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ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: Ava Lin, One of a Kind
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://vickyfang.com/
CITY: Los Altos
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COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; children: two sons.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Children’s book writer and illustrator. Has also worked as a product designer.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Vicky Fang is a children’s book writer and illustrator who produces books that help young readers develop their problem-solving skills. Fang often employs STEM themes in her chapter books and picture books. In an interview in KidLit 411, she shared: “I started writing children’s books to inspire and empower kids in STEAM, particularly girls and minorities. For me, technology is magical, and I want kids to be able to see that too! My hope is for my books to inspire computer literacy in all kids—while inviting their imaginations to run wild with STEAM possibilities.”
In an article in Nerdy Book Club, Fang discussed how important reading as a child was to finding a sense of identity. She admitted: “Reading helped me find myself. And that sense of self that I discovered through reading, that passion for the things that I care about—I’ve poured this enthusiasm into my books. I hope that when kids read my stories, they will delight and relate—and also discover a piece of themselves.”
In Happy Paws, Layla lives with three bots: Beep the knowledge manager, Bop the software developer, and Boop the engineer. The four collaborate on a way to prevent the Happy Days Amusement Park from closing down using each bot’s individual skills. A Kirkus Reviews contributor labelled it “a solid introduction for an appealing new chapter-book character.”
With Invent-a-Pet, Katie wants to have a unique pet. She uses a mysterious machine that her mother gives her that lets her customize her own pet by upcycling objects. The combination of a soccer ball, grass, and a carrot produces a green bunny. She tries other combinations with mixed results. A Kirkus Reviews contributor found it to be “a delightful introduction to scientific experimentation–with impossibly cute pets.”
In Blink and Block Make a Wish, robot Block doubts that optimistic robot Blink will have any luck finding gold and gems. When Blink finds a penny, he decides to throw it into a puddle and make a wish. Instead of wishing for gold and gems, though, Blink wishes to make friends with Block. A Kirkus Reviews contributor remarked that the graphic early reader “amply demonstrates the values of a positive attitude and a little creative thinking.” In a review in School Library Journal, Elisabeth LeBris observed that “the dialogue is a well-crafted mix of conflict and humor,” adding that it “will garner fans among beginning readers seeking comics.”
With The Boo Crew Needs YOU!, a ghost, a skeleton, and a vampire form the Boo Crew that aims to fix the problems resulting from a malfunctioning witch’s broom. With candles to blow out, switches to push, and applause needed for support, the Boo Crew frequently asks for help from the readers. Writing in School Library Journal, Robin Sofge found it to be “an engaging title that provides new material on the holiday topic.”
In Save the Duck!, Scratch the cat thinks of all sorts of things to get Sniff the dog in trouble or to just torment him. When Scratch flings Sniff’s favorite rubber duck toy onto the living room curtain rod, he decides to get it back. Unfortunately, he gets stuck up there too. In a review in School Library Journal, Sarah Webb called it “a fun addition for early reader collections.”
In the chapter book, Ava Lin, Best Friend, six-and-a-half-year-old Ava Lin begins first grade with some advice from her older cousin on how to make new friends. Ava tries a trick with a trinket that backfires against her, leaving her upset. Ava eventually experiences many firsts over the next few weeks at school, including getting a friend. A Kirkus Reviews contributor labelled it “a funny, charming series opener.”
With Ava Lin, One of a Kind, Ava is hoping to earn favor from her teacher by displaying her kindness and respectfulness to her classmates at school. This turns into a class competition to win a narwhal-shaped eraser that Ava really wants. She lets her competitiveness take over, though, making her difficult to be around. A Kirkus Reviews contributor admitted that “this series continues to charm.”
In Rain Is Wet!, Sniff and Scratch experience their first rainy day together. They realize how it makes things wet but also how lightning can be scary. Writing in School Library Journal, Laura Ellis labelled it “a great addition to any children’s collection.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2020, review of Happy Paws; April 1, 2020, review of Invent-a-Pet; May 15, 2021, review of Blink and Block Make a Wish; June 1, 2023, review of The Boo Crew Needs You!; April 15, 2024, review of Ava Lin, Best Friend!; November 1, 2024, review of Ava Lin, One of a Kind; .
Publishers Weekly, April 1, 2024, review of Ava Lin, Best Friend!, p. 60.
School Library Journal, May 1, 2021, Elisabeth LeBris, review of Blink and Block Make a Wish, p. 71; June 1, 2023, Robin Sofge, review of The Boo Crew Needs You!, p. 54; November 1, 2023, Sarah Webb, review of Save the Duck!; April 1, 2024, Laura Ellis, review of Rain Is Wet!, p. 125.
ONLINE
Good Reads with Ronna, https://www.goodreadswithronna.com/ (September 21, 2023), Rajani Larocca, author interview.
KidLit 411, https://www.kidlit411.com/ (April 31, 2020), author interview.
KidLit Craft, https://www.kidlitcraft.com/ (April 26, 2025), Anne-Marie Strohman, author interview.
Nerdy Book Club, https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/ (July 19, 2024), Vicky Fang, “There Are No Rules.”
Vicky Fang website, https://vickyfang.com (April 26, 2025).
Writers’ Rumpus, https://writersrumpus.com/ (September 8, 2023), Hilary Margitich, author interview; (May 7, 2024), Hilary Margitich, author interview.
Hi! I’m Vicky Fang. I’m a children’s book author and illustrator. I’m also a former product designer who invented things—like cars that talk to each other, robots you can build at home, and games you can play with your voice. I write and illustrate books to encourage kids to be creative problem solvers—whether that be in STEM, at home, or with friends. I am the author and sometimes illustrator of twenty-two new and upcoming books for kids, including Layla and the Bots, Invent-a-Pet, Friendbots, Best Buddies, and Ava Lin.
Outside of writing (and reading books!), I like eating, papercraft, crafting new anything, dancing, and playing with my kids. I live with my husband, my two boys, and one pet rhinoceros beetle in Mountain View, California.
There Are No Rules by Vicky Fang
Posted by CBethM on July 19, 2024 in Author Posts | 1 Comment
In first grade, I was a rule follower. I hated being in trouble. (I still do.) I was what people called “a good girl.” I behaved nicely, I did all my lessons. (I had a LOT of lessons.) And I loved reading. I started reading with my mom on her bed at night, huddled together under a lamp. I remember the first chapter book we read was Charlotte’s Web, and it blew my mind. I was hooked! I started making my way through more E.B. White books. I loved them. And all of the grownups seemed very proud of me for reading such big books.
