KidsLIVE!: An Author Talk with Thao Lam
This blog post was co-authored by Allison Ameduri (Grand Central Library), Chelsea Arnold (West Farms Library), and Jenny Chisnell (Harry Belafonte 115th St Library).
Have you ever wondered what inspires your favorite author or wanted to hear their experiences writing books? NYPL KidsLIVE! are special programs that feature thought-provoking conversations between authors and librarians!
About the Program:
Thao Lam is the author and artist of many children’s books including The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story which is featured on our Best Books for Kids 2020 list! Hear Thao talk about the story behind her book during a Q&A with NYPL librarians. You’ll also get an exclusive peek of her new book, Thao, that’s out in April 2021!
View the program below:
KidsLIVE! with Thao Lam from The New York Public Library on Vimeo.
Prefer to read a transcript of the event? You can find it here. You can read the transcript of this event here.
To listen to past author talks visit the NYPL Author Talks Vimeo Channel.
For upcoming author talks, visit the NYPL Online Events page.
Borrow Thao Lam’s Books from the Library!
My Cat Looks Like My Dad by Thao Lam
The narrator of this picture books notes the similarities between the cat and dad in this family. And the similarities between the narrator and the mom. But who is the narrator? Find out in the surprise ending.
Looking for more books like The Paper Boat? Check these out!
Story Boat by Kyo Maclear, pictures by Rashin Kheiriyeh
Book / E-book
A girl and her brother are forced to flee their home. As things keep changing and they keep moving they find comfort in familiar objects like a cup, a blanket, and a lamp.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Book / Read-Along Book
The story of the author and her son immigrating from Mexico to the United States. They must learn to adapt to a new and unfamiliar land and language, but they are surrounded by their Mexican heritage taking form in the beautiful illustrations. They soon find a new home in the books in a library.
The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Book
A family’s life is changed when war comes to their homeland. They must flee in search of safety using many methods of travel on their long journey including cars, bicycles, boats, and trains. They encounter danger and scary figures in search of a safe place to call home.
Here are some at-home activities inspired by The Paper Boat:
- Make your own paper boat like the one in the book. Follow these instructions to make your boat.
- Looking for more origami paper ideas? Watch this video from NYPL’s STEAM Project of the Week all about origami!
- Feeling creative? Make your own wordless book! Think about how you can tell a story with just pictures and no words. Grab some paper and pencils, crayons, or markers and create your own book.
- Create your own collage masterpiece like the art in Thao Lam’s books. Grab some old magazines, paper, and glue. Choose your favorite pictures and create your own artwork by gluing the pictures together onto a piece of paper.
Kids, check out these awesome online resources!
- Scholastic Teachables has fun activity guides on different subjects including math, science, and foreign languages.
- NYPL’s blog post on books for children and teens that celebrate the immigrant experience.
- NYPL’s blog post on books for children and adults about refugees.
Want to learn more about Thao Lam?
Be sure to visit Thao Lam’s website to learn more about her as an artist and see her incredible portfolio of artwork!
KidsLIVE!
KidsLIVE events at The New York Public Library feature thought-provoking conversations, real debates, and exciting spectacular performances with your favorite authors, artists, filmmakers, musicians, fashionistas, and more.
KidsLIVE takes children and their families on an enriching cultural and educational journey—including musical performances, live theatre, opportunities to meet authors and illustrators, and much more. KidsLIVE programs feature presenters who reflect the rich diversity of New York City and help young audiences develop their creativity, talents, and love for learning.
KidsLIVE programs are sponsored by the Andreas C. Dracopoulos Family Endowment for Young Audiences.