The Yellow Áo Dài

An accident turns into a glimpse at family history in this reassuring picture book, Bui’s debut. Naliah is excited to perform her favorite Vietnamese dance—the Fan Dance—for her school’s International Day, but when she tries on her áo dài, a traditional tunic dress, she discovers she’s outgrown it. Dipping into her mother’s wardrobe, she finds embroidered áo dàis of various colors “cascading from the closet like a hanging garden of flowers,” and tries on a yellow one sewn with swans and water lilies. When practicing in it results in a stumble—and a tear—concerned Naliah hides the garment, and worries further upon finding out that the child’s grandmother brought the now-ripped áo dài from Vietnam. Phan’s digital illustrations twine the protagonists’ arc with images of flora and fauna that befit the story’s inventive conclusion, and Naliah’s emotions are playfully mirrored by a small rabbit sidekick, gentling moments of tension. Creators’ notes and a glossary conclude. Ages 3–6. (Apr.)