Rainbow Shopping

Zhuang's solo debut follows a child who has recently emigrated from China traveling from a muted New York City neighborhood where "I feel gray as a pigeon" to a bustling Chinatown where there's much to observe. Candid narration and expressive drawings depict the child's family life--"Mom is always sewing at the factory. Dad is always delivering food for a restaurant. Grandma is always nannying in a big house." One day, though, the protagonist is pulled out of bed like "a giant turnip" by Mom; since everyone will be home for dinner, they take a train to Chinatown for ingredients. Once there, the subdued landscape gives way to vivid hues as the two shop amid a kaleidoscope of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and sweets. Colored pencil, crayon, and watercolor applied in a personal sketchbook style communicate the feel of New York City sights and sounds, transporting the protagonist into rainbow dreams and making the stylized city illustrations feel achingly real. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-4--On a rainy day, a young Chinese girl accompanies her mother on a shopping trip in New York City. They wander Chinatown and purchase food, candy, and other goods. After riding home on the subway, the young girl has dinner with her mom, dad, and grandma, who lives with the family. Grandma shares stories of her mother, prompting our protagonist to ponder her family history. Based on the author's lived experience as a first-generation Chinese American, the sometimes text heavy story touches on themes that will resonate with many readers--exploration, immigration, family, childhood. Much like the busy streets of Chinatown, there is a lot to take in: shopping trip, subway, stories, family history. The vibrant illustrations convey the hustle and bustle of the city, where there is always something intriguing to look at. Colored pencils and watercolors are used to create crowded city streets and markets. Vegetables and traditional Chinese treats are lovingly rendered, as are random New Yorkers on the scene, from a man in green Crocs to another with a small Labradoodle in a baby carrier. VERDICT A celebration of family, heritage, and home, this book is a worthy addition to any collection.--Chance Lee Joyner

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ "[A] touching portrait of a family's love for one another. . . . Zhuang's artwork is as warm and inviting as her story. Her watercolor, crayon and colored pencil illustrations burst with detail, allowing for new discoveries with each read."—BookPage, Starred Review

★ "Zhuang's artwork is as warm and inviting as her story. Her watercolor, crayon and colored pencil illustrations burst with detail, allowing for new discoveries with each read. . . . Sweet, fun and spunky, Rainbow Shopping is a beautiful, touching portrait of a family's love for one another."—BookPage, Starred Review

"Inspired by the author's own childhood experiences, the story beautifully reflects how it feels to relocate to a completely different country and still try to feel at home."—The Horn Book

"Colored pencil, crayon, and watercolor applied in a personal sketchbook style communicate the feel of New York City sights and sounds, transporting the protagonist into rainbow dreams and making the stylized city illustrations feel achingly real."—Publishers Weekly

"[The] story touches on themes that will resonate with many readers—exploration, immigration, family, childhood. . . . The vibrant ­illustrations convey the hustle and bustle of the city, where there is always something intriguing to look at. . . . A celebration of family, heritage, and home, this book is a worthy addition to any ­collection."—School Library Journal

"This engaging picture book is perfect for storytimes centered on family traditions or the comfort of familiar food."—Booklist

"Watercolor textures and comforting colors transform an everyday activity into a joyful adventure. . . . The simple narrative sparkles with gentle humor and reassuring imagery. This day-in-the-life story is a celebration of food as connection, comfort, and inspiration and a way to honor our heritage as we walk into the future."—Kirkus Reviews