The Yellow o Di

(Hardback)

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Description

Naliah is excited to perform a traditional Vietnamese Fan Dance at her school's International Day. When she finds that her special o di no longer fits right, she goes to her mom's closet to find another. She puts on a pretty yellow one-only to accidentally rip it while practicing her dance. She's horrified to discover that this was a very special o di that her grandmother had worn to dance at the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. But with a little help from her mom's sewing kit and her grandmother's loving legacy, Naliah learns not only how to mend the yellow o di but also how to believe in herself and make it her own. Lovingly illustrated by Minnie Phan, Hanh Bui's debut picture book, The Yellow o Di, is a warm story of family, identity, and remembering those who came before.

Reviews

Praise for The Yellow o Di:

"This simple, lyrical, touching story took me to a place that I did not know but to emotions that belong to us all. I will not forget it and its lesson of confession, forgiveness, and love." --Jane Yolen, award-winning author of Owl Moon and over 400 other books for children

"A truly heartwarming story of mother and daughter, generations and traditions, and ultimately forgiveness and unconditional love that will make you want to share this wonderful book with someone you love. " --Mary Rand Hess, New York Times bestselling author

"Heartwarming ... Lovely illustrations, using subtle colors and graceful lines to define the characters and express Naliah's shifting emotions, concluding with joy and contentment. A picture book celebrating immigrants and their families' cultures." --Booklist

"Vietnamese -culture is beautifully honored through Phan's expressive, cheerful -watercolors. -... Naliah's story teaches readers about the importance of family and culture in forming identity. ... Would pair especially well with Eva Chen's I Am Golden, Joanna Ho's Eyes that Kiss in the Corners and -Nabela Noor's Beautifully Me." --School Library Journal

"Bui weaves a tender tale of a family honoring memories and heirlooms but also creating new traditions. Phan's buoyant and beautiful illustrations convey the protagonist's emotions. ... A charming contemporary celebration of family and heritage." --Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Inspired by her first teacher at a refugee camp, Hanh Bui pursued a master's degree in early childhood education and taught second grade before becoming a full-time mother to three children. She also served as a development officer for Senhoa Foundation in support of women and children who survived human trafficking in Cambodia, and has served on boards supporting children and parents in building community. Hanh's commitment to celebrating her heritage includes giving presentations in school visits about her refugee experience to children studying immigration as part of their school curriculum. She serves as co-chair of Equity and Inclusion Team for Mid-Atlantic region of SCBWI, and has been featured in Highlights Children's Magazine and Next Avenue. The Yellow o Di is her debut picture book. Minnie Phan is a queer Vietnamese American cartoonist and illustrator born in Stockton, CA, and raised across the Bay Area. Her parents were among the last wave of Vietnamese refugees to arrive in the early 90s before immigration was restricted from the region. She earned a BFA in illustration and set roots in Oakland, CA, where she's resided for 10 years. Her work ranges from editorial illustrations to comics, animation, and picture books. She values inclusive image making and diverse storytelling; she hopes for all children to see themselves as whatever they dream: artists, scientists, doctors, and more. When she's not illustrating, she teaches comics to youth in the Bay Area and advocates for safer streets for bicyclists. minniephan.com