• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: 2 to 12

An uplifting immigration story about tackling new experiences with curiosity

A little girl and her family are emigrating to a new country. As they say goodbye to their home and move to an unfamiliar place, the girl is full of questions: Will they ever return? What if she doesn’t make new friends? Why does she look different than the other kids? Her mother’s supportive refrain encourages her to voice her curiosity: It’s okay, just ask!

Sometimes the answers lead to exciting discoveries. Other times, the answers are unclear, or prompt even more questions. But each time the girl chooses to just ask, she learns more about her community and herself.

Partially based on the author’s own experience moving her family from the Philippines to Canada, this is a thoughtful, child-centered look at being a newcomer. While exploring the specific experience of immigrants, it also shares a more universal message about speaking up when uncertain or confused. It welcomes readers to ask questions when they’re unsure, and approach different people and places with an open mind.

MONIQUE LEONARDO CARLOS is a homeschooling mom, a former classroom teacher, and a long-time collector of picture books. Born in the Philippines, Monique now lives with her husband, three children, and two dogs in beautiful Surrey, British Columbia.

Monique Leonardo Carlos' profile page

Salini Perera is a Canadian illustrator who uses she/her pronouns. She was born in Sri Lanka and raised in Scarborough, and has been making art for as long as she can remember. Now, she gets to make art for picture books, a lifelong dream come true. Salini lives in Toronto with her husband, Michael, and their three cats, Victoria, Albert and Alice.

Salini Perera's profile page

• Commended, FOLD Kids Book-of-the-Month

"Tenderly reassuring and useful for sparking curiosity."

Kirkus Reviews

"This book contains themes of adaptation and resilience. Children learn the challenges that come with immigrating and are inspired to be kind to those who may not be familiar with their traditions. Readers who have experienced immigration themselves are emboldened to use their voices and speak up when something is unfamiliar."

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

"An unequivocally affirmative picture book."

Canadian Children's Book News