Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace and Other Tourist Attractions

Alvin Ho, a fearful but appealing boy, has a new set of worries. His mom is going to have a baby — and Alvin has all of the symptoms! To add to his worries, his dad is away helping earthquake victims in Haiti. The happy resolution includes the arrival of Alvin’s new baby sister and his dad is return home.

Although 2nd grader Alvin Ho admires superheroes, he is quite unlike them. In fact, he is afraid of everything! Alvin’s disarming character is perfectly voiced in this two-book collection.

The timid 2nd grader is back, this time fearful of an upcoming camping trip with his father. Alvin’s siblings try to help him but actually create a different sort of disaster. Readers will enjoy laughing along with these memorable characters.

Inspired by an actual artist, Wu Daozi’s brush created images that seemed to come alive. Travel to ancient China to meet Daozi as he grows from a boy into a muralist for the Emperor. When the mural is finished, legend says that Daozi walks into the paradise he painted. Brief text combines with brush and watercolor illustrations for a memorable look at a legendary Chinese painter.

Jen helps her Chinese-American family get ready for the traditional celebration of her brother Henry’s one-month birthday. Lively, stylized illustrations move the story at a quick pace to its satisfying conclusion.

Aspen Colorado Kim Chee Lee finds a cure for her writer’s block in a unique pottery class. Child-like illustrations and text are presented in calendar-like orientation.

Ruby Lu is an exuberant second grader who takes her responsibility to help her cousin transition from China to his new school in America. Unfortunately, it lands both children in summer school where Ruby remains daunted by a long book. The humor lies in the ordinary of a likeable, effusive child who just happens to be Chinese American.

Jenny’s favorite uncle, Uncle Peter, is getting married. Now Jenny won’t be his only “special girl” any longer; she’ll have to share him with Stella! But Peter’s bride is as happy to have a new niece as she is beautiful and wins Jenny over. Child-like illustrations reflect the traditions and warmth of this Chinese American family.