Super Star Children's Book Review: I Dream of Popo

Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie L. Young, Sarah Orgill—and I are so excited to be championing books celebrating everything from gender diversity, people of color, the LGBTQ community to ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, people with disabilities and developmental challenges to controversial topics, unique family situations and anything and everything I did not include. It is to say we take a rightfully broad view of diversity! We aim to shine a light on books that bring both familiar experiences to those who do not often see themselves represented in books and new experiences to those looking to expand their worldview. Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe in the power of story to build empathy and thus a better world for you and me and everyone. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.
 

I DREAM OF POPO
Written by Livia Blackburne • Illustrated by Julia Kuo
Picture Book (ages 3-6) • 40 pages
Published by Roaring Brook Press • 2021
ISBN: 978-1-2502-4931-9

I Dream of Popo explores the special bond between a grandmother and grandchild. In simple, elegant language, Blackburne follows a little girl and her Popo as they share small adventures and everyday experiences.

Popo takes walks with her granddaughter, prepares special food for her and together they celebrate the new year in traditional Taiwanese style.

The day comes when the girl and her family must move to the United States. Her Popo is there to wave goodbye as she boards a huge plane to cross the ocean.

The little girl experiences many changes as she assimilates to life in America, makes new friends, and learns a new language. Although this is the story of a Taiwanese girl who moves to a new country where she faces the challenges of straddling two worlds and two cultures, it could be the story of anyone who moves away from family and friends to begin a new life in a new place.

Blackburn’s delicate and nuanced prose pairs perfectly with Kuo’s vibrant and richly detailed illustrations.

I was touched and sometimes moved to tears by this universal story of love, change, loss and growth. Although a new life may be written over the old, it never erases our original story—through love and memory we always remain connected to those we love.

The back matter, which includes both author’s and illustrator’s notes and a Mandarin-English glossary, adds depth and context to the story.

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Reviewed by: Joan Charles