Navigating Night

By: Julie Leung

Narrated by: Felisha Wong

A girl guides her dad on his route delivering Chinese take-out food in this touching picture book -- written by an APALA award winner and illustrated by a Caldecott Honor winner -- that celebrates the unique bond between immigrant parents and their children.

Every night, a girl must help her dad, whose English is not as good as hers, make deliveries for their small family restaurant. Sitting next to him in the car, she studies a map and gives him directions in Cantonese. She helps him get to the places he needs to go.

She hates doing this, though. Hates carrying grease-stained boxes of Mongolian beef and moo goo gai pan to customers' doors. Hates being different from the kids behind these doors. Why can't her family be normal like everyone else’s?

But when her dad tells her about how he immigrated, all alone as a teenager, to the United States, she comes to better understand him, and appreciate how he has made her American life possible.

Critic reviews

★ "An impressively realistic, heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and illuminating understanding." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "A touching familial picture book....The creators highlight a distinct bond and sacrifices made across generations." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Leung’s child-centered text honors the unique bond between immigrant parents and their children. Kang’s dynamic mixed-media illustrations mirror the story’s emotionally resonant arc....An homage to love and resilience." —The Horn Book, starred review

★ "Together, the realistic writing and expressive artwork create an insightful and moving portrayal of family, sacrifice, and connection within the immigrant experience." —Booklist, starred review

★ "Navigating Night is a beautiful example of a picture book that quietly tells universal truths through one specific story. Its underlying messages about kindness and love will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds." —BookPage, starred review