“Using a palette of greens, oranges, and golds, Santat depicts the two creatures as larger-than-life cartoons with humorously expressive features. Every page is packed with color and action. This simple but entertaining tale will be a pleasure to read aloud. A funny premise, executed with verve.” —Kirkus Review
“Caldecott Medalist Santat’s signature-style art brings Cheng’s dynamic friendship to life in this rollicking read aloud about two folkloric friends learning their own limits—and each other’s.”
—Publishers Weekly
“[Santat’s] design styling is especially suited for the grandeur of the mythical pals. 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 timeare the best prescriptions.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“The text is simple and has solid messaging on the importance of empathy and self-care. The author’s strategic and intentional avoidance of pronouns to foster inclusion is a nice touch. Santat’s mixed-media pencil, watercolor, and digital artwork is sumptuous and gloriously recognizable in its rich, dragon-scaled detail and color saturation. His skillful mastery of dramaticangle and shadow make him the ideal illustrator to animate these centuries-old mythical creatures and elevate the friendship tale into a mini-adventure that soars through the Chineselandscape.” —Booklist
★ “A unique and vibrant story sharing the yin and yang of Dragon and Phoenix. Santat provides vibrant, full-page drawings of Dragon and Phoenix that bring these two characters brilliantly to life. This picture book is a perfect model of text and illustrations coming together to produce a stunning final product for children. Highly recommended..” —School Library Journal, starred review
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