Vikki Zhang – illustratör

A gentle and poetic exploration of mindfulness, empathy, and our connection to the natural world.When a bumblebee lands unexpectedly, one child is prompted to pause, breathe, and simply be. Lyrical prose by Cynthia Mackey pairs seamlessly with Vikki Zhang’s lush, theatrical illustrations to guide readers through a rich sensory journey—balancing fear with curiosity and stillness with play.With each page turn, readers are encouraged to notice small details in nature and in themselves. Hidden animals, shifting scenery, and gentle prompts (“freeze like a tree,” “breathe like a snail”) transform the experience into a playful invitation to practice mindfulness. Ideal for encouraging emotional awareness, observation skills, and calm, If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe is a standout read-aloud for home, classroom, or storytime.Perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened and My Mind Is a Mountain, this picture book rewards rereading and inspires a deeper appreciation for the quiet wonders around us.

Bon appétit! — or so they say.Bo and Jin are ravenous. It has been a whole year since the last Hungry Ghost Festival, and they have been dreaming of the feast ever since. This year’s celebration promises overflowing tables of barbecue pork, dragon beard candy, and other beloved Chinese treats. They are ready to fill their bowls, go back for seconds, and maybe even thirds.But getting there is harder than expected. Wrong turns, unexpected obstacles, and moments of doubt threaten to slow them down, and Bo and Jin begin to wonder if they will arrive too late. As the journey unfolds, they discover that the true reward is not just the food waiting at the end, but what they learn by facing challenges together.Hungry Little Ghosts is a warm, joyful picture book that introduces young readers to the Hungry Ghost Festival while exploring perseverance, teamwork, and patience. With humor and heart, it encourages children ages 4–8 to slow down, stay curious, and navigate big feelings along the way.