Ellie Awakens the Spirits of 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.
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.