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“A young girl is encouraged to embrace her curiosity by her mother’s frequent reminder: “It’s okay, just ask.” As she and her family pack up their house to move, she asks questions like, “Will we ever come back?” and later, on the airplane, “Are you okay?” Sometimes the answers are unclear, and sometimes they aren’t what she hopes to hear, but that’s okay. In their new, predominantly white neighborhood, she asks, “Why is my hair black?” and her mother’s response only deepens her curiosity: “That’s how you were made.” The soft, colorful illustrations create a warm, inviting atmosphere, complementing a story that highlights a loving family open to communication.”

– School Library Journal

It’s Okay, Just Ask

Written by Monique Leonardo Carlos
Illustrated by Salini Perera
Published by Owlkids

An uplifting immigration story about tackling new experiences with curiosity.

A little girl and her family are emigrating to a new country. As they say goodbye to their home and move to an unfamiliar place, the girl is full of questions: Will they ever return? What if she doesn’t make new friends? Why does she look different than the other kids? Her mother’s supportive refrain encourages her to voice her curiosity: It’s okay, just ask!

Sometimes the answers lead to exciting discoveries. Other times, the answers are unclear, or prompt even more questions. But each time the girl chooses to just ask, she learns more about her community and herself.

Partially based on the author’s own experience moving her family from the Philippines to Canada, this is a thoughtful, child-centered look at being a newcomer. While exploring the specific experience of immigrants, it also shares a more universal message about speaking up when uncertain or confused. It welcomes readers to ask questions when they’re unsure, and approach different people and places with an open mind.

Primary ISBN: 9781771476140
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: Philippines, Canada

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

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

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