Wu-lung and I-lung by M. LaVora Perry

Author M. LaVora Perry's WU-LUNG & I-LUNG is a children's story of a love
between a father and son that transcends death and transforms a community. The
book's futuristic illustrations by Norio Saneshige received the ADDY® Award from
the American Advertisers Federation.

WU-LUNG & I-LUNG is based on an ancient Chinese legend that Perry
discovered in the writings of the 13th century Japanese sage, Nichiren. The
story relays how, on his deathbed, master calligrapher, Wu-lung, asks his son,
I-lung, who is also skilled in calligraphy, to never write the Lotus Sutra
teaching. I-lung agrees, but is later forced by the ruler to break his promise.
I-lung is utterly guilt-ridden-believing he has betrayed his father's last
wish-until a surprise visitor brings him wonderful news.

WU-LUNG & I-LUNG is included in the collection of the Ohio Library
Association's Ohioana Library in Columbus.

CHINESE INFLUENCE
M. LaVora Perry first personally
encountered Chinese culture when she worked as a waitress for four years at Tina
Chinese restaurant in midtown Manhattan. While there she made friends with
co-workers from countries ranging from China to Haiti to Egypt to Bangladesh.
Her experience at the restaurant, coupled with research on Chinese culture and
history, helped shape her rendition of WU-LUNG & I-LUNG.

"The father and son story was a great comfort to me when my oldest brother
died in an accident." Perry says. "I hope my version of the tale helps children
who read it feel confident that the greatest gift they can give in memory of
loved ones they have lost is to be the best people they themselves can be."