Geraldine Pu and Her Lunch Box, Too! (Geraldine Pu #1)

This early graphic novel series starter features Geraldine Pu, a Taiwanese American girl with a black bob, and her trusty, light-purple stickered lunch box, named Biandang. Geraldine loves the food her Amah makes her—that is, until scruffy-haired, taupe-skinned Nico, “new to Geraldine’s lunch table,” begins making fun of her lunches, which quickly catches on. Chang’s digital illustrations have an approachable, kid-friendly style; speech bubbles from the human characters and thought bubbles from Biandang throughout will hold readers’ attention, as will the sequential story’s clear progression. The lunch box moment and its resolution may feel predictable to readers familiar with the genre, but newcomers will find the narrative gently humorous and accessible. Front matter features a how-to read guide and a glossary; back matter includes a message from Biandang and a bao recipe from Amah. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6–8. (June)