Publisher: BAREFOOT BOOKS Releasing October 7, 2025!
Book Signing & Hugs Oct 25/25 11-1pm at Audreys Books (Edmonton)
October 26, 2025 –Gosh, my heart is so full. Yesterday’s Book Signing/Launch of Our World: Vietnam was more of a Hug Fest than anything. I was so moved by all the amazing friends who came by. I am especially humbled by the community of beautiful and incredible kid-lit writers — Richard Van Camp, Alison Hughes, Joan Marie Galat, Jeananne Kathol Kirwin, Karen Spafford-Fitz, Tololwa Mollel — who also stopped by to bless this book. This little board book actually holds great significance for me because Barefoot Books Publisher reached out to me in Aug 2024 while I was in the hospital for the liver resection. They asked if I could write this children’s book on Vietnam to be released in fall 2025. In the midst of surgery, I said YES! My heart rejoiced because I knew it was a sign that the Universe still had work for me.
2025 November – Our Vietnam is IBC’s Top Pick!
2025 December – The Scotsman’s List of Best Books to Read this Christmas
“Whether children will be travelling to Vietnam or not they are sure to find a real feast of delights here.”
2025 December – School Library Journal
Pull-quote: “A meaningful addition for libraries highlighting global family stories”
Full review: This engaging title in the “Our World” series invites readers to experience the sights, sounds, and traditions of daily life in Vietnam. Told through the eyes of a young Vietnamese girl, the story beautifully captures family moments and cultural customs. Phonetic spellings accompany Vietnamese words, helping readers pronounce them with confidence. “We light incense for ong ngoai (aw-oong-WAI). His photo makes me smile.”