My Day With Gong Gong

Sennah Yee, illustrated by Elaine Chen

Image | BOOK: My Day With Gong Gong

(Annick Press)

A day in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when a bored little girl makes a connection with her grandpa.
May isn't having fun on her trip through Chinatown with her grandfather. Gong Gong doesn't speak much English, and May can't understand Chinese. She's hungry, and bored with Gong Gong's errands. Plus, it seems like Gong Gong's friends are making fun of her! But just when May can't take any more, Gong Gong surprises her with a gift that reveals he's been paying more attention than she thought.
With lighthearted, expressive illustrations by Elaine Chen, this charming debut expertly captures life in the city and shows how small, shared moments of patience and care — and a dumpling or two — can help a child and grandparent bridge the generational and cultural gaps between them.
A glossary at the end of the book features translations of the Chinese words from the story into Chinese characters and English. (From Annick Press)
Sennah Yee is a poet and writer from Toronto. She released her debut collection of poetry, How Do I Look? in 2017.
Elaine Chen is an illustrator and art director from Vancouver.