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Ellie Awakens the Spirits of the Tam Kung Temple

A Dual Language English–French Story Preserving Chinese Canadian History for the Next Generation by Lori Wong & Ashton Louie

A beautifully illustrated children’s book created for the 150th anniversary of Victoria’s Tam Kung Temple — Canada’s oldest Chinese temple and a designated National Historic Site. Funded by the Government of Canada, this story helps young readers explore migration, resilience, and belonging

At a Glance

  • Dual-language English–French children’s book
     
  • Celebrates the 150th anniversary of Tam Kung Temple in Victoria’s Chinatown
     
  • Created with the Yen Wo Society, guardians of the temple
     
  • Supported by the Government of Canada


Request a Copy | Download Educators Guide



Who This Book Is For

Educators & Schools


  • Supports French immersion and core French with dual-language text
  • Fits units on immigration, Canadian history, multiculturalism, and identity
  • Includes a visual timeline of Tam Kung Temple and Chinese immigration to Canada
  • Inspires discussion, reflection, and creative projects
     

Donors, Funders & Temple Supporters


  • A tangible way to support the preservation of Tam Kung Temple’s stories
  • Ideal for donating sets to schools, libraries, and community programs
  • Backed by Government of Canada funding and National Historic Site designation
  • Clear impact: every copy placed with a child keeps this history alive

About the Story

Ellie is exploring Victoria’s historic Chinatown when a mysterious red door catches her eye. Stepping through, she is drawn into the living spirit of the Tam Kung Temple, where stories of sailors, gold seekers, railroad workers, merchants, and families unfold around her.


Through Ellie’s eyes, readers:


  • Feel the sights and emotions of early Chinese immigrants
     
  • See how the temple offered solace, reflection, and community
     
  • Understand how traditions and spirituality helped people endure discrimination and separation
     

Each page presents English at the top and French at the bottom, allowing the story to be read in either language or both.


Cultural & Community Impact

Developed with the Yen Wo Society, guardians of Tam Kung Temple since the early 1900s, the book commemorates:


  • 150 years of Tam Kung Temple in Victoria
  • Its designation as a National Historic Site of Canada
  • The contributions of Chinese workers, families, and leaders in building Victoria and Canada


Placing this book in classrooms, libraries, and homes helps:


  • Amplify Chinese-Canadian voices and stories
  • Encourage intergenerational conversations about identity and history
  • Strengthen support for preserving Victoria’s Chinatown and its sacred spaces

About the Creators

Lori Wong – Author

Lori Wong is a retired teacher, researcher, and temple and family historian based in North Vancouver. Born and raised in Victoria, she grew up with the stories and traditions of the Chinese-Canadian community that shaped this book. As the great-granddaughter of Ngai Sze, she blends family memories with historical knowledge to make cultural stories accessible for young readers.

Ashton Louie – Author & Illustrator

Ashton Louie is a writer, illustrator, and designer from Victoria who spent much of her childhood in Chinatown’s shops and restaurants. With training in graphic design, early childhood education, and content writing, she creates vivid, expressive illustrations that resonate with children and adults. As the great-great-granddaughter of Ngai Sze, she continues her family’s legacy of storytelling and cultural preservation.

Praise & Reviews

From the President of the Yen Wo Society

From the President of the Yen Wo Society

From the President of the Yen Wo Society

This book is a beautiful tribute to the early Chinese immigrants who built our community, told in a way children will return to again and again.


— Nora Butz, President of the Yen Wo Society

Educator & Reviewer Praise

From the President of the Yen Wo Society

From the President of the Yen Wo Society

I find this book to be a perfect combination of content and writing style for both English and French immersion


— Ingrid Veilleux, Educator & Book Reviewer

Frequently Asked Questions

For review copies, bulk purchases, donations, or media inquiries:


Email

  • General and bulk orders, media and partnerships: loriwong@yenwosociety.com 


For Educators & Schools


  • Request copies for your school library and classrooms
  • Ask about author classroom readings, talks or heritage presentations


For Donors & Funders


  • Explore sponsorship of book placements in schools, libraries, and community programs
  • Discuss partnering on future print runs or translations



  • Title: Ellie Awakens the Spirits of the Tam Kung Temple / Ellie réveille les esprits du temple Tam Kung
  • Authors: Lori Wong & Ashton Louie
  • Format: Full-colour hardcover
  • Language: English & French (dual-language on each page 
  • Edition: First Edition, 2025
  • ISBN: 978-1-069668-0-2
  • Publisher: Yen Wo Society, Victoria, BC
  • Funding: Supported by the Government of Canada
  • Genre: Historical Fiction / Children’s Literature / Cultural Heritage


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