The Truth About Dragons

by Julie Leung, Hanna Cha (Illustrator)

An unforgettable lyrical picture book that celebrates biracial identity from the award-winning author of Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist.

Lean in close,
my darling bao bei,
and I will whisper
a most precious secret
about a powerful magic
that lives inside you.

Brought to life with lavish and ornate illustrations, The Truth About Dragons follows a young child on a journey guided by his mother's bedtime storytelling. He quests into two very different forests, as his two grandmothers help him discover two different, but equally enchanting, truths about dragons.

Eastern and Western mythologies coexist and enrich each other in this warm celebration of mixed cultural identity.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Dragons, Childrens, Family, Mythology, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2023

About the author

JULIE LEUNG is an award-winning author of numerous children’s books. Her picture book, The Truth About Dragons is a Caldecott Honor and winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. By day, she works in book publishing. She was raised in the sleepy suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, though it may be more accurate to say she grew up in Oz and came of age in Middle-earth.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I am a tiny bit conflicted regarding in particular Julie Leung's text for The Truth About Dragons (published in 2023 and a 2024 Caldecott Honour book for Hanna Cho's accompanying artwork). Sure, Leung's concept in The Truth About Dragons of the young bi-racial Asian and European main protagonist containing both Western and Eastern dragon and folk lore in his heart and in his soul is intriguingly delightful and that Julie Leung also textually points out with The Truth About Dragons how both dragon types and dragon traditions manifest not only differences but equally share similarities as well (for example, that both Eastern and Western dragons look reptilian, can fly and breathe fire, but that the former rule over the heavens and rivers, causing rain and floods whereas the latter usually tend to dwell underground, hoarding treasure and testing knights). However (and in my humble opinion), although Leung in The Truth About Dragons certainly does a lovely job describing and demonstrating (showing and telling) how both types of dragons, how both East and West reside and flourish inside of the young boy (inside of the bi-racial main protagonist), Julie Leung (well, at least for me) then does not really show how both traditions might mingle and form something new, but rather that each dragon culture is still rather separate (and that I for one would definitely want something much more combinatory and as such something entirely novel as an ending, but which The Truth About Dragons does not really show or rather does not yet present).

Now finally, albeit there are multiple both European and Asian folklore contents and thematics textually being used by Leung in The Truth About Dragons (and not just about and regarding dragons either), both my inner child and even more so adult I (but just to say that we have both and definitely hugely enjoyed this) find it somewhat lacking that there is not an author's note provided in The Truth About Dragons culturally and historically focusing on and analysing Eastern and Western folklore and dragon traditions, and that Julie Leung really should also be including in The Truth About Dragons a list of titles (of primary sources) both for research and equally so for simple enjoyment and entertainment. So three stars for what Leung verbally provides in The Truth About Dragons (as the story is very nice but for me could be better and that the absence of an author's note does personally hugely frustrate and annoy), but upped to four stars since Hanna Cha's artwork is absolutely visually delightful, does a totally wonderful aesthetic job both reflecting and also expanding on Leung's words and also leaves a nicely old-fashioned feel (and that we, that both my inner child and I as an adult with Cho's illustrations for The Truth About Dragons feel like we are indeed entering into folk and fairy tales and into a magical both European and Asian fantasy past).

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so gorgeous. I love that it talks about the differences between Western and Eastern dragons in folklore. While in Western stories they are meant to be defeated or are an obstacle, in Eastern folklore dragons are revered and lucky. Neither of these are seen as "wrong" - they are simply both part of the child's heritage as they learn about both sides of their family. I love how in the ending that the mother says both of these are in you and that's a beautiful thing. - there are two grandmothers who can help the child navigate both worlds.

Thank you to Edelweiss and Mcmillan Children's Publishing group for letting me read this early in exchange for an honest review.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth about dragons is that they live in caves and hoard gold and breathe fire. But the truth about dragons is also that they slither through the air and bring rain and hold pearls in their chins. How can both be true at once?

