In the picture book Roar-Choo! by Chinese/Taiwanese American author Charlotte Cheng and illustrated by award winning Thai American illustrator Dan Santat published by Rocky Pond Books, a dragon has trouble coming to terms that it too can suffer from a cold.
Cheng explains in the author’s note that the dragon and phoenix are symbolic of a married couple in Chinese mythology. This sets up the relational dynamic of a large green and orange dragon being fussed over by a striking red phoenix. The pair are never identified by name. Dan Santat uses every inch of the page filling it with striking details to show an intimidating dragon proclaiming its prowess “with a mighty ROOOOOAAAR…” This is immediately followed by a loud sneeze that shocks the nearby phoenix who immediately offers a soothing cup of orange ginger tea.
Thus a pattern is established in the energetic narrative. While the phoenix coaxes the dragon to rest, the dragon insists on showing off its skills soaring and diving before getting interrupted by another sneeze. Eventually you can see the dragon losing its battle as its proclamations are quickly upended by bigger sneezes. Eventually a subdued dragon finally listens to phoenix’s gentle proddings saying it is ok to rest. A comedic twist at the end has the pair switching roles as phoenix starts to sneeze and dragon gladly takes the role of caretaker.
The spare text is elevated by the dynamic illustrations and expressive portrayals of both characters, which is where the comedy really shines through. This is a fun read that would be great for a quick storytime with toddlers and younger elementary readers. It will not be surprising to find readers pouring over the illustrative details on their own.
