1. 'Powerful Like a Dragon' by Christopher Cheng & Illustrated by Jacqeline Tam
This is a wonderful book that encourages readers in the face of attack. For the young this might mean being bullied, rejected, and emotionally attacked, usually with words. Tam encourages readers to be strong and encourage one another. Using words that bolster and build incentive to never give up. Never give in. In this story, it is in the face of the ravages and horrors of war.
One would think that stories centred around this theme would be a thing of the past and yet, the plight of refugees displaced by senseless conflicts remains a global concern to this day.
'Powerful Like a Dragon' is a compelling piece of storytelling based on award-winning author, Christopher Cheng’s real-life family history. Caught in the grips of invasion in the midst of World War II. Sadly, many of Cheng’s extended family made the life-saving decision to flee their homeland in Hong Kong and seek refuge in China.
The journey is long and treacherous with harsh weather conditions, arduous terrain and extreme shortages in food. Cheng’s two young uncles were never far from death. Indeed, they witnessed it every day. And yet, with the words of his parents resounding in every breath, Cheng’s uncle, Young Shu Lok remembers the power of the dragon.Jacqueline Tam’s illustrations elevate words and memories to another realm. This offers great support for the narrative. Its muted greys and beige tones belie hope, and accentuate the bleak forlorn nature of the situation of the peoples’ plight. They have little choice, except for one small boy.
Shu Lok wears a tunic of burnt yellow, a visual reminder that hope burns bright if one is careful to keep it from extinguishing. Despite the cramped conditions little Shu Lok is forced to endure in a basket, his hope springs to life one day in the form of a dragon.
The dragon is proud. Too proud to remain in the basket. The dragon is strong. Strong enough to endure and judge wisely. The dragon is also kind. Delivering kindness in the most unpleasant circumstances to others in need. Until one day, after following the flying dragons higher and higher into the mountain ranges, Shu Lok and his family find a temporary new home; safe from hunger and cold and invaders.
Powerful Like a Dragon reminds us all that some things are unchangeable but even in the midst of misfortune and misery, salvation can be found, resilience forged and peace attained. It is all a matter of perception and perseverance, like an all-powerful dragon.
2. 'One Day: A True Story of Courage and Survival in the Holocaust' Written by Michael Rosen & illustrated by Benjamin Phillips.
A poignant and ultimately uplifting picture book based on a true story of an escape from a convoy to Auschwitz.
“Get through one day and then on to the next. One day at a time. One day after another.”
Eugène Handschuh was a Jewish member of the Resistance in occupied Paris. He was captured by the Nazis, and placed on a convoy to Auschwitz. Survival in Auschwitz was rare, but against all the odds, with the help of strangers and members of the Resistance, Eugène and his father escaped a convoy they were on and survived. Sadly, few did survive.
Amazingly, Michael Rosen was inspired to tell this story when he discovered his father’s uncle and aunt were on the same convoy as Eugène, but sadly never returned. The book highlights the best of people while at the same time showing the very worst that occurred in WW2.
Benjamin Phillips powerful illustrations are stunning. He has been nominated for the 2026 Carnegie Medal for his illustrations in this book.
3. 'The Big Cheese' by Jory John & illustrated by Pete Oswald
"The Big Cheese" is used to being the best at everything in the village of Curdly. Whether it’s chess, high dives, or endurance, he always comes out on top—and he makes sure everyone knows it. But when a quiet, humble newcomer named Wedge wins the annual Cheese-Athlon, Big Cheese's world is turned upside down.
This story follows his journey from being a boastful winner to discovering that the "greatest" thing you can be is someone who knows how to have fun and be a friend. His first words are:
“I’m the big cheese. I’m the biggest. I’m the cheesiest. I’m the… well, you get the idea.”
Jory John offers us a book for young readers who will experience other children who see themselves as the "king pin" in any group. He tackles the topic of competitive ego in a way that is both funny and relatable for students. All of us have experienced others whose entire identities are wrapped up in their own "presence." The book offers a great way to tease issues of self-worth with children, and how they can be helped to deal with this.
The character of Wedge is a brilliant addition, serving as a perfect 'literary foil' to Big Cheese. While Big Cheese is loud, bold, and dominates every conversation, Wedge is quiet, shy, and keeps to himself. The author uses this stark contrast to emphasize Big Cheese’s imbalance; Wedge’s calm humility acts as a mirror that reflects Big Cheese’s exhausting need for constant validation. The turning point is "absolutely baffling" to Big Cheese, not just because he loses, but because he sees that Wedge doesn't need the spotlight
This well known rhyme and song/rhyme has been a favourite for little ones for many years. This latest effort by Carla Martel is a worthy addition to the previous publications. It will feel like other renditions, but she places her own stamp on the work, with a new take on this classic work.
By Jon Klassen
"This is your truck. It is yours to have".
Jon Klassen invites young children to consider more things that are theirs and theirs alone, reinforcing that they have a right to things like solitude, exploration, and companionship.
