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“[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

“Haunting and magical… One of the best takes on the experiences of children of immigrant parents…in a picture book form… A story of truly enduring love… Each piece of this book fits snugly together with every other piece, like a well-constructed puzzle. Simple enough for children to understand. Layered enough for adult readers to appreciate. Strangely perfect.”

—School Library Journal

My Strange Shrinking Parents

Written by Zeno Sworder
Illustrated by Zeno Sworder
Published by Thames & Hudson

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.

Primary ISBN: 9781760762957
Publication Date: January 2023
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

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

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