A woman ion a mask holds the picture book Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao in front of a rainbow

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao – a quick review

Up until now we only had a library copy, but today our beloved Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao comes home!

This post includes affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase (thanks!). As always, check your local library first. 

We love so much about Amy Wu. This is a great book for preschoolers, for budding chefs, for kids learning perseverance. It’s a WINNER as a gift book.

Maybe my favorite part is the well meaning expressions on the grownups’ faces as they give Amy advice. I can relate! 

Amy is so confident in most of her actions, like trying her shoes and brushing her teeth at the same time. But making bao takes practice after frustrating practice. Luckily Amy has an idea to solve her own problem! And she’s confident enough to ask for what she needs and keep trying. And voila! Perfect (and imperfect) bao!

We actually ordered this book way back on Indie Bookstore Day, and I am absolutely delighted that it was back ordered until now. How great is it that it sold out! Publishers take note, folks love this book. More and more Amy please!

Speaking of… if you love this book, you’ll also love Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon! A third Amy Wu books is in the works, Amy Wu and the Warm Welcome.

Written Kat Zhang (you can support her local bookstore and get a signed copy by ordering through her website). Illustrated by Charlene Chua whose work I just adore (Family Breakfast, with two dads, is a favorite). She has prints available on her Etsy.

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao is available at Amazon, Bookshop, and Kat Zhang’s local bookshop Left Bank Books.

Can’t wait to get a copy? Here’s a read aloud by the author:

If your littles love books about food, check out Maddie’s Fridge! This is at heart a story about friendship, with a gentle but important message about those who don’t have enough to eat. And read Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story… and if you make the recipe I’d love to hear about it!

Looking for more? Take a look at our last read, Tiny Feet Between Mountains, a Korean story with the most breathtaking illustrations of a fire eating tiger. Or you might like picture books featuring other AAPI authors and characters!