Piper Chen Sings

Starred review from February 5, 2024
Sisters-in-law Soo and Doran team up in an energetic debut that centers mindfulness and intergenerational wisdom. Twirling, bouncing, and hopping through her day, Piper Chen is “always singing out a tune.” When her music teacher offers her a concert solo, enthusiastic Piper “lets her excitement answer, ‘Yes!’ ” Soon after, however, butterflies start “having a dance party in my belly” and she no longer feels like singing. Fortunately, Piper’s empathetic Naˇi Nai has a strategy to help, reframing the butterflies as visitors noting “when something exciting was ahead.” Feeling the butterflies on performance day, Piper refocuses on the “love... fluttering through her, her family and friends, and her loving Naˇi Nai.” Leng’s vivacious artwork captures the drama and intensity of childhood experiences, from Piper’s wide-mouthed, splayed-fingered singing in music class to a dejected face-plant on her bed. Piper’s Chinese American heritage threads through text and illustration, and a glossary and pronunciation guide translates Standard Mandarin Chinese words used in the text. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8.