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Staff Pick
I was drawn to My First Day because of its luminous artwork and was rewarded with the engaging story a Vietnamese boy's harrowing journey along the Mekong Delta — and the wonderful surprise of his journey's end. Exciting, uplifting, and cleverly multilayered. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A visually stunning story of resilience and determination by an award-winning new author-illustrator team.
This is no ordinary first journey. The raining season has come to the Mekong Delta, and An, a young Vietnamese boy, sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. On the way, he is confronted by giant crested waves, heavy rainfall and an eerie forests where fear takes hold of him. Although daunted by the dark unknown, An realizes that he is not alone and continues to paddle. He knows it will all be worth it when he reaches his destination.
Review
"The story is a lively journey that's interesting in its own right, but...the lyrical text is describing both the trip and the experience of starting school....[C]ompelling." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Review
"Enthralling, uplifting: a celebration of everyday heroes' journeys in the quest for education and learning." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Polished, animation-style spreads by Quang and Liên dazzle....Quang and Liên celebrate the beauty and wealth of the Mekong River." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
About the Author
Phung Nguyen Quang and Huynh Kim Lien are book creators who live and work together in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Quang and Lien are currently working on illustrations for a number of children's titles to be published in Vietnam and Europe.