Quietly powerful and wonderfully wholesome.
In Xu’s heartfelt story, a young panda must decide for herself who she is. Pandy has always felt like a Koala—she plays koala games, sings koala songs, and fits right in at her koala school. But when her bamboo lunch draws puzzled looks and classmates’ questions where she’s “really” from, doubt creeps in. She begins to wonder, “is she actually a Panda?”
Xu captures the confusion and discomfort that can follow a seemingly small moment—like a wrinkled nose at lunch or an innocent question about where she’s “really” from. Curiosity turns into self-doubt and identity conflict, but Xu handles it all with clarity and warmth that young readers can easily grasp. Sang Oh’s illustrations are a delight. Like the best picture books, the book makes space for young readers to ask their own questions: about family, appearance, language, culture—and how these things do (or don’t) define us. Ideal for mixed-culture families, inclusive classrooms, and readers of all ages who are learning that the truest place to belong is within yourself.
A graceful, empowering story that speaks volumes in quiet ways.
Pub date April 30, 2025
Accidental Press House
ISBN 978-0646715797
Price $24.99 (USD) Hardcover, $12.99 Paperback
Reading age 4-9 years
Pages 40
