Powerful Like a Dragon masterfully written by Christopher Cheng and vividly brought to life through Jacqueline Tam’s breathtaking illustrations, draws from the author’s own personal family history. This powerful non-fiction narrative is set during the imperial Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941. It follows a young boy, Shu Lok, who embodies kindness, discipline, resilience, resourcefulness, strength and above all love during unimaginable adversity. Through the lens of one boy’s journey of displacement and survival, Cheng shares a poignant exploration of what it means to flee, endure loss, seek safety and find a new place to call home. This compelling story resonates with themes of shared humanity and shines a light on the enduring power of hope, courage, and love.
Shu Lok’s stoic parents shielded him from the harsh realities of war for as long as possible. When danger was imminent, they made the heartbreaking decision to send their young son away to try and ensure his safety. While they remained behind in the village, Shu Lok and his cousin were placed in a small basket, suspended from a bamboo pole carried by Ah Meng, a hired labourer. The boys endured the journey crammed into these baskets, with barely enough room to move, little food, and no comfort, and were carried for hundreds of miles into China. His father’s final words, “be powerful, like a dragon”, lingered in Shu Lok’s mind. Those words became a quiet source of strength, echoing in his thoughts as he faced the unknown.
This treacherous journey saw Shu Lok and his cousins eat sparingly; a cold fried bean curd cake was carefully divided into meagre portions. It was impossible to stave off hunger. There was no additional clothing for when the weather turned bitterly cold or for new shoes when the relentless journey caused Ah Meng’s shoes to surrender to the miles, the soles disintegrated by the sheer distance. In seemingly hopeless times, Shu Lok found strength in his father’s words, “be powerful like a dragon”.
These words became his compass, shaping his thoughts and guiding his actions. Amid the suffering and constant challenges, Shu Lok became a pillar of strength and comfort for his cousin and Ah Meng, showing physical and mental strength. He tended to Ah Meng’s wounded feet with scraps of cloth, and when the tantalizing scent of food from the hawkers wafted through the air, he remained resolute, knowing they could not afford to stop. Even when confronted by warlords, Shu Lok suppressed his fury, choosing instead to console his cousin and maintain a quiet dignity.
Jacqueline Tam’s stunning illustrations poignantly convey the heartache, tenderness, pain, tenacity and unwavering determination by Shu Lok, Ah Meng and his cousin throughout their journey. The sweeping double page spreads evoke the vastness of the landscape, offering readers a visceral sense of the journey’s scale and the passage of time, subtly marked by shifting seasons. The muted, limited colour palette mirrors the bleakness of their ordeal, while vivid bursts of colour in the depiction of the dragon, serve as a powerful symbol of hope.
Christopher Cheng includes detailed backmatter that offers readers a deeper understanding of his personal connection to the story. He was able to record his uncle’s recollection of his escape, which serves as the foundation for the story.
This book is a stunning example of how light and love can not only exist but shine amid a journey fraught with danger and uncertainty. Shu Lok’s tender heart, sharp intellect and fierce spirit are more remarkable given his young age. His strength and compassion remind readers of the profound impact that small, selfless acts of kindness can have. These moments ripple outward, offering hope and comfort in even the darkest of times.