My mom would sometimes take me to the local library. One time, I picked out a book from the library because it had a shiny, round award sticker on the front. My school librarian, whom I greatly admired, had told me earlier that week that the books with the stickers meant they were especially good books. So when I took it home and didn’t like it at all, I cried. I felt like I had failed somehow. My mom found me crying and asked me what was wrong. When I told her, she reassured me that I didn’t have to read the book even though I had borrowed it from the library. Or because it had a sticker on it. I only had to read the ones I liked.
I ONLY HAD TO READ THE ONES I LIKED! This was a revelation to me. There were no rules! It was all up to me! I loved going to the library and picking out whatever I wanted. I loved fantasy books, adventure books, and contemporary books. I explored fantastical situations and learned from the characters I loved or hated. And as I read, I found what I was interested in, what I enjoyed, and what I cared about.
I remember falling down a deep hole of magical adventure books. I couldn’t get enough of them! I read and wrote about magic constantly. Which is how I ended up actually breaking a rule, without even realizing it.
You see, at some point, my teacher asked me to write one story without magic in it, just one. Please? I obediently agreed, of course. I decided to write an adventure story. It was about a group of kids exploring a mysterious cave (inspired by Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books, no doubt.) Deep in the cave, they discovered a beautiful crystal-filled cavern. As they admired the gems, a large emerald stone suddenly (magically) turned into a snake and attacked them! But they luckily escaped. The end! I happily turned in my story.
When my teacher gently pointed out that I had once again included magic in my story, I hadn’t even noticed that I had not followed the rules of the assignment. And while the rule follower in me felt bad, there was a piece of me that realized that I had found something that I loved, that nobody had told me to love, that was stronger than I had even known. I had my own undeniable interests and point of view, separate from any rules. And I was surprised and delighted to find that piece of me.
Reading helped me find myself. And that sense of self that I discovered through reading, that passion for the things that I care about—I’ve poured this enthusiasm into my books. I hope that when kids read my stories, they will delight and relate—and also discover a piece of themselves.
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Vicky_FangVicky Fang is the author of the Layla and the Bots chapter books series, as well as the I Can Code board book series and the picture book Invent-a-Pet. She is the author-illustrator of Friendbots and AlphaBots. A former Google product designer, she now writes and illustrates children’s books full-time. Vicky Fang lives in California.
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Author Spotlight
Vicky Fang
Author Spotlight: Vicky Fang
April 31, 2020
We are excited to feature author Vicky Fang and her picture book, INVENT-A-PET, illustrated by Tidawan Thaipinnarong (Sterling, June 2, 2020) as well as the first book of her early chapter book series, LAYLA AND THE BOTS: HAPPY PAWS, illustrated by Christine Nishiyama (Scholastic, May 5, 2020).
Enter to win a copy of both books!
Tell us about yourself and how you came to write for children.
I’m a product designer who has worked for companies like Google and Intel, where I designed technology products for kids - including DIY robots, coding experiences, interactive storybooks, and voice-enabled games. I started writing children’s books to inspire and empower kids in STEAM, particularly girls and minorities. For me, technology is magical, and I want kids to be able to see that too! My hope is for my books to inspire computer literacy in all kids—while inviting their imaginations to run wild with STEAM possibilities.
Congrats on your two recent books, INVENT A PET and LAYLA AND THE BOTS: HAPPY PAWS. Tell us about these books and what inspired you.
Thank you! Both of these books were inspired by real aspects of my experience as a technology product designer.
LAYLA AND THE BOTS is a fully illustrated early chapter book series about a rockstar/inventor and her crew of Bots: Beep, Boop, and Bop. They combine their skills to design and build fantastic inventions to help people they meet at their shows. From design, to brainstorming, to building and tinkering, the books take readers on a fun adventure through awesome ideas and technology.
INVENT-A-PET is a picture book about a girl who discovers a mysterious machine in her living room and must figure out the formula for her perfect extraordinary pet. It introduces the basic concepts of problem solving, inputs and outputs, functions, but most importantly - the idea that the extraordinary can be found all around us.
Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?
In the world of kidlit, my road to publication has been pretty fast... but it definitely feels really slow sometimes!
I started my journey in 2016. Some early highlights: I received a WWTS mentorship with Peter McCleery, who was amazingly helpful and generous with his time. I joined 12x12, where I was able to quickly learn a lot about the industry basics and get diverse feedback on my scattershot manuscripts. I went to the SCBWI Asilomar conference and met my critique partners, Christine Evans and Faith Kazmi, who remain my CPs and good friends to this day. I continued to improve my craft through editor critiques, Storyteller Academy with Arree Chung, and lots and lots of writing. All of this, combined with the welcoming and helpful nature of the kidlit community, contributed to moving me from beginner to publishable.
Of course, that was only the very beginning of the journey and it continues to this day—I am always learning, growing, and thankful to those helping me along on my journey!
How do you decide whether a book is a picture book or a chapter book?
When I shifted into thinking about chapter books, it was an eye opener for me. My agent, Elizabeth Bennett, had suggested I look at the Scholastic Branches line and something just clicked! I had a vague idea in my head about a story with three collaborative robots, but I could never get it to fit into a picture book format. When I read the Scholastic Branches books, I knew that was the right format. It allowed for just a bit more space to introduce characters and setup and story. I wrote Layla and the Bots and we submitted exclusively to the Branches editors - and I’m so glad they took it, because they are brilliant to work with!
What projects are you working on now? Are you able to concentrate these days?
I’m revising the 4th book of the Layla and the Bots series, which is so much fun! It involves a dolphin rescue, and sound waves, and awesome rock music. I’m also working on a new project that I am writing and illustrating, called FRIENDBOTS, that was just announced!
I am so excited about it and it’s fun to work on something completely different. I am definitely having a hard time finding the time and mental energy to work on stuff as much as I’d like to these days… but deadlines always help!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Find your people! The journey is so odd and long and I really don’t think I would have stuck things out if I hadn’t found camaraderie along the way - from my critique partners, my mentors, my agent, my launch groups, and quite frankly, the generous kidlit community at large. It really helps to have partners along the way to keep you energized and inspired… and sane!
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
Ah, I’ve lost track! I used to be an actress? I used to be a game designer? I used to make interactive art installations? I really don’t like it when people put their feet on my pillow? (I really, really don’t like that.)
Where can people find you online?
You can find me on Twitter at @fangmous, on Instagram at @fangmousbooks, or on my website at www.vickyfang.com. Come say hi!
