Unlikely Friendships, Dragons, and Life Lessons: A Dive into Dragon on the Loose with Marty Chan

At Teachers on Call, we’re thrilled to kick off this edition of Hooked on Books series with a journey into the fantastical world of Marty Chan’s Dragon on the Loose. Recently nominated for the 2025 Silver Birch Express Award® by Forest of Reading, this charming book invites readers in grades 3-4 to explore the magic of unexpected friendships and the chaos that comes with having a dragon in your backyard. In this exclusive interview, Marty Chan gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his whimsical tale, sharing the inspiration behind his lovable, troublemaking dragon and the valuable life lessons that unfold. Whether you're a fan of mythical creatures or just in the mood for an adventure-filled laugh, Marty’s insights will leave you eager to dive into this imaginative story.

With a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of magic, Marty discusses the inspiration behind the story, the lovable dragon and the valuable life lessons woven throughout the book. Whether you’re a fan of mythical creatures or simply enjoy a good laugh, Marty’s perspective on creating this delightful tale is sure to captivate readers of all ages. Dragon on the Loose was illustrated by Grace Chen and published by Orca Book Publishers.

Inspire a Year-Round Reading Habit with the Forest of Reading Program

Looking to cultivate a lifelong love of reading in your child? The Forest of Reading program offers the perfect opportunity to do just that! As Canada’s largest reading initiative, it’s a favourite among parents who want to keep their kids engaged in books throughout the year. Managed by the Ontario Library Association, this program highlights the best works from Canadian authors, illustrators, and publishers. The excitement peaks at the annual Forest of Reading Festival, a lively two-day event where the winners are announced. In our Hooked on Books series, the Teachers on Call in-person and online tutoring team, is excited to introduce some of the standout nominees for 2025—keep an eye out for more updates!

About the Author: Marty Chan

Marty Chan is an Edmonton-based award-winning author, playwright, and storyteller known for his engaging works for children and young adults. With a career spanning over two decades, he has written numerous books, plays, and screenplays, blending humor, adventure, and cultural themes. Marty’s work often draws from his own experiences as a Chinese-Canadian, offering young readers a fresh perspective on identity, belonging, and the power of imagination. His storytelling skills and passion for inspiring creativity make him a beloved figure in the literary world. When he’s not writing, Marty enjoys engaging with audiences through workshops and speaking events.

About the Illustrator: Grace Chen

Grace Chen is a skilled Chinese-Canadian artist from the Greater Toronto Area whose vibrant and emotive work combines traditional techniques with a modern aesthetic. She received an Honours Bachelor of Illustration from Sheridan College. Grace creates compelling visual narratives throughout Dragon on the Loose that explore themes of nature, identity, and emotion.

Hooked on Books Interview with Marty Chan

Where is your favourite local spot to write or get inspired in Edmonton?

Whenever I feel the need to recharge my creative batteries, I go for a walk along Edmonton’s river valley (11037 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2W3). My house is a block from a set of stairs leading into the valley. I usually walk for about an hour and a half while mulling over notes on a manuscript or dreaming up a new story to write. If a great idea strikes me, I will run home before I forget it. To be fair, if I’m craving a doughnut, I’ll also run home.

Do you have any advice for young aspiring writers who might want to create their own adventures or fantasy stories like Dragon on the Loose?

Finish your first draft as fast as possible before the second guesser on your shoulder starts whispering in your ear. I can’t count the number of story ideas I abandoned a story because I listened to my inner doubt. When creating fantasy, it’s essential to have the freedom to explore and play. That’s how you come up with the kind of ideas that readers go, “Whoa! How did you come up with that?” The minute you start second-guessing yourself during the first draft process is the minute your creative spark dies.

Your book has elements of humour, adventure, and a little bit of magic. How do you balance these different genres, and why do you think they resonate so well with young readers?

Everything comes down to character. Characters have to seem real and three-dimensional. If the elements of comedy and adventure help to reveal who my characters are, they stay in the draft. If the elements exist only for my ego and entertainment, they are usually the first thing my editor tells me to cut. Everything you add to a story has to serve the character and their story in some way; otherwise, it’s just showboating.

There’s often a sense of responsibility that comes with having power—whether it’s the dragon’s abilities or the characters’ actions. What do you hope young readers learn about responsibility and decision-making from the book?

Life is all about decisions. Even as a kid, I remember having to make decisions: “Who do I talk to in class? Should I answer the teacher’s question or do I look down at my desk and hope they pick someone else?” Good or bad, I don’t think we should ever shy away from taking responsibility for our decisions. They shape who we are.

Writing for young readers can sometimes involve walking a fine line between entertaining and educating. How do you approach this balance in Dragon on the Loose, and what do you hope kids will take away after finishing the book?

I never deliberately set out to teach a lesson with my stories, but I think about the themes I want to illustrate. Showing is better than telling, which is how I balance entertainment and education. I hope the readers will see how Hailey and Kyle showed compassion to Zhu and use this as their guide when they meet people from other cultures.

How do you think Dragon on the Loose could be used in the classroom to help teachers engage students with important lessons about culture, teamwork, or problem-solving? Are there specific activities or discussion topics you’d recommend to help students connect with the book on a deeper level?

I hope that some of the tidbits about the Chinese gate and the symbols of good fortune will make the kids curious about customs and symbols in other cultures. I want kids to discuss why people living in Chinatown would care about these symbols. How do new immigrants’ lives compare to those born in a country? What are the similarities? What are the differences? And do the differences impact how we relate to other people? It would be interesting for older students to explore how Chinatowns formed in North America and the struggle for these areas to survive.

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Thanks for joining us for this edition of Hooked on Books! We hope it sparked your curiosity and inspired you to explore Dragon on the Loose with the young readers in your life. Be sure to check back for more exciting interviews, book recommendations, and teaching tips in our series. Our online and in-person team of English tutors understand the importance of reading and writing in shaping the minds of students - find ways to encourage the children in your life to write creatively. 

We’ll continue to highlight great reads, including more 2025 Forest of Reading nominees, to help keep kids engaged and excited about the world of books. Miss our previous interviews? Catch up with Hooked on Books featuring Hooked on Books: Ghost Girl by Brooke Carter – Unveil the Mystery, Embrace the Chill.