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“A pair of pants sewn with love helps a child of Chinese descent remember a relative…The gentle narration flows naturally as the protagonist reels at the funeral; dissatisfied at the store-bought jammies purchased by Mom, the little one grieves further. Spying the pink jammies tucked away in a drawer, the child tries them on again and realizes they’re a perfect fit after all. ”

– Kirkus Reviews

The Pink Pajamas: A Story About Love and Loss

Written by Charlene Chua
Illustrated by Charlene Chua
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

There are many ways of saying, “I love you.” For Ah Yi, it’s with her sewing machine, making extra soft, perfectly tailored pajamas for her niece. The little girl loves each pair, except the latest one which is pink, her least favorite color. She keeps a happy face on, but her aunt can always tell. She reassures the little girl there’s no need to worry—she’ll just make another pair.

But then Ah Yi gets too sick to use her sewing machine, so sick she has to go away to the hospital…and never comes home. Her niece doesn’t know what to make of the funeral customs until she finds her own special remembrance: wearing her pink pajamas, which were perfect all along.

Primary ISBN: 9781665943161, 9781668051832
Publication Date: August 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

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Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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