Books - Helen H. Wu

ISBN 979-8889830429 | by Helen H. Wu, art by Zihua Zhang | Jan 7, 2025, Beaming Books

Ping's Perfect Pot

KNEAD, MUSH, MASH. Ping molds a pot for Lunar New Year.

When Ping and Grandpa bring a tangerine tree home for Lunar New Year, Ping decides to make the perfect pot to go with it. But making a pot is hard. With Grandpa’s encouragement, she tries again and again to get it just right. The first is too clumsy, the second crumbles, and the third is too flimsy. What if she can’t make the perfect pot? Will it ruin the new year?

For anyone feeling discouraged over learning something new, Ping’s Perfect Pot reminds them not to give up when something isn’t immediately easy. Perfection takes practice, patience, and, in the end, the love and effort you put into it. Backmatter provides more context and the deeper meaning of Lunar New Year traditions and symbols found within the story, as well as around the world.

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ISBN 978-1953458766

Everyday Happy: Long the Dragon and Friends Coloring Book

A journey with two dragon pals, Long the water dragon and Alex the axolotl dragon, to discover the wonders of Earth.

Long and Alex guide you through a world filled with the small wonders of daily life. From savoring delicious dumplings and boba tea to enjoying a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza, they explore an array of delightful foods. Their adventures include camping under the stars, participating in various sports, and engaging in festive holiday and seasonal activities.

ISBN 978-1953458797

Capybara Zen: A Story and Coloring Book

A kawaii coloring book that brings a charming capybara from the planet Capyzenia to Earth.

This adorable traveler shares its unique zen tips for mindfulness, teaching young readers the art of patience, sharing, kindness, and enjoying the moment. Each page is a journey into being present, believing in oneself, and embracing the beauty of Earth. Filled with whimsical illustrations, this book encourages children and adults to creatively express themselves while learning valuable life lessons. It’s not just a coloring book; it’s a journey to finding joy and peace in the simplest things, guided by the gentle wisdom of a capybara from another planet.

Mar. 21, 2023; Yeehoo Press; ISBN 9781953458506

Long Goes to Dragon School

By Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Mae Besom

Wrapped in Eastern and Western dragon lore, this fantasy tale celebrates perseverance, self-acceptance, and cultural differences.
It’s the first day of Dragon School, where all the young dragons must learn how to harness their fire breath. Today’s lesson? Using it to cook food! All the dragons are excited to test their powers . . . except Long.
Long is from the East and can only breathe out water. No matter how hard he huffs and puffs, he isn’t sure he can match his fire breathing classmates. But will he be discovered? Or will Long find his own unique path to cooking-and to fitting in?
From TOFU TAKES TIME author Helen H. Wu and New York Times bestselling illustrator Mae Besom (WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?) comes a gorgeously illustrated and stirring tale about self-acceptance.

Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble | BAM! | BookDepository | Vroman’s | Target | Walmart | Yeehoo Press

April 19, 2022; Beaming Books; ISBN 9781506480350

Tofu Takes Time

By Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jamera

Homemade tofu is good, and good things take time.

CLICK CLACK WHIRRRR . . . Lin and her grandma, NaiNai, are making tofu from scratch! When NaiNai goes through each step, from blending soybeans with water to molding curd into shape, Lin gradually becomes impatient. But she soon discovers that making tofu not only takes time, but also takes the whole universe! It takes the seed from soil and sunshine, the cloth from thread and fiber, weight and space, books of words and pictures. And most of all, it takes spending lovely time with her beloved grandmother.

In this charming tale by Helen H. Wu, readers will marvel at how patience brings a whole universe together in a simple dish made by a modern Chinese American family. Perfect for fans of Fry Bread, Drawn Together and Thank You, Omu.

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Reviews

Goodreads

“Food is love in Chinese families. Tofu Takes Time illustrates that connection perfectly in this lyrical tale of a young girl making tofu with her grandmother. A lovely story of food, love, family, and the rewards of waiting for a good (and delicious) thing.”

–Livia Blackburne, New York Times Bestselling Author of I Dream of Popo

“Beautifully and whimsically illustrated, Tofu Takes Time is a lovely celebration of tradition and family.”

–Kat Zhang, Award-winning Author of Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

“Tofu Takes Time is lovely in its simplicity and magical in its proportions. This is a story of a granddaughter and grandmother making tofu together and it is also a story of the natural processes that allow us the gift of a favorite food and its connections to family, history, and the natural world.”

–Kao Kalia Yang, Author of The Most Beautiful Thing and A Map into the World

“Tofu Takes Time is a sweet story of intergenerational love and sharing, which highlights Asian culture and demonstrates the important message that ‘good things take time.’ An imaginative child and equally imaginative art make this a tasty treat for all to read.”

–Lynne Marie, Author of Let’s Eat! Mealtime Around the World and The Star in the Christmas Play

English

Be A Coronavirus Fighter

By Songju Ma Daemicke and Helen H. Wu

What is coronavirus? Why can’t I go outside and play with my friends? What should I do? This informative picture book explains the current virus situation in simple terms and urges children to help fight it!