Vicky Fang is a product designer who spent 5 years designing kids’ technology experiences for both Google and Intel, often to inspire and empower kids in coding and technology. Through that work, she came to recognize the gap in education and inspiration, particularly for girls and minorities. She began writing books to provide kids with accessible STEAM-inspired stories that they can read again and again, learning from characters they love. Her goal is for her books is to inspire computer literacy for a wide range of kids—while letting their imaginations run wild with the possibilities of technology!
Interview with Multi-Genre Children’s Book Author Vicky Fang…and a Book Giveaway!
May 7, 2024 Hilary Margitich Book Reviews, Events & Announcements, featured, Illustrating, Inspiration, Interviews, Interviews - Authors & Illustrators, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources 16 comments
For those of you who follow our blog closely (and we love you for it), you may remember that I had Vicky Fang here this past fall to talk about her spooky and interactive picture book The Boo Crew Needs You! as well as her incredibly diverse and voluminous body of work. Vicky has written many, many children’s books in all different genres, from board books all the way through chapter books. To put it simply, she’s killing this whole children’s book author thing, and I am in awe of her! If you missed that interview, please feel free to check it out here.
Fortunately, I didn’t scare Vicky away with my probing questions (I’ll admit, I was fangirling a bit. Can you blame me?). In fact, we had so much fun that she decided to come back and do it again. So, here we are!
We have MUCH to discuss. In the past couple of months, Vicky has launched her third “Friendbots” early reader graphic novel Blink and Block Build a Fort, as well as her third “Best Buddies” early reader Rain is Wet. And next month, she launches her brand-new chapter book series “Ava Lin”, that she’s both written and illustrated!
Cover art for AVA LIN, BEST FRIEND
Vicky and Candlewick Press were kind enough to let me read Ava Lin, Best Friend before its release, and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it…with Ava, I mean. I even emailed Vicky when I finished it to tell her that. I’ve never felt particularly passionate about chapter books, but this one is different from the others I’ve read in that it really captures the inner world of a 6-and-a-half-year-old girl. She’s endearing, authentic, and reminds me a bit of my own childhood heroine, Ramona Quimby.
Hilary Margitich: Vicky, welcome back! I’m thrilled to have you here with me again.
Vicky Fang: Aw, I’m so pleased to be back! And thank you for all of the kind words!
HM: As I mentioned, I’ve become quite obsessed with Ava Lin, Best Friend. How did the idea for Ava first come to you? And were there any mentor texts that inspired you to write it in the way that you did?
VF: Ava Lin is really inspired by books that I was reading with my little boys—the ones that made them laugh out loud and resonated in such relatable ways. Most of these books were also heavily illustrated, adding to the humor and accessibility. Some mentor text series were “Dory Fantasmagory” by Abby Hanlon, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney, “Planet Omar” by Zanib Mian, and “Olga” by Elisa Gravel. I set out wanting to write something very funny and relatable.
HM: You capture experiences that are widely universal to kids Ava’s age. She wants a best friend, but doesn’t fully understand yet what it entails. And she’s fascinated with collecting unique things she finds. I found her thought process and concerns very true-to-life and authentic. This is not easy to get as an adult writing for kids! How were you able to channel this so intricately?
VF: Ava is really formed from bits and pieces of my kids and myself. I started keeping track of the hilarious kid logic and the heart and enthusiasm that I saw in my kids, and Ava’s personality started to take shape! Some of the anecdotes in the story are quite closely tied to real events! But there’s a clear throughline in the way that Ava thinks, or misunderstands things, or wants to try things, that drives the overall story. Now, her personality has become so clear in my family that when something happens in real life that fits, my kids will say, “That should be in an Ava Lin book!”
Interior pagespread from AVA LIN, BEST FRIEND
HM: Ava Lin is Chinese American. I can’t say I remember reading (or even seeing) any chapter books with Asian American protagonists when I was a little kid in the 1980s, and that was unfortunate. What do you hope kids from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds learn from Ava?
VF: I really wanted to write something intensely funny that featured a Chinese American girl because I wanted my kids to enjoy a fun and relatable Chinese American character. I wanted to reflect my experience and also my kids’ experiences, which have cultural specificity in the details of home and family but universal themes that all kids can relate to. I wanted to reflect a broader American experience that felt true to my own. I hope that kids recognize themselves in Ava Lin, and that Chinese American and Asian American kids feel seen in a new and positive way.
HM: This is the first chapter book series that you’ve also illustrated. Did you create the illustrations as you wrote, or did you have a particular process for integrating the illustrations and the text?
VF: I am so proud of myself for illustrating this entire book! I am learning so much from every book that I illustrate, so I’m constantly getting better at it. For the first draft, I wrote and doodled to get the concept down. Now, I write the text first, leaving indications of where I think illustrations should go. Then my art director (the amazing Lisa Rudden at Candlewick) will do page layout, leaving me blank spaces to put sketches in. I think a lot about theatricality when I’m sketching (I’m a former long-lost actress). I try to make scenes as expressive as possible, capturing some key moments. As I’m sketching, if I feel like there’s not enough space, or I need different illustrations than I originally thought, I’ll re-jigger things in the layouts and send them back to Lisa. Then, it’s onto revised sketches and final art!
HM: You should feel proud of such an undertaking! It’s very impressive. I’d like to now ask you a question I’ve been making a habit of asking authors I talk to. What do you do to practice self-care in your writing and illustrating life?
VF: Ah, this is becoming such an important question for me. I love working, but it can produce a lot of stress and frustration, so I’m trying to get better about it. Unfortunately, it’s probably all the answers you know already and don’t want to do, haha! The biggest thing has been yoga. Yoga is saving me. Then I also try to eat better, drink more water, and maintain my social connections.
HM: Vicky, can you tell us about the exciting things you’re working on next? Because I know there are many.
VF: I am finalizing art for Ava Lin book 2 and starting sketches for book 3! I’m also starting sketches and layout for my next series, an early graphic novel called One Mad Cat that I’m very excited about.
HM: Where can our readers pre-order Ava Lin? And can you tell us about some of the fun giveaways you have in store for your young fans?
VF: You can pre-order anywhere books are sold, but if you pre-order from Linden Tree Books, I can sign it and it will come with a little pre-order swag! If you have your own local bookstore you’d like to support, you can fill out this form and I’ll send you a signed bookplate and goodies on launch day.
HM: Vicky, I love following your author journey and am inspired by your work. I know many of our Writers’ Rumpus readers feel the same. Please come back and visit us again. And good luck with your Ava Lin launch!
VF: Thank you so much for having me. I love being a part of such a wonderful kidlit community! For anyone in the San Francisco Bay area, save the date for my launch party on Sunday, June 9th at 11am at Linden Tree Books!
