The Yellow Áo Dài
Lovingly illustrated by Minnie Phan, Hanh Bui's debut picture book, The Yellow Áo Dài, is a warm story of family, identity, and remembering those who came before.
Naliah is excited to perform a traditional Vietnamese Fan Dance at her school's International Day. When she finds that her special áo dài no longer fits right, she goes to her mom's closet to find another.
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Inspired by her first teacher at a refugee camp, Hanh Bui pursued a master's degree in early childhood education and taught second grade before becoming a full-time mother to three children. She also served as a development officer for Senhoa Foundation in support of women and children who survived human trafficking in Cambodia, and has served on boards supporting children and parents in building community. Hanh's commitment to celebrating her heritage includes giving presentations in school visits about her refugee experience to children studying immigration as part of their school curriculum. She serves as co-chair of the Equity and Inclusion Team for the Mid-Atlantic region of SCBWI, and has been featured in Highlights For Children's Magazine and Next Avenue. The Yellow Áo Dài is her debut picture book.
Minnie Phan is a queer Vietnamese American cartoonist and illustrator born in Stockton, CA, and raised across the Bay Area. Her parents were among the last wave of Vietnamese refugees to arrive in the early 90s before immigration was restricted from the region. She earned a BFA in illustration and put down roots in Oakland, CA, where she's resided for 10 years. Her work ranges from editorial illustrations to comics, animation, and picture books. She values inclusive image-making and diverse storytelling; she hopes for all children to see themselves as whatever they dream: artists, scientists, doctors, and more. When she's not illustrating, she teaches comics to youth in the Bay Area and advocates for safer streets for bicyclists.Praise for The Yellow Áo Dài:
"This simple, lyrical, touching story took me to a place that I did not know but to emotions that belong to us all. I will not forget it and its lesson of confession, forgiveness, and love." --Jane Yolen, award-winning author of Owl Moon and over 400 other books for children "A truly heartwarming story of mother and daughter, generations and traditions, and ultimately forgiveness and unconditional love that will make you want to share this wonderful book with someone you love. " --Mary Rand Hess, New York Times bestselling author "Heartwarming ... Lovely illustrations, using subtle colors and graceful lines to define the characters and express Naliah's shifting emotions, concluding with joy and contentment. A picture book celebrating immigrants and their families' cultures." --Booklist "Vietnamese -culture is beautifully honored through Phan's expressive, cheerful -watercolors. -... Naliah's story teaches readers about the importance of family and culture in forming identity. ... Would pair especially well with Eva Chen's I Am Golden, Joanna Ho's Eyes that Kiss in the Corners and -Nabela Noor's Beautifully Me." --School Library Journal "Bui weaves a tender tale of a family honoring memories and heirlooms but also creating new traditions. Phan's buoyant and beautiful illustrations convey the protagonist's emotions. ... A charming contemporary celebration of family and heritage." --Kirkus Reviews"An accident turns into a glimpse at family history in this reassuring picture book ... 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." --Publishers Weekly
