NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Maris Pasquale Doran, LCSW

The belief that grounds my clinical work, that awareness and intention lead to an empowered life, lives in every page of this book.

Piper Chen Sings explores emotional awareness, holding two feelings at once, and moving through life intentionally.

ABOUT THE BOOK

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERAn 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 along with acclaimed illustrator Qin Leng have created a cheerful intergenerational story that inspires confidence in the face of nervousness.

Starred Reviews

"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

"Writing this book brought the work I do with adults to children and the grown-ups who read with them."

RECOGNITION AND PRESS

AWARDS AND SELECTIONS

New York Times Bestseller

People Best Book of the Year 2024

Jumpstart's Read for the Record Book Selection

2.3 Million Children · 11 Countries

National Education Association Read Across America Selection

Junior Library Guild Elementary Selection

Parade · Best of Week

Book Riot · Best of Week

PRESS

"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

"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

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD

A New York Times bestseller for the youngest readers, and the grown-ups who love them.

© Copyright 2026 Maris Pasquale Doran. All Rights Reserved.