Vicky is offering a signed copy of her brand new book Ava Lin, Best Friend to a lucky reader! To enter, comment on this post. If you share on social media, please mention that in your comment and you’ll get another entry. Giveaway closes in one week. US and Canada only.
Vicky Fang is the author of the “Layla and the Bots” chapter books series, the “Best Buddies” early reader series, the “I Can Code” board book series, and the picture book INVENT-A-PET. She is the author-illustrator of the “Friendbots” series, ALPHABOT, and the forthcoming “Ava Lin” and “One Mad Cat” series. A former Google product designer, she now writes and illustrates children’s books full-time. Vicky Fang lives in California. You can learn more at vickyfang.com.
An Interview with AlphaBot Author and Illustrator Vicky Fang
September 21, 2023 goodreadswithronna Activity Book, Ages 3-7, Alphabet, Author/Illustrator Interview, Board Books - Interactive Books, Concepts, Illustrator interview, Novelty
RAJANI LAROCCA INTERVIEWS VICKY FANG,
AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR OF
ALPHABOT
(MIT Kids Press/Candlewick Press; 14.99, Ages 3-7)
AlphaBot cover mix and match robots
PUBLISHER SUMMARY:
Found your circuit-board head? Your voice-control torso? Your hydrojet feet? Hooray! You’ve made one of the 729 mix-and-match robots that are possible with this innovative flip-flap book. Alongside the bright and cheery illustrations of robot parts is a basic alphabetical listing of terms—from android to gears, neural network to program, wheels to Z-drive—and a basic definition of each. With a concealed spiral binding and sturdy card stock pages to hold up to enthusiastic flap-turning, AlphaBot is full of appeal for young robot lovers, preschoolers who love machines, and anyone looking for STEM books for the younger set. Back matter includes a brief explanation of the three key abilities of robots: to sense, think, and act.
INTERVIEW:
Rajani LaRocca: How did you come up with this idea?
Vicky Fang: ALPHABOT actually started off with the title! As a former designer of robots for kids, I think about robots a lot, haha. Once the title and the idea of a robot alphabet book were in my head, I knew I wanted to make something interactive. I thought about different novelty formats (flaps, cutouts, etc.) until I had the idea for mix-and-match flaps. This meant kids would be able to mix-and-match the A-Z robotics terms to create their own robots. How fun and exciting! I spent a long time thinking about what terms would work and making paper dummies to prove out the concept.
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RL: What kind of challenges did you face coming up with a novelty book idea like this?
Alphabot int2 circuit fan treads
Interior illustrations and text from AlphaBot written and illustrated by Vicky Fang, MIT Kids Press ©2023.
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VF: This book was definitely a puzzle to put together! I have several paper dummies where I was working to make sure I could make all the terms work together. Once I had a working dummy, it was also challenging to sell the book! Novelty books are expensive to construct, so even though several editors were interested, it took time to find a publisher that could figure out how to make the numbers work. I’m so glad that MIT Kids Press/Candlewick found a way and I’m so happy with the quality of the book!
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RL: I see a strong parallel between this book and your debut, INVENT-A-PET. What do you see as the similarities and differences between them?
VF: I love introducing kids to STEM concepts, but really, I want kids to be creative problem solvers. This is at the heart of both books! Even though INVENT-A-PET is a fiction story about a girl inventing fantastic pets and ALPHABOT is about non-fiction informational book about creating robots, you can see that both books invite kids to be inventive! Maybe the different approach will appeal to a different kid, but hopefully, all kids find a way to engage their imagination from the STEM content in these books.
AlphaBot int1 gears hydrojets
Interior illustrations and text from AlphaBot written and illustrated by Vicky Fang, MIT Kids Press ©2023.
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RL: I loved the mix of familiar and not-so-familiar terms in this book! Was it hard to come up with a concept for each letter of the alphabet?
VF: There were letters that were more challenging than others, especially to make sure they would work in their positions in the book (head, torso, or feet.) I tried several different options, as well as shifting which flaps the letters would fall on. But since I was also illustrating, I was able to think creatively about how these robot parts might work and all fit together!
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RL: What do you hope kids get from this book?
VF: Well, of course, I hope they understand robots a little bit better! The back matter is a pretty simple explanation of the capabilities of robots and came from my engineering partner, Chaitanya Gharpure. Hopefully, kids understand a little bit more about how robots work and what kinds of parts they might have!
But ultimately, as I was saying before, I want kids to have fun and be creative, I hope that this book sparks their imagination and gives them the confidence to create.
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RL: What’s next for you?
VF: I am very excited about my next early reader series, BEST BUDDIES, illustrated by Luisa Leal, which is releasing in October with Scholastic. It’s about a dog named Sniff and a cat named Scratch who are best friends and get into mischief at home. It’s been fun to explore themes of friendship and teamwork with these two characters who approach things differently, but together.
After that, I have many more books coming! I’m currently working on a new early chapter book series, AVA LIN, about a relatable and funny 6-year-old Chinese-American girl with a knack for getting herself into—and out of—trouble. Keep an eye out for it, launching with Candlewick in June 2024!
BUY THE BOOK:
Support a local independent bookstore and get a signed copy. (Please type in the comments how you’d like the book inscribed): https://www.lindentreebooks.com/alphabot.html
Also: https://vickyfang.com/books/alphabot/
AUTHOR BIO:
Vicky Fang is a product designer who spent 5 years designing kids’ technology experiences for both Google and Intel, often to inspire and empower kids in coding and technology. She started writing to support the growing need for early coding education, particularly for girls and kids of color. She is the author, and sometimes illustrator, of nineteen new and upcoming books for kids, including the Layla and the Bots series, Invent-a-Pet, I Can Code board books, Friendbots series, and the forthcoming Ava Lin series, Best Buddies series, AlphaBot, and The Boo Crew Needs You!. You can visit Vicky at vickyfang.com.
Design Thinking for Writers: A Q&A with Vicky Fang
Author InterviewPicture Books
Written By Anne-Marie Strohman
interview by Anne-Marie Strohman
Author and illustrator Vicky Fang had a very productive 2020--which in book publishing means she had a very productive few years of writing before that. Vicky launched her debut picture bookInvent-a-Pet(illustrated by Tidawan Thaipinnarong, the first two books in her Layla and the Bots early chapter books series (Built for SpeedandHappy Paws), and a pair of STEM board books (I Can Code: If/Then and I Can Code: And/Or). In 2021, she has her first author-illustrated graphic novel coming out, as well as another Layla and the Bots book. We interrupted Vicky's very full writing and illustrating schedule to ask her about writing in so many different categories, how her work in STEM impacts her writing, and how she draws characters so completely in so few words. We hope you find her words as inspiring as we have!
