Finding Papa

Drawing from personal experiences emigrating from Vietnam to America, per creators’ notes, the author-illustrator team foregrounds one family’s journey in this sensitive picture book. Young, dark-haired Mai laughs and squeals at her father’s “chomp chomp” fingerplay, which depicts a hungry reptile: “Crocodiles were scary, but Papa was not.” One morning, hugging Mai goodbye, her father lingers “longer than usual,” and cries as he walks down the village road. He doesn’t return home for playtime or dinner (“Chomp, chomp,” Mai says to herself), but Mama reassures the child, revealing that Papa is finding the family a new home, and sharing letters she receives from him. One night, Mama packs a small bag, confiding, “We are going to find Papa.” Traveling to him, a trip rendered in sensory-forward language from debut author Pham Krans, involves boarding a boat that fills with water in a storm, before a larger ship picks the passengers up and takes them to a camp. Eventually, Mai and Mama arrive in an American city, where “chomp, chomp” paves the way for reconnection. Mixed-media illustrations from Bui (A Different Pond) focus on interpersonal tenderness and varied landscapes, evoking across somber events a young child’s joy and yearning, and a playful parent-child bond. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Katherine Wessbecher, Bradford Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Julie Stevenson, Massie & McQuilkin. (Feb.)