Review by Booklist Review
A young Chinese American girl translates for her immigrant parents in this slice-of-life picture-book celebration of learning new skills and growing together. At the bank, the grocery store, or meet-the-teacher appointments, Laila helps her family navigate an unfamiliar language: "Mama calls me her little bird. I'm always whispering in her ear, telling her everything that's going on." The charming, witty first-person narration gives authentic voice to varied emotions experienced by child interpreters. Laila takes pride in her caring efforts and relishes "being so important all the time." She is hurt and incensed when kids, callously unaware of Mama and Baba's myriad skills, proficiencies, and awesomeness, mock them for not understanding English. With language classes out of their financial reach, Laila decides to spread her wings and try tutoring her parents herself. The hard work involved in figuring out confusing phrases and homonyms ("'No' means 'no' but 'know' means 'yes'") comes through loud and clear. Yan's expressive, colorful digital artwork captures the fun-loving little girl prepping, pep-talking, and surprise pop-quizzing her pupils with gusto. Learning is a two-way street, especially in the face of new challenges, and Laila picks up some Chinese language lessons (Chinese text and English translations in dialogue speech bubbles are sprinkled throughout), which she then passes on to her classroom peers. Insightful and inspiring, Little Bird Laila soars.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"Mama calls me her little bird. I'm always whispering in her ear, telling her everything that's going on," begins this enthusiastic picture book narrated by a child, Laila, who often translates English for her Chinese-speaking parents. "It's pretty cool being so important all the time," but, Laila admits, "it's also a lot of work." When English classes for her parents prove spendy ("People say America is free, but it's actually really expensive"), Laila offers to teach them--though she's still learning idioms ("Maybe I can spread my wings and try!"). As the winning, bright-eyed protagonist takes the lead, Yang and Yan focus on sunny, funny moments while lightly acknowledging that "it's not easy teaching old birds new tricks." Digital paintings feature fully realized, expressive figures against desaturated scenery. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 5--9. (Apr.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A child of Chinese descent finds creative ways to teach her immigrant parents English. Laila's Mama and Baba don't speak or read English. Fortunately, Laila can help. Like a little bird, she whispers translations into their ears. Still, she feels upset when she hears other children mock her parents. Though Laila's parents want to learn English, classes are expensive. Then, Laila has an idea! She'll teach them! Admittedly, Laila's still mystified by some English phrases herself--what does "don't beat around the bush" even mean? But she's willing to "spread [her] wings" and attempt to teach "these old birds new tricks." As her parents do household chores, Laila teaches them the English terms for their activities. They debate the pronunciation of tricky words likeballet, and Laila ambushes Mama and Baba with pop quizzes in bed. Over time, as her parents' English improves, so does Laila's Chinese. This exploration of the immigrant experience is notable for its depiction of a kind, diverse community that supports Laila's family as they develop their language skills. Chinese culture is subtly referenced in ways that will speak to readers who share Laila's background, while the message of perseverance will speak to all. In Yan's sunny digital art, characters' emotions come through clearly through both facial expressions and body language. Speech bubbles include text in simplified Chinese characters and English. An immigrant story imbued with sweetness and hope.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
