Review by Booklist Review
Inspired by the author's family, this sweet story follows a Taiwanese American girl who travels for the first time from California to Taiwan to visit the old home of her paternal grandmother, Nainai. After a long flight, the girl feels a bit unsettled by the unfamiliar surroundings with different smells and sounds as well as signs she cannot read. She and Nainai take a taxi out to the countryside, bonding over stories and delicious bao and sausage. Nainai has plans for them to hike up to the top of her favorite mountain, which the young girl is nervous about. But after they reach the top, they run into a bunch of people who remember Nainai and join in on their activities and fun. Overlooking a spectacular view, the girl and Nainai share a tender moment, capping off a memorable day. Illustrator Chou's signature style of bright colors and layered textures reminiscent of animated films vividly captures the story's warm memories and beautiful Taiwanese scenery. A touching portrayal of finding cultural connection across generations.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A family trip to Taiwan is rife with memories. After a long plane ride with her parents and Nainai (Grandmother), a girl awakens in the dark; a backdrop of city lights includes the unmistakable silhouette of the Taipei 1010 skyscraper. Nainai is up, too, so the two decide to leave the city and watch the sunrise from a nearby mountain. Along the way, Nainai relates fond memories of growing up in Taiwan: riding in pedicabs instead of taxis, playing the pinball games offered by the sausage vendors, and enjoying frozen pineapple cores on hot summer days. The two purchase breakfast and ascend the mountainside, where Nainai spent time as a child; they walk through fields and beneath a cool green forest canopy, where natural delights abound. At the top, they're warmly welcomed by Nainai's old friends. Though Nainai loves her homeland, she doesn't regret immigrating to California--after all, "California has you," she points out. Drawing from personal experience, Blackburne captures the emotional essence of each scene, from the seemingly endless airplane ride to the bustle of Taipei to the verdant mountain hike. Geometric shapes create a kaleidoscope of color on every page that will transport readers to this place that both Nainai and Blackburne clearly adore--as much as grandmother and granddaughter love each other. An inviting love letter to a cherished homeland and family. (author's note)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
