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Storytime: Say My Name & On the Tip of a Wave

PBF Pass

November 4, 2023 @ 12:20 pm - 12:40 pm

The Judy Cinema

New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho, of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, creates a meaningful and diverse picture book about how names define us.

Names reveal generational ties and histories, weaving an intricate tale of the past. Names—and correctly saying them—are important. Each one carries the hopes, dreams, and traditions of those who came before us.

Six children connect with the reader and proudly celebrate their names and backgrounds: Hé Xiao-Guang, Ofa Kivaha Tupoumalohi, Bijan Hosseini, Nizhoni Yazzie, Xóchitl Luna, and Akosua Acheampong. These captivating kids of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent also honor their ancestors and cultural histories.

Joanna Ho’s lyrical story, with gorgeous illustrations by Khoa Le, explains how saying a person’s name is the only way we can truly know another.


From New York Times bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Joanna Ho, and critically acclaimed illustrator, Cátia Chien comes a moving, powerful picture book about the life and work of activist and artist, Ai Weiwei.

He [Ai Weiwei] felt the life jackets and an idea curled and crested through his fingertips. The way it always did.

Told in Joanna Ho’s signature lyrical writing, this is the story that shines a light on Ai Weiwei and his journey, specifically how the Life Jackets exhibit at Konzerthaus Berlin came to be. As conditions for refugees worsened, Ai Weiwei was inspired by the discarded life jackets on the shores of Lesbos to create a bold installation that would grab the attention of the world. Cátia Chien masterfully portrays the intricate life of Ai Weiwei with inspirations from woodblock printing and a special emphasis on the color orange, the same color of the life jackets that became a beacon of hope. Through Cátia’s dynamic and stunning illustrations, we see how Ai Weiwei became the activist and artist he is today while proving the power of art within humanity.


Portland Book Festival General Admission Passes are required for entry into all events. Passes are $15 in advance and $25 day of Festival. Youth 17 & under get in FREE. All full-priced General Admission Passes include a $5 book fair voucher and entry into Portland Art Museum. Passes admit attendees to the Festival; individual events are first-come, first-served. More info here.

Bios

Cátia Chien

Cátia Chien is a Brazilian Taiwanese artist. She's the illustrator of such titles as On the Tip of a Wave, with author Joanna Ho; The Bear and the Moon, which was a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal for Original Art winner and a Golden Kite Award for picture book illustration winner; and A Boy and a Jaguar, an ALA Notable Book and recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award. Her art has been shown in galleries worldwide, including the Beijing National Gallery and the Bologna Children's Book Fair exhibition. She is also the founder of A Thousand Worlds, a curated picture book directory celebrating BIPOC creators .
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Joanna Ho

Joanna Ho is the New York Times bestselling author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, Eyes that Speak to the Stars, Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma, The Silence that Binds Us, and One Day. She has been an English teacher, a dean, a vice principal, and a professional development mastermind. Her passion for equity in books and education is matched only by her love of homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids. Her new book is Say My Name.
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Emily Arrow

Emily Arrow (she/they) is an award-winning children’s songwriter, author, and educator known for crafting meaningful stories and songs. With her beloved ukulele companion, Bow, Emily aims to inspire young minds, encouraging them to embrace and share their own unique voices. Emily tours the country to speak and sing at schools, bookstores, and festivals, and her recent album “Sing-Along with Emily Arrow” (9/8/23) is signed to the notable Platoon Records. She brings over a decade of teaching experience as a Berklee College of Music graduate, Montessori certified, and Orff Shulwerk educator. Based on the West Coast, Emily is active in the literary and children's performing arts communities, serving on the Portland Book Festival Advisory Council of Literary Arts in Portland, OR, and as the Director of Music for Storïwr Children’s Theater Company in Los Angeles. She's also a dedicated entrepreneur and is the founder of Rainbow Song School, an inclusive online & pop-up music education studio launching March 2024!
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Details

Date:
November 4, 2023
Time:
12:20 pm - 12:40 pm
Event Category:
Event Tags:

Venue

The Judy Cinema
1000 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205 United States
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