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About Where Wildflowers Grow

A beautifully moving picture book that reminds us that wherever we move—across the sea or across the neighborhood—we can always keep growing . . . just like wildflowers.

After being uprooted from their home in Vietnam, young Hà is happy with her new life at the refugee camp. But today is Moving Day! And while the rest of the family is excited to head to their "forever home" in America, Hà doesn’t want to leave.

Leaving means saying goodbye to her best friend, her loving teacher, and the beautiful wildflowers she picks daily. She's not ready for yet another change. Who will play the game Ô Ăn Quan with her? What if she can't master speaking English? 

Can Hà carry the best parts of her beloved camp with her? Can wildflowers grow in America too? 

Inspired by the author's childhood, Where Wildflowers Grow explores the emotional struggle of moving and the joy in discovering there's always hope in new beginnings.

Look in the back of the book for pictures and details about the author’s journey to America, as well as rules to play the game featured in the story!

Product Details

40 pages | Published by WaterBrook

On Sale Date: Jun 13, 2023

Trim Size: 11 x 8-1/2

Carton Quantity: 24

Sneak Peek

Start reading today! 

Based on the author’s childhood, this encouraging picture book teaches kids that even when we have to say goodbye to what’s familiar, we can always hold memories close to our hearts.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Elizabeth Groening, Publicity & Marketing Assistant
egroening@penguinrandomhouse.com

WHERE WILDFLOWERS GROW
By Hà Dinh; Illustrated by Bao Luu
A WaterBrook Hardcover| On Sale June 13, 2023

Inspired By the Author’s Childhood Journey from Vietnam to America, WaterBrook’s Moving New Picture Book Illustrates Beautiful Growth through Change

WHERE WILDFLOWERS GROW (WaterBrook; 6/13/23) by debut children’s author and elementary school teacher, Hà Dinh, acknowledges the emotional toll kids feel when faced with big changes, while also offering a reassuring and blossoming message of hope.
 
The story is based on the author’s deeply personal memories of being uprooted from her home in Vietnam and living temporarily at a refugee camp in the Philippines before settling in the United States. Whether young readers have experienced a similar relocation, have changed schools, or simply miss friends from summer camp, they will relate to Hà’s mixed emotions as she says goodbye to a place she’s grown to love.
 
But ultimately, Hà Dinh’s tale reminds children that wherever one goes—across the sea or across the neighborhood—and no matter the change, we always keep growing, just like wildflowers.
 
“May this story provide a window into the emotional struggle of refugee children who face relocation and mirrors for those who have experienced diaspora and found hope and beauty in their new home,” says Hà.
 
With lyrical writing and exquisite illustrations, Where Wildflowers Grow encourages children that beauty and growth coincide with change. This tender picture book is ideal for children ages 4 to 8, as they leave behind comforting familiarities or look forward to calling a new place home. Children never stop growing, no matter where they are or who surrounds them, and Where Wildflowers Grow will help them feel less alone.
 
For more information, visit waterbrookmultnomah.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hà Dinh wanted to be an author from the moment she first held a book in her hands. She is the wife of her high school sweetheart, a mother of two, the founder of the Happy Days in First Grade teaching blog, and an elementary school teacher. Hà seeks to inspire kids to share their own stories and make a positive impact in the world.
For more information, follow @HelloMrsDinh on Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Born and raised in Vietnam, Bao Luu currently lives in the United States where, as a professional artist, he loves playing with color and texture in his illustrations. The inspiration for different elements in his unique artwork comes from observing everything in life.
For more information, follow @BaoLuuArt on Instagram.

Juvenile Fiction – Social Themes – Emigration & Immigration
June 13, 2023 / ISBN: 9780593578605 · Hardcover · $14.99/$20.49 Canada
e-Book ISBN: 9780593578612 · $7.99/$9.99 Canada

Suggested Interview Questions for Hà Dinh
 
1. Can you tell us about your own personal journey that inspired Where Wildflowers Grow?
 
2. What would you tell a child who is nervous about a move?
 
3. How would you advise parents to help their child through this emotional time?
 
4. What tips do you have for children who want to make new friends and grow in a new place?
 
5. What message are you most excited for young readers take away from Where Wildflowers Grow?

6. What are you working on next?

To schedule an interview or request a review copy, contact Elizabeth Groening at egroening@penguinrandomhouse.com

Contact Publicist

Elizabeth Groening