Rainbow Shopping
Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang, published by Holiday House on March 7, 2023, is a 40-page children’s book that captures the essence of family and cultural connection through food. The story follows a young girl who feels lonely after moving from China to New York City. A visit to her mother’s favorite Chinatown store transforms her gray day as they search for fresh produce, seafood, and spices, culminating in a heartwarming family meal.
Readers will find a tender exploration of social themes such as emigration and the immigrant experience, as well as the importance of family bonds. Through vibrant illustrations created with watercolor, colored pencil, and crayon, Zhuang beautifully depicts the bustling life of NYC’s Chinatown. This narrative not only highlights the joy of cooking and sharing meals but also reflects the emotional journey of a child discovering love and support within her family, even on the grayest of days.
Official synopsis Publisher
Sharing a delicious meal helps a child feel loved in this heartfelt tribute to Chinatown and spending days-off together.
An Irma Black Award Silver Medalist
On a rainy Saturday, a young girl feels as gray as a pigeon. Since moving from China to New York City, Mom, Dad, and Grandma have been very busy working. But a trip to Mom’s favorite Chinatown store to find the best produce, seafood, and spices for dinner just might turn the girl’s day around.
Later on, Dad steams, boils, fries, and stir-fries all the ingredients while girl and Grandma taste-test. After cozy goodnights, a final dream spread shows the family walking hand-in-hand in rainbow colors–an affirmation of love and support even on rainy, gray days.
Inspired by Qing Zhuang’s experience as a first generation Chinese American, Rainbow Shopping explores a young child’s feelings of loneliness and discovery with tenderness and humor. Qing uses watercolor, colored pencil, and crayon to beautifully recreate NYC’s Chinatown neighborhood. Filled with warmth and details of city life, this story about a working-class family is one readers can return to again and again.
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
An NPR Book We Love
A BookPage Best Picture Book of the Year
A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year – Outstanding Merit
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