Enjoy two read-a-loud new children’s picture books; Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn, and When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling.
Join us in our kids drawing activity and bring a drawing of your grandparent to share!
Featured Books (click on the hyperlinked titles to purchase your copy!)
Wishes is a new children’s book by New York Times bestselling author Mượn Thị Văn , illustrated by Victo Ngai, published by Scholastic Books May 2021. This is an arresting, poetic journey about one Vietnamese family’s search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that it makes on the littlest member of the family. Inspired by actual events in the author’s life, this is a moving reflection on immigration, family, and home. A beautifully illustrated poem becomes a harrowing refugee flight from home into dangerous ocean waters and an unknown destiny.
WHEN LOLA VISITS is written by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Aaron Asis and published by HarperCollins May 2021. For one young girl, summer is the season of no school, of days spent at the pool, of picking golden limes off the trees. But summer doesn’t start until her lola—her grandmother from the Philippines—comes for her annual visit. Summer is special. For her lola fills the house with the aroma of mango jam, funny stories of baking mishaps, and her quiet sweet singing in Tagalog. And in turn, her granddaughter brings Lola to the beach, to view fireworks at the park, and to catch fish at their lake. When Lola comes, the whole family gathers to cook and eat and share in their happiness of another season spent together. Yet as summer transitions to fall, her lola must return home—but not without a surprise for her granddaughter to preserve their special summer a bit longer.
This event is presented in partnership by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and Eastwind Books of Berkeley. It is FREE and donations are greatly appreciated. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