KidLit Craft: What do you love about writing for kids?
Vicky Fang: I love being able to turn an idea in my head into something that delights, informs, or inspires kids. It makes me happy to think I’ve made a difference for even just one kid.
KLC: You’ve written in a number of different formats--a picture book, a chapter book series, a board book series, and an early graphic novel series. How do you decide which form will fit which story idea? Is it a matter of trial and error, or do you have a strategy?
I actually find that format has become a part of my ideation process. When I’m interested in writing for a new format, I’ll research and read books in the category. Often, an idea that’s been floating around in my head or sitting shelved in my list of ideas will suddenly come to life! Sometimes a story is too complicated for a picture book, or too conceptual. There are some obvious differences between formats but some more subtle ones as well. It’s fun for me to get excited about what each format can unlock! That’s how every foray into a new format has started for me.
KLC:What was your process from text-only books to author-illustrator?
I often draw very rough sketches of my characters to help myself visualize them as I write. I started including those sketches in my proposals, and eventually found myself including entire dummies for some projects, with myself as illustrator optional. When Friendbots went out on submission, Andrew Arnold at HarperAlley took a chance on me and worked with me on some revisions before making an offer, presumably to see what I was like to work with as an illustrator and also what quality of art I would be able to produce. I’m so grateful for the time he took to work with me and the chance he’s given me to illustrate my first books!
KLC:How does your experience as an illustrator inform your text-only books?
Well, I definitely have a new appreciation for how easy it is for an author to write something like “And then one hundred buffalo stormed the giant parade” while the poor illustrator has to make it happen! I think that illustrating has also made me more comfortable with wordless spreads or panels. And while I agree with leaning back on illustration notes, I have a new appreciation for actually having solid ideas of what the illustrations could be even if I don’t spell them out. There’s a difference between leaving the illustrator creative freedom and leaving lazy holes for them to fill!
KLC:How does your experience working on text-only books and working with other illustrators inform your author-illustrator work?
First of all, I have literally peeked at their photoshop files to see how they set them up and how they composed a spread, ha! But otherwise, it’s mostly been illuminating to learn what happens on the other side. A lot of the art process and cover design feels like a black box when you’re an author, so it’s been great to see how that side works.
KLC:Layla and the Bots books all share the same structure, as do many chapter book series. How did you develop the structure? Did you find inspiration in mentor texts, or work through the structure on your own, or with an agent or editor?
I read a lot of the Scholastic Branches books before I started writing Layla and the Bots. I recognized that those books had a pretty clear structure so I followed the spirit of those mentor texts as I wrote. The plot itself also follows the structure of a classic product design process, so that was heavily based on my own experience as a product designer.
KLC:Developing characters in such a small number of words is a huge challenge. How do you tackle character development?
Each Layla and the Bots book is about 1400 words in length, but they are also fully illustrated. There’s a lot in my head and in my notes that never makes it to the page, but hopefully it comes through in other ways. Before the characters were developed visually, I actually wrote bios for each of them that I shared with my editors and the illustrator, so that we all had a common understanding of their personalities and interests. While Christine brought their personalities out in their visual appearance, I brought them out through their voices and actions.
KLC:In novel writing we talk a lot about external and internal story arcs--the concrete goal a character has, and an emotional need the character has. Do you find these elements in picture books, chapter books, board books, and early graphic novels? How do you handle both in such condensed texts?
Great question! I think they are always there, but sometimes not as overtly. At a basic level, there’s the goal (what are they trying to do?) but the emotional need is critical for a book to be successful (why do we care?). It’s important in each Layla book that she wants to help somebody because she cares about them and their problem, and because it matters to her to succeed. Sometimes, raising the stakes in the external arc also inherently raises the stakes in the internal arc.
KLC:You developed a design thinking project for Scholastic’s OOM blog in conjunction with Layla and the Bots. The INVENTION I’s are Investigate, Ideate, Implement, Improve. Do you go through a similar process with your writing? How does your design process work impact your writing process?
As a product designer, I am used to solving creative problems. I think that’s partially why I’m drawn to different formats, because I get inspiration from the problem. My design experience also helps me take critique feedback well as I’m very used to harsh critiques and revising based on understanding the problems that a critique uncovers.
I do actually follow the same process as the Invention I’s in my writing, and I talk about that with kids all the time in my visits! I spot a problem, I come up with ideas to solve it, I try it out and then see how it turned out. My process is often a lot messier than a clean iterative circle, as I have ideas simultaneously iterating at all different levels when I write, but at the core of it, yes, that is how I work.
KLC:You are clearly passionate about STEM topics and making those accessible to kids of all ages. Do you think you’ll ever write a non-STEM book?
Actually, about 20% of the manuscripts I write are not STEM based at all! But the ones that have gotten to the necessary point of polish and sold are all STEM books. I think my personal passion and background in STEM have helped make those books stand out. I will probably always continue to write STEM books as it’s so near and dear to me, but I definitely hope to publish some non-STEM books as well!
KLC:How has the kidlit community been a part of your writing and publishing journey?
Ah, the kitlit community is amazing! I really wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the amazing people I’ve met along the way. From mentors, to critique partners, to launch groups, to online communities, I’ve been so thankful to meet such amazing, generous, smart, and thoughtful people. They have helped me improve my craft, learn the ropes of the industry, and stay (mostly) sane! I’m proud to keep the company of kidlit creators and they inspire me every day.
KLC:What can Vicky Fang fans look forward to?
Gosh, I’m at a point right now where I’m not sure! I’m wrapping up my second Friendbots graphic novel and then I’ll have to start working on something new. I have some sneaky ideas floating around… maybe a middle grade novel or maybe a novelty format STEM book. Of course, I’ll also be working on the launches for my next four books, so keep an eye out for them—Cupcake Fix (Layla and the Bots Book 3 and Blink and Block Make a Wish (Friendbots Book 1) both launch in June 2021!
Vicky Fang is a product designer who spent 5 years designing kids’ technology experiences for both Google and Intel, often to inspire and empower kids in coding and technology. She started writing to support the growing need for early coding education, particularly for girls and kids of color. She is the author of nine new and upcoming STEAM books for kids, including Invent-a-Pet, I Can Code, Layla and the Bots, and her author-illustrator debut, Friendbots. Find out more about Vicky by following her on Twitter at @fangmous or on her website at www.vickyfang.com.
Interview with Author, Illustrator, and Inventor Vicky Fang…and a Book Giveaway!
