Yaya and the Dan-Tats
Written by Camellia Koo
Illustrated by Phoebe Xiao
Published by Annick Press
The narrator of this story is on her weekly visit to her Yaya at his nursing home and has brought him, like always, dan-tats for them to eat together. But as Yaya zooms away in his wheelchair, she has a hard time keeping up: trying to track him down leads to run-ins with many of the other unfamiliar residents, not to mention Nurses Joey and Anna, who are trying to keep things orderly. Just when she starts to worry Yaya may have forgotten about her, a trail of their favorite custard tart crumbs leads the way back to him. Finally, they head to his room to share their weekly treat, but not before making a few more stops, and a few new friends, along the way.
A gentle introduction to adjusting to change and uncertainty, Yaya and the Dan-Tats showcases the unexpected fun and the community that can be found anywhere, even in unfamiliar places. Phoebe Xiao’s energetic and thoughtfully detailed art further captures the charm and imagination of this heartfelt story about intergenerational connection.
Primary ISBN: 9781834020228
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Chinese/Chinese American
Themes: Canadian Connection, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Generation: 2nd, Generational Differences, Generational Differences: Language, Neighbors & Neighborhoods, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Illness
Setting: Canada
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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Engagement Materials:
Author Camellia Koo Introduces YaYa and the Dan-Tats
Illustrator Phoebe Xiao Discusses YaYa and the Dan-Tats
Source: Annick Press