LITTLE BIRD LAILA

A child of Chinese descent finds creative ways to teach her immigrant parents English.

Laila’s Mama and Baba don’t speak or read English. Fortunately, Laila can help. Like a little bird, she whispers translations into their ears. Still, she feels upset when she hears other children mock her parents. Though Laila’s parents want to learn English, classes are expensive. Then, Laila has an idea! She’ll teach them! Admittedly, Laila’s still mystified by some English phrases herself—what does “don’t beat around the bush” even mean? But she’s willing to “spread [her] wings” and attempt to teach “these old birds new tricks.” As her parents do household chores, Laila teaches them the English terms for their activities. They debate the pronunciation of tricky words like ballet, and Laila ambushes Mama and Baba with pop quizzes in bed. Over time, as her parents’ English improves, so does Laila’s Chinese. This exploration of the immigrant experience is notable for its depiction of a kind, diverse community that supports Laila’s family as they develop their language skills. Chinese culture is subtly referenced in ways that will speak to readers who share Laila’s background, while the message of perseverance will speak to all. In Yan’s sunny digital art, characters’ emotions come through clearly through both facial expressions and body language. Speech bubbles include text in simplified Chinese characters and English.

An immigrant story imbued with sweetness and hope.