September 8, 2023 Hilary Margitich Book Reviews, Book Reviews - Picture Books, featured, General, Illustrating, Inspiration, Interviews, Interviews - Authors & Illustrators, Publishing, Publishing - Querying & Submitting, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing - Picture Books, Writing - Tools, Tips & Resources 30 comments
I consider myself super-duper lucky, as a Writers’ Rumpus blogger, to be able to meet and interview so many talented kidlit authors. I learn new things, make valuable connections with other creatives, and then get to share it with all of you. Sometimes these folks reach out to me or the blog (which makes us very happy), and sometimes I simply read about, or hear them speak somewhere, and must, must, must have them on. Today’s guest, Vicky Fang, falls into this latter “have-to-get-them-on-the-blog” category and you will soon see why. I caught a webinar she gave earlier this year on Julie Hedlund’s 12X12 Picture Book Writing Challenge that simply blew me away!
Vicky is a product designer (that means she gets paid to invent and create cool things), author, and illustrator, who, in the past eight or so years, has written and illustrated over twenty books for children. These include novelty/board books, picture books, early readers, and early chapter books, many of which have become series, and which focus on STEAM concepts and thinking outside of the box.
Her latest book, The Boo Crew Needs You! is an interactive spooky story released last month by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. It takes the young reader on an adventure through Monster Town on Halloween night to help Luna, Bones, and Fang (aka, the Boo Crew) fix all sorts of mishaps and potential disasters.
The Boo Crew Needs You! cover art
With a page tap here, a book shake there, and more, all is made right in time for the Monster Ball at Spooky Hall. Irresistible rhyming text and lively illustrations by Saoirse Lou make this a wonderful read aloud that comes just in time for Halloween shenanigans!
The Boo Crew Needs You! interior page spread
Hilary Margitich: Vicky, welcome to Writers’ Rumpus! I am so thrilled to have you here today. I just love your approach to writing books that help kids think, and also, your approach to spanning different genres of children’s books.
Vicky Fang: Thank you so much for having me! I appreciate the kind words, and I remember being on here for my debut picture book in 2020, Invent-a-Pet. It’s so nice to be back!
HM: I’d love to start by talking about your new book, The Boo Crew Needs You! This is a Halloween story for young children that really takes their reading to another level. Can you tell me how you came up with the idea for this, and what your creative process looked like?
VF: The story was kind of a mash-up of two different ideas, which is how many of my books start. First, I had a phrase floating around with no story attached to it: ‘It’s a glitch! There’s a hitch! Something’s screwy with this switch!‘ Years later, when I started work on this story about a team working together to save Halloween, I thought that phrase was a perfect fit!
The Boo Crew Needs You! interior page spread
The book always included interactivity, though my first pass only had one, big interactive moment. When I shared it with my agent, she suggested I weave interactivity throughout. Ouf, I put it away for two years after that, because the thought was so daunting! But eventually, I pulled it back out again and tackled it bit by bit!
The Boo Crew Needs You! interior page spread
HM: It’s amazing to me how you’ve branched out from writing picture books to all of these other early age genres, including early readers and chapter books. I think it’s something all of us picture book writers think about from time to time. What are the most important things to know in attempting this, and how did this evolve for you?
VF: It’s all about studying mentor texts for me! I get so inspired by the great books out there, and I often think about how certain ideas I have make sense for different categories. It all started when my agent suggested I try writing a chapter book, and then shortly after that, my critique partner suggested one of my ideas should be a board book, and off I went!
HM: I read on your website that you were a children’s author first, who then decided to become an author/illustrator. This is a brave undertaking, and one that you seem to have bridged seamlessly. Your beautiful illustrations are a testament to that. Can you tell us, brave one, how all of that came about?
VF: Aw, thank you! Even though I started as author only, I always drew sketches to help me write my stories. Eventually I started adding a little concept sketch when my manuscripts went out on submission. My intention was to set the tone for the editor, not to pitch myself as the illustrator. But eventually, the sketches turned into full dummies, and my agent began submitting me as illustrator-optional on some of my projects. One of my submitted dummies became a revise and resubmit from Andrew Arnold, my eventual “Friendbots” editor. He saw potential in the dummy I had sent and worked with me to polish my style and made me an offer. I was slightly terrified, but I took the leap and I’m so glad that I did.
HM: That’s a great story and I’m so glad you did, too! I love how you compare writing to inventing. Are there many parallels between your writing life and the work you do as a product designer?
VF: Yes! I really approach writing the same way I approach product design. I start with research (mentor texts!), and then brainstorm ideas, draft a story, and then revise, revise, revise. I’m so grateful for all of my past lives; I think they all inform my writing and my process!
HM: You mentioned in your awesome 12×12 webinar the importance of using mentor texts, and a certain book on creativity that inspired you to do so. I can’t remember the title, but I’ve been wanting to get it. Would you mind sharing that with me/us and the philosophy behind that?
VF: Oh gosh, maybe I was talking about Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon? There are lots of great nuggets in that book. I was probably talking about the idea that you don’t have to be afraid of being inspired by other people’s ideas, because the inspiration that you find becomes something else when you take it and add your heart, your twist, your mix of ideas to it.
HM: That’s the one! I do plan to read it soon because it sounds fantastic. Vicky, can you tell us what you are working on next?
VF: This fall, I am launching a new early reader series with Scholastic Acorn, called “Best Buddies” about two friends, a dog named Sniff and a cat named Scratch. And then I’m working on a new chapter book series that launches in June 2024, called “Ava Lin”, about a six-year-old Chinese American girl with a knack for getting herself into—and out of—trouble. I am so, so excited for both of these new series, because they’re both full of heart and humor.
HM: I can’t wait for those! I love your website. It is full of activities for kids, all based on your amazing books, but it also has so many resources and tips for writers. Where else can our readers follow you online or on social media?
VF: Aw, thank you! I am also on Instagram/Facebook/Threads as @fangmousbooks and on X as @fangmous.
HM: Vicky, it’s been such a pleasure talking with you today! I really love your work and can’t wait to read more of it.
VF: Thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you!
Vicky is offering a copy of her brand new picture book The Boo Crew Needs You! to a lucky reader. To enter, comment on this post! If you share on Facebook or Twitter, mention that in your comment and you’ll get another entry. Giveaway closes in one week. US and Canada only.
Vicky Fang is a product designer who spent five years designing kids’ technology experiences for both Google and Intel. She started writing to support the growing need for early coding education, particularly for girls and kids of color. She now writes a wide range of books to inspire kids in STEAM, creativity, and SEL. She is the author, and sometimes illustrator, of twenty-two new and upcoming books for kids, including the “Layla and the Bots” series, INVENT-A-PET, “I Can Code” board books, “Friendbots” series, and the forthcoming “Ava Lin” series, “Best Buddies” series, ALPHABOT, and THE BOO CREW NEEDS YOU!. You can visit Vicky at vickyfang.com.
