I Dream of Popo
Published January 5, 2021 • Roaring Brook Press • Written by Livia Blackburne
My newest book, written by New York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne, is I Dream of Popo. This delicate, emotionally rich picture book celebrates a special connection that crosses time zones and oceans as Popo and her granddaughter hold each other in their hearts forever.
I dream with Popo as she rocks me in her arms.
I wave at Popo before I board my flight.
I talk to Popo from across the sea.
I tell Popo about my adventures.
When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong.
Launch Party
Join author and illustrator team Livia Blackburne and Julia Kuo as they launch their picture book I Dream of Popo. This beautiful picture book is full of heart and family and makes a perfect gift for readers near and far. The Zoom launch event will feature a discussion between Livia, Julia, and Connie Hsu (editor). They'll discuss the inspiration for the book, the nuances of growing up between two worlds, and how linguistic and geographic distance affects family relationships.
Watch the recording of our launch party at Once Upon a Time Bookstore here!
Order the Book
Interviews
Livia & Julia discuss inspiration behind I Dream of Popo
with Mac Kids Books
Watch our launch party with Connie, Livia, and Julia
hosted by Once Upon a Time Bookstore
I Hope I Dream of Popo Helps Reconnect People
on We Need Diverse Books
I Dream of Popo: A Taiwanese-American Story
on Tricky Taipei
Meet-the-Author Recording with Livia Blackburne & Julia Kuo
on TeachingBooks
Resources
Storytime and Activity Kit for I Dream of Popo
Julia Kuo's name pronunciation on TeachingBooks
Livia Blackburne's name pronunciation on TeachingBooks
Favorite Chinese learning resources and books from Livia & Julia
Honors
2022 ALA Notable Books for Children’s Books list
New York Public Library Best Books of 2021
Booklist Editor’s Choice 2021
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids 2021
I Dream of Popo on Stacey Abrams’ List of Remarkable Books
Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices 2022
Learn About How I Work
Learn about my inspiration for I Dream of Popo
Critical Praise
"...Faithful representations of Chinese-language signage, street scenes, and cityscapes evoke nostalgia for those familiar with Taiwan and its vibrant food culture. Whimsical depictions of Chinese New Year at home and Popo’s kitchen are authentic, down to the accurate details on a calendar, dumpling making from scratch, and the iconic rice cooker. Readers will connect with this visual story on various levels or learn something new; possibly both.
#Ownvoices tributes to childhood memories of home: It is as much an emotional space as a physical place."
- Kirkus Starred Review
“Blackburne’s nuanced narrative and Kuo’s eye-catchingly hued illustrations bring readers on a heartwarming journey, providing an opportunity to explore and discuss the themes of identity, roots, connection, and emigration.” —The Horn Book
"...Digital illustrations evoking vintage advertisements have an effectively nostalgic quality, enhanced by abstract-colored skies, a subtle rice paper–like texture, and a subdued mid-century modern palette, while contemporary touches, including spreads of the girl and Popo video chatting, ground the story in the present day. A richly nuanced narrative that illuminates the interstices of one family’s diasporic experience."
- Publishers Weekly Starred Review
“Kuo’s illustrations are bold and moving, beautifully capturing the emotion and affection between the main character and her Popo..” —Booklist Starred Review