This beautiful story explores how two different cultures can exist simultaneously in one person. It's such a lovely way of putting it.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons exist in the legends and stories from cultures around the world, and these are often irreconcilably contradictory. So what happens when a young child has grandparents from different cultures telling them contradicting descriptions of dragons? Being of mixed race myself, it’s enormously gratifying to see two cultural beliefs accepted and taught, without needing to dismiss either one. This is a beautiful story and perfect for 2024 being a Year of the Dragon.

[Peoria Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature winner (Picture Book category).
2024 Caldecott Honor book.
-
Spencer rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.

[Book Buying With Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauuuuuutiful illustrations.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing magical illustrations! I love how both the eastern style and western style dragon are presented as equally magical and stirring the imagination. The borders of the pages even have such beautiful details. Love it!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

East meets west or is it west meets east in this story about how stories can have different versions (tales of dragons, fairy tales, etc.). Find out how there can be room in this world for more than one kind of story about dragons, witches, or other supernatural figures.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a huge dragon lover, this story is just a sweet and magical bedtime read where a boy is told a story by his mother about a journey to find a magical dragon 🐉. Everything from the mythology to the vibrant illustrations make Leung and Chu’s book a massive magical joy. A (100%/Outstanding)

[Cheryl]

Can't rate. I feel like I'm missing something. The art is lovely, but not amazing, in my personal opinion. The theme about 'celebrating biracial identity' is terrific. But the quests? I, myself, just don't quite get that 'frame' aspect of the story. The last page helps, but not enough. Still, I do recommend this, esp., of course, to families with a biracial child.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars ✨

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced audio copy of The Truth About Dragons, in exchange for an honest review.

Audio🎧 Narrator Review
5/5

My daughter and I listened to this together. It’s only about 6 minutes long since it’s a children’s book. It’s pretty deep for a kids book though, and my daughter found it hard to understand. I think it would have been better if we had the physical copy. It’s a story about how two different cultures can make up a person. How regardless of which one they choose, it’s ok because they both exist simultaneously inside you. Great narration - but honestly would rather read the physical copy. Would recommend having physical copy along with audio.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A double journey of discovery for the small boy being guided to find out about dragons. Aside from the awesome dragon adventure there is a gentle acknowledgement that this boy - and many other children as well - has both East and West in his heart and so can embody both truths. Lovely. Kids will love the detailed illustrations and the masterfully rendered dragons. Illustrations by Hanna Cha.

[Brenda Lower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved dragons, and this was such a wonderful blending of Eastern dragons and Western dragons. I love the symbolism, blending of families and cultures. Beautiful illustrations.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Catherine Ho for MacMillan Publishing. The soft music lends itself to perfectly complement Catherine’s voice. This would be an excellent bedtime or resting time book to help little ones relax while stimulating their imaginations as they drift away.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Julie Leung, and MacMillan Publishing for allowing me to listen to this audiobook and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.

[Trish Banda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the pictures especially how the illustrator made creative borders for the pages. I like that it share info about dragons from 2 different cultures. I like that it’s about being 2 ethnicities. This is not a story with a conflict, climax, and conclusion so thats where it falls flat for me.

Pictures 👍🏾👍🏾
Book about being multiracial 👍🏾
Storyline 👎🏾

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stunning illustrations.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning illustrations! Wonderful story too!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book that celebrates both Eastern and Western stories about dragons. A biracial child hears different tales from his white and Asian grandmothers, but both stories are held to be equally true. What a lovely way to celebrate biculturality and diversity.

The poetic text encourages audiences to carefully observe the illustrations and their natural surroundings. Said illustrations are soft, lush, and richly detailed.

A gem.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a creative idea--this book is a joy to look at.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Julie Leung, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley.

This is a really sweet story. It encourages children to honor the courage and limitless imagination that's easier to access with the young. This is really fun and a bit of an adventure. I encouraged my Grands to dress up and seek dragons around the house and in the yard. I let them use flashlights and deeply regret agreeing to that🤣 otherwise this a perfect to use with kids to encourage them to create their own adventures.

This audiobook is narrated by Catherine Ho. Her voice is perfect for this story, full of warmth, gentleness and kindness. This is a high quality audio production and has a music track played lightly in the background. The music doesn't at all distract from the story and instead works to make the story feel magical.

