About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling like the odd one out or struggling to adjust after a major life transition, such as moving to a new neighborhood or starting at a new school. This gentle story follows Chee-Kee, a panda who moves to Bearland and finds that he does not quite fit in with the local grizzly and polar bear inhabitants. It is a beautiful metaphor for the immigrant experience and the universal feeling of being different. Ideal for children ages 4 to 8, Sujean Rim's colorful and expressive illustrations capture the vulnerability of being the new kid. Parents will appreciate how the story moves beyond the initial loneliness to show how Chee-Kee's unique background and creative problem-solving skills eventually help him save the day. It is a perfect choice for normalizing feelings of displacement while celebrating the strength found in one's heritage.
