Thao Lam

A practically perfect picture book! The author Thao Lam describes how no one could say her name, instead mangling it, misspelling it, and making up nonsense words. She decides to go by the name Jennifer but in a lovely moment of cultural realization (and a clever reverse move on non-Vietnamese speakers), she is and always will be Thao. Told with simple humor that will resonate fully with readers whose own names have been debased, and to inform discussion on the importance of respecting show more others' names. Fantastic! show less

Oh my god. I was going to give this 4 stars until the monster appeared and it made the book more glorious than it was before! Our main character is shy and looks out her window to see the neighbors in a tree house. She notices the wallpaper is coming undone and in it she finds birds, a monster, etc. It's mostly wordless and just wonderful. The illustrations were top notch and there was absolutely nothing wrong with this book.

Thao Lam is a master storyteller. I have enjoyed other books by this author but would consider this among their best work. Honestly, I’m surprised this does not have a Caldicott. This is her mother ‘s refugee story told entirely in pictures. This story is heart wrenchingly beautiful. And the analogy of refugees as ants and what can and did happen. I’m very thankful the author chose to include at the end a history of their family and where the ants came from. It’s such an emotional show more connection to an emotional book. Picture books about refugees are not new but using the illustrations to say why they are refugees, what was happening, and how hard this was is masterful. I think this picture book is one that will be used for years to come to help explain what being a refugee is like. This book is heartbreaking but shows resiliency just like everyday ants. show less

Wow! I love everything about this book. The first thing I saw when opening it was an adorable school picture of the author/illustrator--immediate smile. Then the first page had papercut images with one photo/papercut of Thao looking adorably awkward--it was very eye-catching. The story tells about how Thao has to suffer with mispronunciations and name-calling because of her ethnic name. It ends with her helping readers to get the name right. The story is funny and emotional and the artwork show more is superb. I even enjoyed the author bio--especially the two choices she couldn't decide from for a name change when she was 6. And now, I need to go look for her other books... show less