The illustrations extend and compliment the text.

The digital art glows with warm colors and abundant details on some pages. Each item is labeled with the English and Taiwanese words. For San Diego, she draws school bus, teacher, new house, friend, and palm tree. For Taiwan she shows grandma, home, dumplings, motorcycle, and taxi. In a two page spread the child’s drawings depicts important words for each place. The story carefully keeps the child’s perspective. Even though the girl and her grandmother are separated their ties remain close. The story has a strong emotional impact on the reader.

The illustrator’s note at the end also explains her ties to Taiwan through her family and the culture. At the end, the child speaks to her Popo in dream: “I say, ‘Ni hao.’/ She Says, ‘Hello.’/ I say, ‘Wo ai ni.’ / She says, ‘I love you too.'” There is a helpful glossary at the end of the book. The author uses some Taiwanese words, that contribute to the reader’s understanding. That knowledge makes the story authentic and powerful. The link demonstrates how their insider knowledge is a bonus for the young reader. Like the main character, I also moved to the United States at a young age, and like her, I found it a big adjustment.” The following link is to a presentation by both the author and the illustrator:Īuthor.

In an extensive author’s note at the end, Blackburne writes, “Although I Dream of Popo is fiction, I drew deeply from my own life to write it. Some of their own experiences are woven into the story and illustrations.

The author and the illustrator both are Taiwanese Americans. The granddaughter learns English, “the words form easier on my tongue.” But when she visits Popo the Taiwanese words feel “strange in my mouth.” Yet their hugs are “as tight as before.” When Popo is sick, her granddaughter sings to her and says, “I wish I could reach across the ocean and hold her up.” The story ends with the child dreaming about her Popo. Popo sends the child off with, “Call me every week and tell me about your adventures.” The child reports that she is learning a new language, but misses Popo’s noodles. Then, the girl and her parents move to San Diego, California. Their story starts in Taiwan where they share precious times together rocking, walking in the park, celebrating New Year’s, eating special foods. Blackburne, the author of I Dream of PoPo, and Kuo, the illustrator, capture the close bond between a girl and her grandmother in rich text and detailed illustrations.

I dream of popo book