Words Between Us - by Angela Pham Krans (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

From Angela Pham Krans (Finding Papa) and Dung Ho (New York Times bestselling illustrator of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners) comes a poignant picture book that tenderly portrays the intergenerational bond between a boy named Felix and his grandma that's cemented over food--and flash cards--when Grandma comes to live with Felix's family from Vietnam. Perfect for fans of Drawn Together.

Felix and Grandma have always lived oceans apart--until the day Grandma arrives. Felix is so excited to meet Grandma and spend time with her.

Except she doesn't know English!

And he doesn't know much Vietnamese!

But maybe they can connect in other ways--like over their shared love of pizza.

One day, when Grandma gets lost and doesn't know how to ask for help, Felix decides to teach her English. And by working together and teaching each other, they just might learn to share words as well.

This tender and heartwarming story from Angela Pham Krans and Dung Ho shows how love transcends language and how food and flashcards can bring family together.

Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans and Thi Bui has been named the 2024 Asian/Pacific American Award Picture Honor Book by the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association!

Praise for Words Between Us:

A finalist for the 2025 Krout and Elmore Children's Book Award for Best Portrayal of Aging!

Review Quotes

"This story of a Vietnamese American family and Grandma's immigration to the United States has all the right ingredients: beauty, warmth, and relatability...Krans's text feels down-to-earth and authentic, deftly conveying respect for Felix and Grandma as both learners and as experts in their different ways. Ho (Eyes that Kiss in the Corners) uses a palette of complementary yellows, blues, greens, and reds to show the joyful home of this Vietnamese American family...Recommended for every collection, but especially those with immigrant populations" - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Humor and empathy guide a Vietnamese American boy's attempts to acclimate his grandmother to a new home and language in this tenderhearted title. Pham Krans and Ho build a well-paced story around simple scenes in which the two characters bond--looking at photos, playing music, caring for a pet, gardening--and experience moments when 'they didn't need to say anything at all.' Buoyant digital illustrations capture domestic family life and busy city scenes." - Publishers Weekly

"There is a beautiful sense of symmetry in Felix and his grandma's relationship as they connect over their interests and lovingly support each other through challenges. Ho's digital illustrations are simply stunning... a heartwarming tale of intergenerational bonding." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Words Between Us is a tender, respectful depiction of a frequently occurring situation as older generations migrate to the U.S. The illustrations are colorful and add a sense of whimsy while capturing the strong, loving bond between Felix and Grandma. The recipe at the end is a bonus in this delightful story. - Booklist