Fang, Vicky HAPPY PAWS Scholastic (Children's Fiction) $24.99 5, 5 ISBN: 978-1-338-58290-1
Meet Layla and her Bots--Beep, Bop, and Boop--stars of this new, STEM-centric series.
Beep is the knowledge manager, Boop is the engineer, and Bop is the software developer. The quad resides happily in Blossom Valley, working tech by day and then moonlighting as rock stars performing in "all sorts of cool places." A gig at the Happy Days Amusement Park presents their first challenge, when Layla and her mechanical friends learn that the park may have to close down due to low patronage. Naturally, Layla and the Bots decide to investigate. Layla discovers that her Blossom Valley neighbors all appear to be hanging out with their dogs at the local dog park. The team utilizes the skills of the bots to research the number of families in Blossom Valley and brainstorm reasons why they may all be going to the dog park. After talking to the owner of Happy Days, Layla concludes that to bring back the park's customers, it needs to become a place where people and dogs can have fun together. This easy-to-predict story, told in a mix of text and speech balloons, will give new readers confidence while imparting solid STEM lessons of research and implementation, and it's great to see a young girl of color portrayed as a confident inventor (and rock star).
A solid introduction for an appealing new chapter-book character. (Graphic science fiction. 5-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Fang, Vicky: HAPPY PAWS." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Feb. 2020. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A613750849/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e239fb36. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Fang, Vicky INVENT-A-PET Sterling (Children's None) $16.95 5, 5 ISBN: 978-1-4549-3381-6
With the help of a machine, Katie tries to create a unique pet.
Katie doesn’t want a “common” pet, like a goldfish—she wants something “extraordinary.” When her mom gifts her a mysterious machine, Katie is excited to create her pet. Curious, she puts three items—a soccer ball, grass, a carrot—into the input slots, and out pops a rotund, green bunny. Katie eagerly adds different things, like a flower for beauty and a feather to make wings, but the animals never come out right. She decides to figure out how the machine works. By inputting the same items, then changing one variable each time, Katie discovers that the different inputs control the size, color, and animal. As she is experimenting, Katie fails to notice the number of animals running loose in her living room. After turning her driveway into a pet-adoption facility, Katie finally creates her extraordinary pet. This silly tale is a smart take on a child’s imagination and problem-solving. With fun onomatopoeia, it’s a great read-aloud, especially apt as part of a lesson on the scientific method. The cartoon illustrations, particularly those of the invented pets, are busy and bright, and readers will enjoy guessing along with Katie what animal might be coming out. Katie and her mother present Asian.
A delightful introduction to scientific experimentation—with impossibly cute pets. (Picture book. 3-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Fang, Vicky: INVENT-A-PET." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Apr. 2020. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A619127700/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=d9b8d310. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Fang, Vicky BLINK AND BLOCK MAKE A WISH HarperAlley (Children's None) $16.99 6, 22 ISBN: 978-0-06-304945-1
One treasure of a penny + one wish = two new friends.
Robots are childhood favorites, and Blink (round and blue) and Block (square and purple), each equipped with pipestem limbs and a sensor, are remarkably expressive. In the beginning, a frowning Block sits alone on a bench along the path to school when an optimistic Blink wanders by scanning for gold, silver, and gems. The more-knowledgeable Block doubts Blink will be successful, especially when Blink finds only a bottle cap and a chewing-gum wrapper—with gum in it. “Ewww.” Still, Blink perseveres and finds a penny, crowing that a penny “can turn into a wish!” There is no wishing well or fountain nearby, so a resourceful Blink throws the penny in a (wishing?) puddle. Block can’t understand Blink’s joyful dance that follows. Blink’s wish couldn’t have come true; after all, Block doesn’t see any gold, silver, or gems. “That’s because I didn’t wish for those things,” explains Blink. Instead, Blink wished for a new friend. With a handshake, the new friendship is sealed, and the two smiling friends set off to find more wishes. Two to four uncluttered but colorful panels per spread create a clear and easy-to-read format, and graceful, unobtrusively repetitious text supports new readers. An info page on sensors concludes the book. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Amply demonstrates the values of a positive attitude and a little creative thinking. (Graphic early reader. 5-7)
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"Fang, Vicky: BLINK AND BLOCK MAKE A WISH." Kirkus Reviews, 15 May 2021. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A661545762/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c0988f2b. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
FANG, Vicky. Frlendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish. illus. by Vicky Fang. 32p. (Friendbots: Bk. 1). HarperAlley. Jun. 2021. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780063049451; pap. $4.99. ISBN 9780063049444.
PreS-Gr 2--When Block, an earnest, purple, cube-shaped robot, observes Blink, an enthusiastic, blue, sphere-shaped bot, staring at the ground during recess, Block's curiosity is piqued. Turns out Blink is using their antenna to scan for gold (and silver and gems). A skeptical Block follows along, setting the record straight each time Blink thinks they've found treasure (no, a bottle cap and a gum wrapper aren't quite what they're looking for) and suggesting tools, such as a shovel or gold pan, that might help. Blink admires Block's knowledge, and when a penny is found, Blink suggests making a wish. Success! Blink does a happy dance, announcing that the wish came true. Seeing no gems or gold, Block disagrees, and now it's Blink's turn to set the record straight--Blink wished for a new friend. After quick introductions, the pals head out to look for treasure together. Themes of friendship, acceptance, and shared adventures combine for a relatable tale. The colorful but uncluttered panels pull readers along with each new discovery. The dialogue is a well-crafted mix of conflict and humor. A small butterfly surreptitiously accompanies the two robots throughout, starting on the cover, and observant readers will have fun locating this quiet third friend. VERDICT This new robot team will garner fans among beginning readers seeking comics. Look out for a second installment, Blink and Block Bug Each Other, slated for this fall.--Elisabeth LeBris, Kenilworth SD 38, Winnetka, IL
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LeBris, Elisabeth. "FANG, Vicky. Friendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish." School Library Journal, vol. 67, no. 5, May 2021, p. 71. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A661255249/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=be6f3909. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Fang, Vicky THE BOO CREW NEEDS YOU! Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (Children's None) $12.99 8, 1 ISBN: 9781728264561
Readers are invited to help the Boo Crew save the Monster Ball on Halloween.
