Status
Available
Publication
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2018), Edition: Illustrated, 40 pages
Library's review
"The power of art takes center stage in this cleverly titled story of a Thai-speaking grandfather connecting to his assimilated American grandson.
The title page introduces readers to a sullen-faced Asian boy as he walks up to a door and rings the bell. After a traditional bow of greeting, the
Lê’s compelling storyline is propelled forward by Santat’s illustrations, each capturing both the universal longing to connect and the joy of sharing the creative process. (Picture book. 4-8)" www.kirkusreviews.com, A Kirkus Starred Review
The title page introduces readers to a sullen-faced Asian boy as he walks up to a door and rings the bell. After a traditional bow of greeting, the
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grandfather, dressed like Mr. Rogers in a white shirt and red sweater, wordlessly welcomes the grandson inside. In paneled artwork, the two unsuccessfully attempt conversation over dinner, with the grandfather speaking in Thai script and the boy speaking in English. Sitting in the uncomfortable silence that cultural divides create, the awkward boy finally walks away to doodle on paper. He draws a wizard with a wand and a conical red hat. Grandpa, recognizing this creative outlet, fetches a sketchbook and, surprisingly, draws his version of a wizard: a tightly detailed warrior clothed in traditional Thai ceremonial dress. The young boy is amazed, marveling that “we see each other for the first time.” The two begin a battle of imagination, wands and paintbrushes thrashing like swords. One draws in energetic colorful cartoons, the other with fierce black-and-white, precisely brushed drawings. Santat elevates their newfound shared passion into energetic, layered, and complex designs, separate and entwined at the same time. They clash with the dragon that divides them and build a new world together “that even words can’t describe.”Lê’s compelling storyline is propelled forward by Santat’s illustrations, each capturing both the universal longing to connect and the joy of sharing the creative process. (Picture book. 4-8)" www.kirkusreviews.com, A Kirkus Starred Review
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Awards
Georgia Children's Book Award (Finalist — Picturebook — 2021)
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book (Picture Books — 2018)
Monarch Award (Nominee — 2021)
Red Clover Book Award (Nominee — 2020)
Buckeye Children's & Teen Book Award (Nominee — Grades K-2 — 2019)
South Dakota Children's Book Awards (Nominee — 2021)
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (Winner — Picture Book — 2019)
California Young Reader Medal (Nominee — 2022)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Picture Books — 2020)
Colorado Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2020)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — Primary — 2021)
CLEL Bell Picture Book Award for Early Literacy (Nominee — 2019)
Three Stars Book Award (Nominee — Young Readers — 2020)
Anna Dewdney Read-Together Award (Honor Book — 2019)
Charlotte Huck Award (Recommended Book — 2019)
Star of the North Picture Book Award (Nominee — 2020)
Iowa Goldfinch Award (Nominee — 2021)
NPR: Books We Love (2018)
Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Book (Primary — 2019)
Great Reads from Great Places (Maryland — 2018)
Notable Children's Book (Younger Readers — 2019)
Nerdy Book Award (2018)
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Children's Books — 2018)
Picture This Recommendation List (Fiction — 2019)
El día de los niños / El día de los libros (K-2 — 2019)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Picture Books — 2018)
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
1484767608 / 9781484767603