The Lion Dancer and Others
The Lion Dancer
Author/Illustrators: Gina Wei / Gina Wei & Li Jiang
Status: Available (Released March 2026)
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 42 pages + cover
ISBN: 978-1-197-105900-6
Price: $17.99
Year: 2026 Publisher: Studio Pezzettino [US]
Purchase links: Amazon Publisher’s Website
In 2015, a forgotten chapter of American history was unearthed.
The Lion Dancer brings this hidden legacy to life through Ah Wing, a young immigrant who journeys from the grueling railroads of the West to the laundry factory of Belleville New, Jersey—the first major Chinese settlement on the East Coast.
While the broader social climate was shadowed by prejudice, the pioneers found a rare sanctuary in the kindness and acceptance of the local townspeople. Amidst these trials, Ah Wing and his peers find strength in the lion dance tradition, transforming hardship into a celebration of hope.
Richly illustrated and historically grounded, this moving tale honors the resilience of the Chinese pioneers and reminds us that dignity and joy belong to all who strive.
“Asian Americans and the broader society alike need more deeply affirming works like The Lion Dancer.”— Humanities China
“A moving and heartwarming story of struggle and triumph that will teach children (and children-at-heart) about Chinese American histories on the West and East coast.”— Lory Janelle Dance, Scholar in Ethnic Studies
“The Lion Dancer is a beautiful story of perseverance and the search for belonging! It’s a great book for home libraries and classrooms alike.” — Lisa Guill, Director of Communications, Asian Community & Cultural Center
Another book I contributed to is The Lives of Immigrants and Refugees. I contributed the cover art as well as one chapter. You can find more information about this book here,
The Lives of Immigrants and Refugees: Tales of Migration, Hope, Grief and Finding Home in Nebraska
Edited by Matthew F. Bokovoy, Lisa Guill, Michelle Carr Hassler, Joy Castro, and Emira Ibrahimpašic
Foreword by Leirion Gaylor Baird
Introduction by Julia Reilly
Published by Bison Books
As art director and publisher, I worked on Li Mu and the Dragon, a story about a female creator-hero from one of China’s matrilineal ethnic minority cultures. The book also includes many elements of local culture and folk art. Beyond shaping the content and visuals, I also took care of every part of the publishing process, from cover design to choosing the paper. Using my experience in visual storytelling, I helped author-illustrator Manmon shape the story so that readers from different cultural backgrounds could understand and connect with it.
LI MU and the Dragon
Author/Illustrator: Manmon
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 46 pages plus cover
ISBN: 978-971059-02-0
Price: $17.99
Heroine Legends from A Western Pacific Island.
Wielding mysterious powers, a young girl must confront a devastating dragon attack and a soul-defining choice: absolute destruction or a path to coexistence. Author-illustrator Manmon reimagines this ancient Li myth with breathtaking art and a resonance for our modern world.
A legendary struggle of courage, myth, and the strength to choose peace.
