Piece by Piece - by Susan Tan (Hardcover)

About the Book

A child who loves visiting museums with her grandmother is sad when Nainai returns to China, but her father takes her to see something special where signs of Nainai are in every corner. Includes facts about the Yu Yu Tang house on display at the Peabody Essex Museum, directions for making a tea towel apron, and other activities.

Book Synopsis

Emmy loses her beloved blanket, made especially for her by her Nainai, on a trip to the Peabody Essex Museum. Looking high and low, she winds up on a magical journey of discovery and wonder.

Exploring the museum's Chinese house, Yin Yu Tang, she finds a place reminiscent of her grandmother and their special bond. But will she find her blanket before it's too late? Remembering Nainai's wisdom, she has not only good luck but the love of her family, too. With stirring words by author Susan Tan and luminous scenes by debut illustrator Justine Wong, this heartwarming picture book will be enjoyed by kids and collectors alike.

Review Quotes

Praise for Susan Tan's previous book, Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire:

"This story has everything. An irresistible voice, a cast of authentic characters, a hilarious and whip-smart heroine. Also . . . some spectacular baldness and TIME TRAVEL! Cilla Lee-Jenkins is brilliant. Her struggles may seem ordinary, but they're also extraordinary, exquisite, and very very important" (Kate Beasley, author of Gertie's Leap to Greatness)

Cilla's empathy, candor, and skill at turning a phrase indicates that her claim to be a future author extraordinaire is completely justified . . . Anyone who spends time with Cilla Lee-Jenkins will look forward to reading her in the future." (Booklist, starred review)

"Cilla Lee-Jenkins is 50% Chinese, 50% Caucasian and I think 100% wonderful . . . I suspect young readers will want to reach into the pages and hug her!" (Rachel Renee Russell, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dork Diaries)

"Cilla Lee-Jenkins is the kind of book you can't wait to share. There's humor and heartache, and future writers of all kinds will see themselves in Cilla. But above all, this is a book just bursting with love. – Kate Milford, New York Times bestselling author of Greenglass House)

"Missing her grandmother, a young Chinese American girl finds comfort in a museum. For Emmy, 'museums have always been a special place for Nainai and me, ' and all summer they explored them together during Nainai's visit. Already missing their trips and meals of dumplings, Nainai gives Emmy a blue blanket made up of mementos before returning to China. The differing textiles and patterns are beautifully rendered in layered, uneven strokes of color....Wong provides a warm, textured palette with thick black lines to describe both simply drawn figures and elaborate ornamentation....A multilayered, emotional tale."-- "Kirkus Reviews"