FICTION

Double Happiness

by Nancy Tupper LING
illus. by Alina Chau. 48p. Chronicle. Aug. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781452129181.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—This beautifully illustrated story in verse details the difficulties and discoveries involved in moving, as told through the experiences of a Chinese American family. Gracie and Jake are moving away from San Francisco and from their grandmother, aunt, and uncle. To help her grandchildren come to grips with this change, Nai Nai gives them each a happiness box to fill with four objects to help them go from their old to the new home. Each poem focuses on something small, like a stuffed panda, a eucalyptus leaf, or a new room, that adds new layers to Grace and Jake's stories. The poems, which are also titled in Chinese characters, detail the kids' physical and emotional journeys in simple but vivid language. The watercolor illustrations are soft but intensely colored, with eye-catching details.
VERDICT This is a relatable book about coping with a move that would make a great recommendation for relocating families with young children.
Reviewed by Marian McLeod, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT
A sweet picture book in verse (with poem titles in Chinese and English) explores the feelings of Chinese American siblings who move from San Francisco to a colder, rural home. Nai Nai (grandmother) gives them each a present for "double happiness": special boxes to be filled with memories connecting their old house to their new. Chau's vibrant watercolors combine Chinese themes and American scenes.
 , Aug 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

A Web of Christmas Love
by Morris, Steppie
BOOKS

The End of Always
by Phillips, Rebecca
BOOKS

La verdad sobre el sofá
by Rubin, Adam
BOOKS

Every Time You Hear That Song
by Voris, Jenna
BOOKS

La maleta de tesoros
by Sylvester, Natalia
BOOKS

This Night Is Ours
by Davis, Ronni
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?