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“An unnamed child of Taiwanese descent explores the reciprocal nature of caregiving…Chinese and Taiwanese terms are naturally integrated within the text. The recurring allusion to rivers is an inspired—and beautiful—choice, honoring the love that familial structures provide. A rare and wonderfully rendered tribute to caregiving throughout the generations.”

Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“In a reverent intergenerational narrative, Chung and Gonzales highlight reciprocal acts that functionally support an extended family. . . . A water motif weaves throughout digitally finished watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations, its gently scalloped curves framing softly rendered familial interactions, and a stirring closing sequence highlights connections that endure across life and death, proximity, and age.”

Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“A beautiful and sentimental story about family love expressed through caretaking. Told through the daily actions of a multigenerational Asian family, the story will wind its way through readers’ hearts…Heartfelt depictions of love through extended family will help young readers understand that family comes in all shapes and sizes, can be big and broad, and that all families give and receive help from each other…Cultural nuances can be seen in this homey, loving book for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing. A wonderful book to introduce multigenerational family units, cultural norms, and caregiving.”

School Library Journal

The River of Caregiving

Written by Jocelyn Chung
Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

An uplifting celebration of familial love and support through the generations

Caregiving flows through a little girl’s family in so many ways, like a river connecting them all. Her grandfather cares for her by picking her up from school with a snack and a smile, and she cares for him by keeping him company at his doctors’ appointments with a snack and a smile. Her mother helps her grandmother get ready for the day, just as her grandmother once helped her mother. And when the relatives send packages to each other, their caring makes them feel closer. Through occasions big and small, it’s a comfort to know this river of love is ever-present, and her family will always be there for each other.

Primary ISBN: 9780593533604
Publication Date: May 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book , Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

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

Setting: United States

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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