My Strange Shrinking Parents

by Zeno Sworder (Author)

My Strange Shrinking Parents
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

It goes without saying that all children believe their parents to be strange. Mine were unusual for a different reason . . .

One boy's parents travel from far-off lands to improve their son's life. But what happens next is unexpected. What does it mean when your parents are different? What shape does love take? And what happens when your parents sacrifice a part of themselves for you?

In this heartbreaking and heartwarming story, Zeno Sworder reflects on his own migrant parents' sacrifices to create a universal story about what it means to give to those you love. Drawing from the sacrifices his Chinese mother made to raise her young family in a small country town, Sworder's drawings are full of beautiful detail and fairytale settings that explore his own journey from child to parent.

With humor and pathos, Sworder reflects on the strange nature of giving and receiving love and celebrates those parents who embrace a hard life for themselves in the hope of a better life for their children. Full of depth and generosity as well as insight and candor, Sworder brings this gorgeous fable to life.

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.95

Kirkus

Starred Review
A clever and poignant tribute to the love of all those who made the journey. 

Review quotes

[With] muted colors and stunning, intricately textured illustrations...this deceptively simple tale is laced with profound, beautifully wrought truths... A clever and poignant tribute to the love of all those who made the journey. —  Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781760762957
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Thames & Hudson
Publication date
January 10, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV013060 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Parents
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Parent and child
Self-sacrifice
Immigrant families

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