Tanya Lloyd Kyi
grew up in Creston, B.C. She began her writing career as a high school poet, producing pages and pages of work that her mother loved and her best friend religiously archived (possibly for a future blackmailing scheme). The original edition of Canadian Girls Who Rocked the World was Tanya's first book for young readers. She has since published nine other titles, including Canadian Boys Who Rocked The World, which was short-listed for the Silver Birch Award by the Ontario Library Association. Tanya now lives in Vancouver, B.C.

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Udayana Lugo is a self-taught illustrator of mixed heritage. She is passionate about representation and tries to portray people of different backgrounds and abilities in her work. She works both traditionally and digitally, with a strong preference for watercolors and pencils. She has illustrated more than fifteen books, including the picture books When You Meet a Dragon and Jungle Cat, which was commended as a 2023 CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens. Udayana lives and works on the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of the Musqueam and Squamish Nations, also called Richmond, BC.

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“Like many outstanding picture books, this is more than a story about dragons. It is also about activism, the process of getting a community to work together. That element makes When You Meet a Dragon suitable for both younger and more mature audiences. Highly recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Plentiful white space in the digital artwork allows interested readers to recognize all members of the community (including pets and other animals) and the role they play while they work together to face a common problem.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

“Shows that a united community can tackle even the biggest, scariest problems…A good choice for read-aloud…[A] dynamically illustrated story about the power of community.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“In this parable, a tot discovers and implements activism…Teaches a worthwhile lesson in grit and teamwork.”

Kirkus Reviews

“[Shares] insights and appreciation for the importance of teamwork…This engaging dragon story also emphasizes how approaching issues or obstacles that might feel overwhelming with persistence and with a supportive group of allies can lead to positive outcomes.”

Booklist

“Action-packed, colorful illustrations serve as a powerful aid to teaching children what to do when they encounter ‘dragons’ in life…The message of community can be an encouragement. Parents and teachers could also find this a helpful mentor text for a study about dealing with challenges and classroom community.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)