My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên
Non Wels
Written & illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên
Published by Penguin Random House (2021)
2024-2025 Nominee - Primary
Synopsis
A visually stunning story of resilience and determination by an award-winning new author-illustrator team, perfect for back to school.
This is no ordinary first journey. The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta, and An, a young Vietnamese boy, sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. On the way, he is confronted by giant crested waves, heavy rainfall and eerie forests where fear takes hold of him. Although daunted by the dark unknown, An realizes that he is not alone and continues to paddle. He knows it will all be worth it when he reaches his destination–one familiar to children all over the world.