On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Kao Kalia Yang & Jen Shin about their newest picture book together: THE BLUE HOUSE I LOVED.

In this stunning picture book, a Hmong girl tells the story of her beloved aunt and uncle’s first home in America, long gone but still alive in the family’s memories. It’s both lyrical and ethereal and captures themes around family, what makes a home and the legacy that surrounds both. 

Come listen as we talk about the real-life inspiration behind the book, the brilliant way the emotional words are brought to life in multiple formats and the beautiful hopes they both have for this book. We talk about memories and the importance of them, the timelessness of this book and the beauty that awaits readers.

Here is the book featured in this episode, plus another gorgeous new release from Kao Kalia Yang exploring the uniqueness of home. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

THE BLUE HOUSE I LOVED by Kao Kalia Yang & Jen Shin (Amazon / Bookshop)

A HOME ON THE PAGE by Kao Kalia Yang (Amazon / Bookshop)

Here’s where you can find Kao and Jen online: 

Kao Kalia Yang’s Website: https://www.kaokaliayang.com/ 

Kao Kalia Yang’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaokaliayang/ 

Jen Shin’s Website: https://www.jensh.in/ 

Jen Shin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jy_shin/ 

I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!