Sparkles for Sunny - by Sylvia Chen (Hardcover)

About the Book

Wishing to distinguish her style while honoring her family's ideals, young Sunny adds her unique touch to her sisters' hand-me-down dress for the Lunar New Year celebration.

Book Synopsis

Lunar New Year is coming up, and Sunny is stuck wearing hand-me-downs to the party AGAIN.

"This warm family story will resonate with youngest children everywhere, regardless of a particular holiday or season. Highly recommended."-School Library Journal

The Lao family has four rules:
1. Make what you can yourself.
2. Get good deals.
3. Share extras with others.
4. Never waste anything.

...which means that every year for Lunar New Year, Sunny winds up wearing a hand-me-down qípáo from her sisters. Just once Sunny wants to wear something that's so her and not so one of her sisters! Can Sunny uphold the Lao Family Way while also staying true to herself? Take a peek at this sweet and funny sister tale to find out!

From author Sylvia Chen comes a heart-warming tale about Sunny, a creative and boisterous little girl desperate to make her mark. With gorgeous illustrations from Thai My Phuong, Sparkles for Sunny is sure to delight readers everywhere.

Perfect for fans of Fancy Nancy and I Am Golden!

Review Quotes

A Kids Indie Next List Pick!

Winner of SCBWI's 2026 Crystal Kite Award!

"Any young reader with older siblings will relate to Sunny's struggle with her hand-me-down dress, and her creative solution demonstrates how individual expression can be compatible with family expectations and traditions . . . A charming story about honoring traditions while staying true to oneself."--Kirkus Reviews

"[A] book about finding a path toward being 'both alike and different.'"--Publishers Weekly

"This warm family story will resonate with youngest children everywhere, regardless of a particular holiday or season. Highly recommended."-School Library Journal

About the Author

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Sylvia Chen has also lived and worked in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Paris, and Tokyo. She is an Asian American children's book author (Tricky Chopsticks, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, 2024) and is the creator of #PBStudyBuddy, which features amazing picture books on social media for fellow creators, teachers, and librarians. Sylvia loves crafting picture books that spark kids' interest in STEAM and creative thinking. She often squirrels away shiny supplies and scraps to fashion one-of-a-kind creations like glittery jumbo chopsticks and DIY costumes for her kids. To connect with Sylvia, visit her at SylviaiChen.com or follow her @SylviaiChen.

Thai Phuong (aka Tamypu, she/her) is a Vietnamese illustrator who loves phở, boba milk tea, and homemade coffee from her husband! She graduated with a BFA in interior design. Since then, she has cultivated a deep passion for visual storytelling and teaching for international publishers, magazines, brands, and universities. Originally from Ho Chi Minh City, she is living and working in Los Angeles, California, with her cat, Cinderella. Visit her at thaiphuong.net.