Roar-Choo by Charlotte Cheng (review)

Reviewed by: Roar-Choo by Charlotte Cheng Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Cheng, Charlotte Roar-Choo!; illus. by Dan Santat. Rocky Pond/Penguin, 2024 40p Trade ed. ISBN 9780593531754 18. 99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593531761 10. 99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad 4-7 yrs "Dragons are fierce. Dragons are frightening, " and frankly, they're too busy with all the soaring and the roaring to take a break. This becomes a problem when one End Page 247 such scaly beast starts to get the sniffles, especially when the sneezes erupt in flames. Phoenix spots the danger and tries to soothe Dragon with a series of suggestions: a nap, ginger tea, a comfy blankie, bone broth soup, etc. , but Dragon is having none of it, even when a giant "CHOO!" sets a forest ablaze. When Phoenix starts to show symptoms and needs some rest, Dragon finally settles down to comfort the bird, and the two fall into a restful snooze. While Phoenix is clearly in the caretaker role, adults might relate more to Dragon's push to keep going, and kids might not see themselves in either creature. The story can get lost in the action of Santat's characteristically bold art, with vibrant colors muddying each other and muting the energy, but his design styling is especially suited for the grandeur of the mythical pals. Dragon dominates spreads with a whipping tail, giant claws, and terrifying, flaming roars, while Phoenix swoops through the pages, bright gold and red. The disruption of routine and general chaos that illness usually brings is easily relatable (especially in the wake of a global pandemic), and the sweet ending makes a useful reminder that sometimes acceptance, rest, and time are the best prescriptions. An author's note on the significance of the Dragon and the Phoenix in Chinese culture is included. Copyright © 2024 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois