Now at Stuart Ng Books. Signed by illustrator Chris Sasaki. In store and online:
Immigrant narratives are a proud part of American history. Children's books are great gifts for any age range. The beautiful art lets us revisit classic stories and share timely ones.
Here's my summary of this book...
Here's my summary of this book...
This
tender children’s book personalizes the immigrant experience for multiple generations
of readers. In this case, the immigrant is a young boy who will become Disney
legend Tyrus Wong. In just a few pages of text, Wong’s harrowing boyhood journey
is powerfully conveyed. Illustrations by Chris Sasaki evoke traditional Japanese
watercolors, the character design of M. Sasek, and the muted palette of colored
vintage photographs.
Tyrus
Wong had to assume a different identity to arrive in America, adding another
layer of suspense to his story. Once safely reunited with his Father, he was given
yet another new identity – an Americanized name. All children can identify with
the pang of feeling like they don’t fit in. Wong’s story introduces cultural
context to this lesson in empathy.
What
would sustain him through all this early sacrifice? The American Dream
instilled in him by his father – that in this new place they could paint new
lives on fresh paper. This wasn’t just a metaphor: Wong’s father recognized his
son’s artistic talent and borrowed money to send him to the prestigious Otis
art school.
Wong’s
talent is portrayed in Chris Sasaki’s illustrations. As a janitor, when he used water
and a mop to paint ephemeral images on the school floors he cleaned. Then at a desk
in an early job as an in-betweener at Disney studios.
Wong’s
breakthrough moment comes with the news that Disney is making a film of Bambi.
In the book’s text and illustrations we discover how Wong realized his soft
watercolors were uniquely suited this project. His art conveyed not the detailed leaves and trees of the forest landscapes, but used his spare style to imbue feelings to the almost magical
setting for the story. Feelings inspired by Wong’s own roots in faraway China, the
absence of his own mother, and his skills learned in Western art schools.
The
story doesn’t stop with Bambi. Eventually, the film became a classic and Wong
was later acclaimed for his vital role in the film’s look and success. However,
at the time, his contribution at Disney was barely recognized. He was fired
after the employee strike, even though he didn’t participate. Leaving Disney
only inspired Wong to push his talent. He explored many mediums. He was always
looking up. This is beautifully expressed in the end of this book. In his golden
years, Wong enjoyed flying large colorful kites he made himself and decorated
with his paintings. Grounded, but using his art to fly thanks to powerful
talent and dreams.
UPDATE 12.12.19
How does Stuart get these signed copies??? Get this story and more when you sign up for Stuart's weekly email newsletter https://stuartngbooks.com/join-our-mailing-list.html
How does Stuart get these signed copies??? Get this story and more when you sign up for Stuart's weekly email newsletter https://stuartngbooks.com/join-our-mailing-list.html
Terence and I went to Disney Animation Monday to provide book sales for illustrator Chris Sasaki's presentation spotlighting the inspiring picture book Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist.
The book is inspiring on multiple levels, telling the immigrant story of artist Tyrus Wong, and beautifully written and illustrated by another generation of Asian American creators. Chris's illustrations are just stunning. Tyrus Wong's daughter Kim told us how, as soon as they saw Chris's portfolio, they knew he was the one to illustrate the book.
At the end of his book signing at Disney, Chris was kind enough to autograph some copies for us. So get one while they last!
Here's a photo from the signing. Kim (daughter of Tyrus Wong) is signing a personal copy for Stuart. He usually misses out on getting his own signed copies at these events, so I was glad to see this happened.
For another timely title, I also highly recommend this current release from artist Elise Gravel. Not at SNB as it's a general release in-print title, but why not buy a copy from your local indie bookstore.. or maybe gift a copy to a local school or library:
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