The Original Art 2017 Exhibit
2017-2018 Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association Literature Award Picture Book Honor

STARRED REVIEW! "Wang's story thrills but doesn't threaten: Chau's wonderfully vivid watercolors give the monster doe eyes and a round body that make him seem like a cranky, overgrown teddy bear, and Wang shares cultural information about the Chinese New Year with the lightest of touches."—Publishers Weekly starred review

Tong tong! The legendary Nian monster has returned at Chinese New Year. With horns, scales, and wide, wicked jaws, Nian is intent on devouring Shanghai, starting with Xingling! The old tricks to keep him away don't work on Nian anymore, but Xingling is clever. Will her quick thinking be enough to save the city from the Nian Monster?

Alina Chau's Marshmallow & Jordan is a middle-grade graphic novel about a disabled, sports-loving Jordan, and the magical elephant named Marshmallow who she befriends.

Jordan's days as star player for her school's basketball team ended when an accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Now, she's still the team captain, but her competition days seem to be behind her...until an encounter with a mysterious elephant, who she names Marshmallow, helps Jordan discover a brand new sport.

Will water polo be the way for Jordan to continue her athletic dreams--or will it just come between Jordan and her best friends on the basketball team? And with the big tournament right around the corner, what secret is Marshmallow hiding?

Five super-powered teens battle a warlord to save an endangered creature. Appeals to fans of comic books, The Teen Titans, and Avatar the Last Airbender.

From their treehouse headquarters come five young champions and their wise teacher. Brawny Cha is a mountain of muscle. Small Klee is a shapeshifter, from girl to animal and back again. Blonde-haired Bri can blow gusts of wind. Long-haired Flo can vanish before your eyes. Lanky Gru is a speedster. Their white-bearded mentor has taught them to help others in need.

Now they must save the "Zez," a mystical Asiatic beast, from an encroaching civilization; especially the menacing General Moon, empowered by enchanted armor, and his soldiers. Using all their varied powers, can the Treehouse Heroes protect their new friend and restore the balance of nature?

Its fresh blend of adventure and lyrical art, created by traditional hand-painted watercolors, will excite young readers. Written by a former Dark Horse comics editor and illustrated by a Star Wars: The Clone Wars animator, this is a PG-rated action-filled quest that will engage parents and will find a home in the classroom or library.

Elementary school teachers can connect Treehouse Heroes to English Language Arts lessons. Because it’s a picture book, it’s a helpful supplement for English Language Development (ELD) students needing visual context. Librarians can use the storybook in lessons to exemplify character traits such as cooperation, thoughtfulness, empathy, and bravery as the characters overcome their fears and doubts to help a friend in need.

"A charming and magical story. The art is poetic and beautiful!"
- Steward Lee, Director on Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series.

Sydney is a bold lamb with a keen nose for adventure. Her breathtaking journey celebrates the new year. 2015 was The Year of the Sheep.




The lamb Sydney befriends the shepherd girl Zhi and other animals. But to her parents' dismay, Sydney may walk to the beat of a different drummer. However, after a storm strikes and causes a problem for everyone, can Sydney show them how valuable a sheep's qualities can be?



Befriending people and the other zodiac animals, Syndey shows the best traits of people born in The Year of the Sheep, Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Alina Chau creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year.

Sydney’s stirring travels to discover her real nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, animal lovers.



Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children's book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales.



"Oliver Chin’s Tales of the Chinese Zodiac delight the eyes and heart.... The Year of the Sheep is no exception, with beautiful artwork and an inspirational message."

- Sampan