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Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon

2020

by Kat Zhang and Charlene Chua

"In this sweet and brightly illustrated picture book, Amy Wu must craft a dragon unlike any other to share with her class at school in this unforgettable follow-up to Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao. Amy loves craft time at school. But when her teacher asks everyone to make their own dragon, Amy feels stuck. Her first dragon has a long, wingless body, stag-like horns, and eagle claws, but her friends don’t think it’s a real dragon. Then she makes dragons like theirs, but none of them feels quite right...None of them feels like hers. After school, a story from Grandma sparks new inspiration, and Amy rounds up her family to help her. Together, can they make Amy’s perfect dragon?" -- publisher

Cross Group Race/Culture Concepts

Going Up!

2020

by Sherry J. Lee and Charlene Chua

"An elevator ride to a birthday party turns into a shared experience bursting with joy in this multicultural story about community, togetherness and the special feeling of belonging. Today is Olive's birthday party, and Sophie and her dad have baked cookies. Sophie's dad holds the platter so Sophie can push the elevator button for the tenth floor. But on the way up, the elevator stops to let the Santucci brothers get on. Then on the next floor, Vicky, Babs and their dog, Norman, get in. And as the elevator ascends, it keeps stopping, and more neighbors squeeze in to the crowded space: the Habibs, the Flores family, Mr. Kwan, Vi Tweedle with her Chihuahua, Minx. Everyone is going to the party! Playfully combining the excitement and anticipation of a party with children's universal love of riding in elevators, Sherry J. Lee's picture book story is ultimately about community and a sense of belonging. With characters from many cultural backgrounds, it showcases the everyday diversity that many urban children experience. Charlene Chua's illustrations provide loads of funny details and visual narratives that aren't in the text, making for a multilayered reading experience. The book's tall, narrow trim size adds to the effect of the rising elevator." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

The pencil

2019

by Susan Avingaq, Maren Vsetula and Charlene Chua

Susan and her sister, Rebecca, love watching their mother write letters to people in other camps. Their mother has one precious pencil, and she keeps it safe in her box for special things. One afternoon, Anaana leaves the iglu to help a neighbour, and Susan, Rebecca, and their brother Peter are left with their father. They play all their regular games but are soon out of things to do-until Ataata brings out the pencil! As Susan draws and draws, the pencil grows shorter and shorter. What will Anaana think when she comes home? Based on author Susan Avingaq's childhood memories of growing up in an iglu, this charming story introduces young readers to the idea of using things wisely. |cProvided by publisher

Any Child

Elisapee and her baby seagull

2017

by Nancy Mike and Charlene Chua

"When Elisapee's father brings home a baby seagull, Elisapee falls in love with the bird right away. She feeds and cares for her new friend, named Nau, and even helps Nau learn how to fly! Nau grows, and grows, and grows some more, until she's big enough to fly all over town and play with the other seagulls. Soon, it seems like Nau is ready to leave home for good, and Elisapee has to learn how to say goodbye. Based on the author's childhood experience, this charming story about learning to care for animals will delight young readers." --|cProvided by publisher

Any Child

Gokul Village and the Magic Fountain

2017

by Jeni Chapman, Bal Das and Charlene Chua

"The joy of teamwork, friendship and curiosity about the world are at the heart of every Gokul! story. In this beautifully illustrated first book, learn how Gokul’s fountain discovered its magic and how its magic transforms the lives of the children of Gokul Village. Join six friends - Riya, Dalai, Noelle, Christopher, Zoya, and Jacob, as they work together to restore their beloved fountain and save the day for their annual village New Year’s celebration. Each friend brings a unique talent to the team and in working together, they realize that the fountain, too, has a very special gift to give in return. Find out how six friends set in motion a world of amazing adventures." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

How Nivi got her names

2016

by Laura Deal and Charlene Chua

Nivi has always known that her names are special, but she does not know where they came from. So, one sunny afternoon, Nivi decides to ask her mom how she got her names. The stories of the people Nivi is named after lead her to an understanding of traditional Inuit naming practices and knowledge of what those practices mean to Inuit. How Nivi Got Her Names is an easy-to-understand introduction to traditional Inuit naming, with a story that touches on Inuit custom adoption [an adoption in which a pregnant woman provides her child to someone who needs a child].

Beautiful Life

Leah’s mustache party

2016

by Nadia Mike and Charlene Chua

Four-year-old Leah loved being a pirate for Halloween. She never considered being a princess or a fairy. But once Halloween has come and gone, Leah misses so many things about her costume. She misses her sword. She misses saying "Arrrr!" But most of all, she misses her silly moustache. But Leah knows that it doesn't have to be Halloween to play dress up. She can wear a moustache whenever she wants! She can wear one while she's watching a movie, or riding her bike, or playing her favorite game. And when Leah's birthday finally arrives, she knows exactly what she wants to do: have a party where everyone must wear a moustache! At Leah's moustache party, everyone gets in on the dress-up fun, even Grandma!

Any Child

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