Piper Chen Sings

By: Phillipa Soo, Maris Pasquale Doran

Narrated by: Phillipa Soo

An empowering story about a girl who turns her performance jitters into confidence when faced with singing a solo at her school concert. Inspired by the childhood experience of award-winning actress Phillipa Soo who originated the role of Eliza in Hamilton.

Piper Chen loves nothing more than to sing. She sings to the sun, and she sings to the moon. She sings to her stuffed animals and with the birds outside her window. So, when her music teacher asks if Piper would like to sing a solo in her school’s Spring Sing, all she can say is “yes!” But as practice continues, doubt and worry creep in and Piper’s confidence wavers. She feels like butterflies are having a dance party in her belly. At home, Piper finds Nai Nai, her grandmother, at the piano. They’ve always shared a love of music, and Piper knows if anyone can help her through the unsettling feeling in her stomach and to shine her brightest at the Spring Concert, it’s Nai Nai.

Sisters-in-law Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran have created a cheerful intergenerational story that inspires confidence in the face of nervousness.

Critic reviews

“This picture book by Hamilton actress Phillipa Soo and her sister-in-law Maris Pasquale Doran is sure to fuel all of the aspiring performers out there.” —People

★ "This book sings." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "....An energetic debut that centers mindfulness and intergenerational wisdom." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Debut authors Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, buoyed by Qin Leng's delightful illustrations, offer empowering, entertaining encouragement in Piper Chen Sings." —Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Expressive and whimsical....this is recommended for collections needing a boost in stories about processing difficult emotions." —School Library Journal

"A reassuring nudge to nervous listeners that their talents and identities can be shared, if they choose, and celebrated." —The Bulletin

"Piper’s sincerity and the themes of courage and self expression make this book an uplifting choice, inspiring readers to embrace their passions and face their fears with courage." —The Horn Book

I love Piper Chen Sings

I love seeing a children's book with Asian representation that not only talks about culture but is just a simple story featuring Asian characters. Asian characters can exist in any context, not just when race or ethnicity is the focus of the story.
I love seeing a children's book with Asian representation that is not only for Asians. I love how Piper's feelings and experiences are inclusive and accessible to all children, which fosters empathy and empowers children of all backgrounds.
I love seeing a children's book with Asian representation that is not full of stereotypes and cliches when portraying Asian characters.
I love how this book brings us a well-rounded and multidimensional Piper with her own personality and interests.

Sweet and Inspiring

I was asked to read this book for a class. Listening to the author read along with the accompanying piano was just such a treat! Such a sweet book.