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“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

Rainbow Shopping

Written by Qing Zhuang
Illustrated by Qing Zhuang
Published by Holiday House

On a rainy Saturday, a young girl feels as gray as a pigeon. Since moving from China to New York City, Mom, Dad, and Grandma have been very busy working. But a trip to Mom’s favorite Chinatown store to find the best produce, seafood, and spices for dinner just might turn the girl’s day around.

Later on, Dad steams, boils, fries, and stir-fries all the ingredients while girl and Grandma taste-test. After cozy goodnights, a final dream spread shows the family walking hand-in-hand in rainbow colors—an affirmation of love and support even on rainy, gray days.

Inspired by Qing Zhuang’s experience as a first generation Chinese American, Rainbow Shopping explores a young child’s feelings of loneliness and discovery with tenderness and humor. Qing uses watercolor, colored pencil, and crayon to beautifully recreate NYC’s Chinatown neighborhood. Filled with warmth and details of city life, this is a story readers can return to again and again.

Primary ISBN: 9780823449774
Publication Date: March 2023
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York)

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: Immigrant

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

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