Thank you to Julie Leung, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

[Michelle Kenneth - PerfectionistWannabe.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I may have read this twice to Matthew (Maine Coon). I loved how this is an Asian American story describing how in one culture, dragons are reptilian and hoard gold in caves. In the other culture, dragons control the rain and waters and have a pearl.

Matthew, who was born in the Year of the Dragon, loves dragon stories. He's a Game of Thrones fan. He loves Sisu. Interestingly enough, of the two dragons he related to the most, it was the Chinese dragon he was intrigued with. It is possible he liked the Chinese dragon more because it looked like Sisu. 🤷‍♀️

We also celebrate the Asian dragon more in our home, not the European one. So that may play into it.

At any rate, since he was intrigued with the story both times and got really into it, this was 5 🐾 up for him.

[Jillian Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of us were told fairy tales as children. Stories that were about princes saving princesses from dragons. Dragons have played a part in a wide variety of children’s stories. "The Truth About Dragons", an Asian/Pacific Award winning book and Caldecott Honor medalist, tells the story of how eastern and western Asia mythology play a part in their culture. Cultural insider Julie Leung presents a story of a mother telling her son a bedtime story. In this story he has to go on adventures to hear wise women telling him the story of how dragons came to be, and how they work together in their world. Leung’s captivating story is truly brought to life with Hanna Cha’s illustrations. Cha uses traditional ink media to heighten the aspects of their culture. My favorite illustrations in this book are the double page spreads of the dragons. I feel like these spreads bring the characteristics of the dragons to life to the readers. In all, "The Truth About Dragons" is a great way to bring a new culture into your classroom. This book will definitely be added to my classroom read aloud list, and you are missing out if it isn’t on yours as well.

[Calyn Joy]

A mother tells her son a bedtime story about two very different cultures. She tells him about the dragons of the West. She tells him about a quest through a forest to find the lair of the gold-hoarding dragon and fight him. Then she tells him about the dragons of the East - about a journey to the mountains to hear the wisdom of the ancient dragon sage. She finishes by telling him that neither are false, and that both legends can exist together.
I really liked how this book shows that different cultures can mix to create something new.
The little boy in the book is biracial, and I think that this story would be wonderful for any biracial children who are worried that they don't belong to either culture. I don't know if that is a common issue, but I do know that there are a lot of biracial children in America. The book could also lead to interesting discussions about different cultural legends, and how cultures see things in radically different ways. It would be fun to play a story making game with it, where every child has to add an element from their culture to create a new fairytale.

[Brittany Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Truth about Dragon is on the surface a book about forests, dragons, and wise old women. Deeper between the lines is about a boy from two different types of cultures and backgrounds. The author depicts that the boy in the story gets to choose his journey because he does come from a multi-cultural household. The 2 worlds are compared with also cool and warm colors. The book's audience would speak to a lot of young readers that come from two different backgrounds now merged into one. The book could start a variety of conversation about what the reader notices between the 2 dragons and women. What could that mean for the boy in the story? How does this apply to him?

[Maria Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

• 2024 Caldecott Honor Book •

Beautiful illustrations depicting a child learning two different truths about dragons.

Materials used: “traditional ink drawings colored digitally”

Typeface used: unlisted

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first graders enjoyed the parallel stories, finding the similarities and differences between them, and choosing their favorite dragon. They loved the explanation of why our protag gets to have both truths, as did I! Beautiful story, beautiful art, and a timely share before Lunar New Year for a year of the dragon!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me tear up a little bit! Encouragement to honor your own heritage, in whatever form(s) it takes. The illustrations are pitch perfect!

[Richard Radgoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Emilie Kane Seferagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated. One person, mixed identities and cultures. The book shows how the western and eastern world coexist.
I will read to my son again when he’s older and can comprehend. Happy to have read it now even though he’s only 15 months old, not to mention it’s the year of the dragon 🐉

[Nathan Meier · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good presentation of two mythologies. I enjoyed how the art style was different on the two journeys, which I noticed most in the trees, rocks, and water.