Mr Singer used to be a happy man with a lovely wife who baked delicious cakes for their friends and neighbours but one day she was gone. The story doesn't say why or how and that's fine, but it does show the sense of loss and how Mr Singer became the sad, grumpy and bent old man who now lived in a run down grey house that was once so beautiful.

At first the neighbours rallied around to help him, bringing him meals, helping maintain his garden and most of all trying to keep the shiny happy dragons in the tree that borought joy to everyone. After seeing hm looking so sad and lonely a boy, one of his neighbours,  knocks on his door with a piece of paper, Mr Singer asks what it's for and he replied to fold into a dragon.  At first reluctant, he helps the boy when his fingers can't quite get it right and before long everything changes bringing back a spark of happiness.

This kind and thoughtful act sparks a long line of kindness from the neighbours who once again rally around. Mr Singer who now take better care of himself and his home, Dragon Hall and everyone enjoys seeing the dragons again while Mr Singer bakes them their favourite cake wen they come to visit.

Folding Dragons is a lovely, thoughtful story for ages 6 onwards from which will readers will gain an understanding of empathy and what a difference they can make.

The author

Christopher Cheng is an award-winning children’s fiction and non fiction author. He dwells in an inner-city Sydney terrace and presents to people of all ages at schools and festivals worldwide. He has a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and was a Literacy Ambassador for the Australian Federal Government. He is a member of the International Advisory Council for SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and an Ambassador for NCACL (the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature). His most recent picture book, Dragon Folding, is a tribute to his neighbours and godson who give so freely of their love and support.

The illustrator

Lucia Masciullo grew up in Livorno, Tuscany and now lives on the Gold Coast. She moved to Australia in 2007 and since then she has been happily working as an illustrator. She has illustrated more than 30 books, among which are the CBCA Honour Book and Prime Minister Award short-listed Come Down, Cat! by Sonya Hartnett,