This poignant and lyrical debut picture book based on the author's own
experience and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Thi Bui follows young
Mai and her mother's perilous journey from Vietnam to America to find
Papa--who left ahead of them to start a better life for their family.
No one can make Mai laugh like her Papa! She loves playing their
favorite game--the crocodile chomp chomp! But then Papa leaves Vietnam
in search of a new home for their family in America and Mai misses him
very much.
Until one day, Mama and Mai pack a small bag and say goodbye to the only
home Mai has ever known. And so begins Mai and Mama's long, perilous
journey by foot and by boat, through dangers and darkness, to find Papa.
Finding Papa reminds us that love and courage can stretch an ocean and
that nothing can keep us apart from those we care about.
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION!