Photo by Carrie Anderson
Angela Pham Krans is the author of the new children's picture book Words Between Us. She also has written the picture book Finding Papa. She lives in Atlanta.
Q: What inspired you to write Words Between Us?
A: My grandparents immigrated to the United States when I was in middle school and while we our communication was sufficient for the day to day, I struggled to share feelings and thoughts at a deeper level. Despite that, our relationship blossomed as we introduced and taught each other new things.
I’ve witnessed the same for many immigrant families and in some cases was delightfully surprised by the strength of bond between kids and their grandparents.
I wanted to share a story that spoke these truths – that bonds can formed through common interests, shared experiences, mutual respect, and those laugh-out-loud moments that only language barriers can create.
Q: What do you think Dung Ho’s illustrations add to the story?
A: Dung Ho is an incredible artist and her illustrations bring so much warmth to the story.
Some of my favorite scenes are between Felix and Grandma where the two share each other’s interests. You can almost feel the love and respect they have for each other in those vignettes.
Another favorite are the festival scenes filled with color, thoughtful details, and a diverse set of characters. There is so much joy on those pages!
Q: The Publishers Weekly review of the book says, in part, “Humor and empathy guide a Vietnamese American boy’s attempts to acclimate his grandmother to a new home and language in this tenderhearted title.” What do you think of that description?
A: I am grateful for Publishers Weekly’s kind review! I think “humor and empathy” encapsulates the heart of the story so well.
Despite a language barrier and generational gap, Felix builds a loving relationship with his grandmother. He is patient, kind, and excited to show his grandmother all the fun things. And of course, being a kid, those fun things include pizza, cheese, ice cream, and a pet iguana!
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: So many things! Like communication doesn’t always require words, that intergenerational relationships are beautiful and people at any age can learn from each other, and that learning a new language can be hard but so much fun!
I think kids are so wonderfully open-minded and full of curiosity and adventure, they’re probably already living some of these experiences!
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m writing a couple of new stories – one a chapter book with series potential, and the other a middle grade story. I’ve traditionally written picture books, but I’m really enjoying writing for older age groups as well!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: While writing gives me so much energy and joy, I also try to find time to do non-writing activities, such as gardening, cooking, traveling, and outdoorsy things with my husband and pup.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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