NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Piper Chen Sings
By Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, LCSW · Illustrated by Qin Leng
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
PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION
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.
Starred Reviews
KIRKUS REVIEWS
"This book sings."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"An energetic debut that centers mindfulness and intergenerational wisdom."
SHELF AWARENESS
"Debut authors Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, buoyed by Qin Leng's delightful illustrations, offer empowering, entertaining encouragement in Piper Chen Sings."
Photo: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times
Photo: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times
Why a psychotherapist wrote a children's book
Writing this book brought the work I do with adults to children and the grown-ups who read with them.
When Piper is offered her solo, she feels nervousness and excitement at the same time. Her grandmother, Nai Nai, helps her identify her feelings and recognize that two seemingly opposing things can exist together. Piper pauses, and she makes an intentional choice rather than being led by reactivity. Nai Nai draws on her own life and her immigration story to show Piper how to acknowledge the nervousness without letting it drive her.
These are the same skills I teach adults. Children are never too young to learn them, and the book has become a way for grown-ups and children to talk about emotional awareness together.
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 Gold Standard 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
A New York Times bestseller for the youngest readers and the grown-ups who love them.
Available wherever books are sold
Clinical depth. Real life application.
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