they accept her invitation to “floss, bump, and boogie,” concluding “the dance party had hit the finale at last, / each dancing monster started to cheer! / There’s no doubt about it, we have to admit: / This witch threw the party of the year!” The kids are diverse, and their costumes are fanciful rather than scary—a unicorn, a dragon, a scarecrow, a red-haired child in a lab coat and bow tie, a wizard, and two space creatures. The monsters, goblins, ghosts, and jack-o'-lanterns, backgrounded by a turquoise and purple night sky, are sufficiently eerie. Still, there isn’t enough originality here to entice any but the most ardent fans of Halloween or the series. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Not enough tricks to make this a treat. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-72821-035-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: May 10, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.
Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)Pub Date: May 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
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