But What Are You?

Summary

Cuong was born during the Vietnamese war and was transported in a cardboard box, by soldiers, to Australia where he was adopted. Other children objected to his exotic appearance, so different from that of his curly-haired, blue-eyed family, but his adopted family always reassured him and his brother stuck up for him against bullies. Through Cuong's eyes, children can learn about the pain of being different and the joy of being loved, by people who adopt, adore and stand up for him. Beautifully illustrated, this is a lesson to children about ‘difference' and what is really important. Barton Cuong Williams was adopted from Saigon, Vietnam in 1975 and raised in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia. He has represented Australia in water sports, graduated as a school teacher and has written an award-winning international fitness programme for primary school children, as well as other children's picture books.