Simone
Viet Thanh Nguyen author Minnie Phan illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Astra Publishing House
Published:9th Jul '24
£17.99
This title is due to be published on 9th July, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
When Simone is awakened by her mom as a wildfire threatens their home, it is the beginning of a life-changing journey. On their way to take shelter in a high school gym, the family passes firefighters from a prison unit battling the fire. Simone’s mom tells her that when she was a girl in Viet Nam, she was forced to evacuate her home after a flood. Joined by other children sheltering in the gym, Simone, a budding artist, encourages everyone to draw as a way to process their situation. After a few days, Simone and her mom are able to return to their home, which is fortunately still standing and her outlook has changed. As Simone begins creating a piece of art with one of her new friends, she realises that even though they are young, they can dream and work together for a more sustainable future. With a poetic, haunting family story by esteemed author Viet Thanh Nguyen and gorgeous art from illustrator Minnie Phan, this powerful tale introduces an unforgettable young heroine who awakens to a new role fighting for her community and for the future of the planet.
★“Stunning…. a powerful, multilayered depiction of an increasingly common situation.” - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED
Tattered Cover Bookstore Picture Book of the Month
“[A] soft, tender picture book … reminding readers of the hope found in connecting with and leaning on others....Eciting reading...that celebrate[s] the Asian American experience." -
San Francisco Chronicle
“A thoughtful and emotionally intense family story ….Phan’s colored pencil and watercolor palette gorgeously interprets the book’s themes….The illustrations combine with Nguyen’s words—“It’s up to us”—to offer a vision of hope and healing in the wake of generations of displacement.” - Book Page
"A touching story about having to leave your home in haste.... shows the importance of art in our lives in the most difficult moments. Absolutely gorgeous illustrations." - Katie Fransen, The Novel Neighbor, St. Louis, MO
“★★★★★ Kids will be enthralled with the real life drama, and how a child has a part to play in keeping hope….Perfect for readers who like realistic stories, especially about disasters, for ages 5-9. Great for classroom.” --Youth Services Book Review
"So full of heart and kindness and joy. I was so moved...the illustrations are beautiful and the words flow so neatly....This one is winning awards. I'm sure of it." -- Lindy Wilson, librarian
"Touching." - Booklist
“Evocative….Phan’s inventive illustrations … introduces a full rainbow spectrum of experience." - Publishers Weekly
“Addresses climate change, displacement caused by natural disaster, and Vietnamese history and culture…with the most gorgeous illustrations… the author addresses everything beautifully…..A book you just must check out!" - diversify.our.parenting
ISBN: 9781662651199
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
48 pages