Amah Faraway

A delightful story of a child's visit to a grandmother and home far away, and of how families connect and love across distance, language, and cultures.

Kylie is nervous about visiting her grandmother-her Amah-who lives SO FAR AWAY.
When she and Mama finally go to Taipei, Kylie is shy with Amah. Even though they have spent time together in video chats, those aren't the same as real life. And in Taiwan, Kylie is at first uncomfortable with the less-familiar language, customs, culture, and food. However, after she is invited by Amah-Lái kàn kàn! Come see!-to play and splash in the hot springs (which aren't that different from the pools at home), Kylie begins to see this place through her grandmother's eyes and sees a new side of the things that used to scare her. Soon, Kylie is leading her Amah-Come see! Lái kàn kàn!-back through all her favorite parts of this place and having SO MUCH FUN! And when it is time to go home, the video chats will be extra special until they can visit faraway again.

Backmatter includes author and illustrator notes and a guide to some of the places and foods explored in Taiwan.

Author: Margaret Chiu Greanias
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 01/25/2022
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.70h x 10.90w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781547607211
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2021
Publishers Weekly 11/29/2021
School Library Journal 12/01/2021 pg. 76
Booklist 12/15/2021 pg. 99
Shelf Awareness 02/01/2022

About the Author

Margaret Chiu Greanias is the author of Maximillian Villainous. The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, she grew up in New York, Texas, and California, while her Amah lived far away in Taipei. This book was inspired by her childhood memories visiting her Amah-exploring night markets, splashing in hot springs, and connecting with relatives-and by her children experiencing Taiwan with their Amah for the first time. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, three children, and a fluffle of dust bunnies. Find her online at margaretgreanias.com.
@MargaretGreania

Tracy Subisak can't stop thinking about being back in Taipei, eating yóutiáo and dòujiang (soy milk) with her Amah and Mama. Tracy is the daughter of a Taiwanese mother and Polish American father. She lived in Taipei for a bit as an adult and saw her Amah every week, ate delicious night-market snacks, and enjoyed every detail of beautiful Taiwan. She is the author-illustrator of Jenny Mei Is Sad, and has illustrated books including the award-winning Shawn Loves Sharks by Curtis Manley and Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane by Kirsten Larson. Visit her online at tracysubisak.com.
@tracysubisak