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“The depiction of affection between a grandparent and grandchild and the importance of empathy . . . are universal. A heartwarming tribute to intergenerational connection.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Warm peachy and yellow tones cast a cozy glow over this multigenerational exchange of a culturally specific family tradition…A stirring addition to the rapidly expanding collection of diverse food stories.”

—Booklist

“A great story for libraries looking for representation of Chinese culture, of intergenerational relationships, and of trying new things; it’s also something of an ode to the fact that grandmothers were once young”

—School Library Journal

Bitter Tea and Rock Candy

Written by Yan Gu
Illustrated by Yan Gu
Published by Henry Holt and Co.

Mimi’s Waipo loves liangcha, but Mimi thinks her grandmother’s favorite tea is just too bitter.

It burns her lips, it tastes sour on her tongue, and it smells like her grandfather’s socks—yuck!

Mimi secretly feeds her liangcha to the fish, and hides it in a plant, and pours it down the sink—anything to avoid drinking it again. But Waipo has an idea. One morning, she makes a new batch of liangcha for them to share. Will Waipo’s secret ingredient be enough to win Mimi over?

Primary ISBN: 9781250340405
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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