E.G. Alaraj grew up in the magical place that every child knows, where ideas look like pictures drawn with crayons and sound like stories from long ago and far away. The youngest of six girls in a homeschool family, she spent her childhood with her nose in storybooks, art books, music books, notebooks and trouble--especially trouble. In fact, she thinks trouble and imagination are best friends. E.G. lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Rachel Wada's work is defined by heavy texture, bold color and intricate details that capture the nuances of people, places and ideas, real and surreal. Rachel's identity as Japanese-Cantonese, an immigrant and a woman informs her artistic practice. She loves to put her own spin on traditional techniques, motifs and symbolism inspired by her cultural background. This duality of old and new is also apparent in her use of both traditional and digital mediums, and she draws inspiration from a variety of sources, from Japanese woodblock prints, Chinese pottery and ceramics to food-packaging design and traditional folk art. Rachel lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

"Alaraj's text makes for an effortless read-aloud as she speaks to the power of language. With kaleidoscopic colors and dramatic shifts in perspective, Wada's majestic visuals depict the characters traversing cities, mountains, the seaside, and even space. A lyrical ballad of a book that celebrates the gift of language."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

★ "Captures a language's ability to connect one to places, ancestry, and cultural heritage through the sharing of stories, family recipes, and so much more. Wada's stunning water-colours are awash with nature motifs...The palette is punctuated by pinks, blues, and greens that touch scenes with a whimsy and vibrance in keeping with the text's joyful message of language as a living thing that ties generations together, past and future. An inspiring addition to any collection."

-- "Booklist, starred review"

"A beautiful lyrical book showing the power language has in connection to heritage, family, to culture, and others...will draw listeners in and hopefully inspire them to lean into the language around them, and appreciate the many doors it can open."

-- "Islamic School Librarian"

"In a heartfelt tribute to the roots, rhythms, and reasons behind learning and speaking one's heritage language, this uplifting text addresses the work of raising a child connected to their family's culture."

-- "Publishers Weekly"

Publisher: Orca Book Publishers

Pub date: 2026-02-17

Length: 32 pages