Luna, Bones, and Fang--respectively, a wispy, gray-tinged ghost; a skeleton in a top hat and scarf; and a brown-skinned vampire--are the Boo Crew, working to fix disasters, from a witch's malfunctioning broom to some smashed pumpkins, in time for the Monster Ball. Each page asks readers to assist: There are switches to push, candles to blow out, and claps of encouragement to give. After readers lend a hand, helping all the spooky creatures and getting materials fixed and ready, the Monster Ball goes on as planned. The rhyming text and interactive requests make this a worthy lapsit read-aloud. The Boo Crew are darling and kid-friendly, as are all of the illustrations. There are lots of charming details--the witch's ride is a high-tech gadget labeled the Vroom Broom 5000; Frankenstein's monster is the proprietor of a boutique called Frank's Frocks. The big-eyed, sweet-faced creatures are adorable, not scary; a teeny-tiny frog tucked into an eye socket makes even a skull look cute. Like Hervé Tullet's Press Here (2010), this one encourages readers to turn the book, press buttons, and applaud. These inclusions are popular for a reason: Kids love them. This title will be no exception. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Appealing and interactive, kid-friendly spooky fun. (Picture book. 3-5)
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"Fang, Vicky: THE BOO CREW NEEDS YOU!" Kirkus Reviews, 1 June 2023. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A751049757/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=3cf2690e. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
FANG, Vicky. The Boo Crew Needs YOU! illus. by Saoirse Lou. 40p. Sourcebooks/ Jabberwocky. Aug. 2023. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781728264561.
PreS--In this interactive Halloween title, the Boo Crew needs readers' help. Lively text and cartoon like illustrations work well together. For example, text reads, "Nothing's going right at all! Will this wreck the Monster Ball?" In the illustration, small ghosts are flying out of a window, there is a sad vampire whose cape is caught in a tree, and even the spider doesn't look happy. Fortunately, readers can save the day. Text reads, "Quick, press here to make a call for the Boo Crew!" On the other end of the phone, the Boo Crew--Luna, Bones, and Fang--are ready to spring into action. But they need help. Readers are prompted to shout 'Tes!," push a switch, blow out a candle on a cupcake, tap pumpkins on the page, take a breath, tip the book, find a rope, clap their hands, him the book, (and then shake and turn the book), knock on the door, and pat their backs. This fim story will have young readers participating in a Halloween adventure that isn't scary. VERDICT Recommended as an addition to Halloween shelves, an engaging title that provides new material on the holiday topic.--Robin Sofge
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Sofge, Robin. "FANG, Vicky. The Boo Crew Needs YOU!" School Library Journal, vol. 69, no. 6, June 2023, p. 54. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A751405678/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=94af0def. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Fang, Vicky FRIENDBOTS HarperAlley (Children's None) $17.99 2, 6 ISBN: 9780063289659
Two robot pals decide that collaborating beats competing.
Block, who's square and purple, and Blink, who's round and blue, are ambling along when they notice an assortment of empty boxes. Each claims to have been the first to think of making a fort with them. They quarrel briefly; then, miffed, each sets about building a fort--alone. Before long, each robot is curious about what the other is doing. It turns out each robot constructed something simply to obstruct the other's view. Then surprise! Each friend's better nature wins out. Blink and Block join forces, combine their separate cache of boxes, share tools and compliments, and decorate their collective project. By story's end, the friends have proudly done what they set out to do--create "the best fort ever!" Kids will enjoy this cute, early-reader comic and want to befriend these two wide-eyed, jovial characters who prove that true pals resolve differences amicably and help each other. Emergent readers will find the text accessible, with a few basic sight words and simple sentences per page; vocabulary includes short and long vowels and vowel blends. The pages preceding the story contain useful tips to help children navigate comic panels and word balloons. Colorful, crisp illustrations are funny and uncluttered, allowing readers to focus on the action and the lively, expressive protagonists.
The message here: Real pals build their friendships up. (what is a robot?) (Graphic early reader. 4-7)
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"Fang, Vicky: FRIENDBOTS." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Dec. 2023. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A774415214/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=d11bf246. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
FANG, Vicky. Save the Duck! (An Acorn Book). illus. by Luisa Leal. 48p. (Best Buddies: Bk. 2). Scholastic. Dec. 2023. Tr $23.99. ISBN 9781338865615; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781338865608.
PreS-Gr 1--Best buddies create all kinds of chaos around the house. Scratch the cat likes to have fun, but Sniff the dog often gets the raw end of the deal. As Scratch unrolls the toilet paper in the bathroom shouting, "Spin!" "Faster, faster!," Sniff ends up wrapped like a mummy. In the backyard Sniff loves chasing his own tail, but Scratch has other ideas and grabs the dog's tail to win the game. When the rascally kitty steals Sniff's beloved rubber ducky, sending it flying up on the curtain rod in the living room, Scratch must make amends and retrieve the toy. Oh no! Now Scratch is stuck. Three short stories follow the adventures of an obliging dog and a mischievous cat as they navigate a not quite equitable friendship. Speech balloons contain simple dialogue in this beginning reader graphic novel. Short sentences move the narration along, and word and phrase repetition create an accessible early reading experience. The boldly drawn protagonists and clear large typeface are set against a simple background of soft and saturated colors to further aid reading comprehension. Cartoon motion lines animate the action. VERDICT Young pet lovers will giggle as the dog figures out that the cat never plays fair. A fun addition for early reader collections.--Sarah Webb
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Webb, Sarah. "FANG, Vicky. Save the Duck! (An Acorn Book)." School Library Journal, vol. 69, no. 11, Nov. 2023, pp. 53+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A773080403/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b7d269c9. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Ava Lin, Best Friend! (Ava Lin #1)
Vicky Fang. Candlewick, $16.99 (96p) ISBN 978-1-53622-969-1; $5.99 paper ISBN 978-1-5362-3726-9
In this gently uplifting chapter book series opener, Fang (Layla and the Bots) highlights the joys and trials of connection and new experiences. Ava Lin, who reads as East Asian, is excited to start first grade, where the imaginative, fun-loving six-and-a-half-year-old endeavors to find a best friend. While attending a dinner, Ava asks her older cousin Nikki for advice on finding one and is disheartened to learn that Nikki doesn't know how to make a friend--"you just do." When a family acquaintance adds soy sauce to Ava's bubble tea as a prank, Nikki comforts her by offering Ava a replacement beverage, which sparks an idea for how Ava can net herself a BFF But school gets off to a rough start when, following Ava's offer of a trinket to a classmate she hoped would become her new bestie, a misunderstanding between the two results in Ava crying "for probably one hundred hours." Things soon look up for Ava, however; over the next few days, Ava encounters fun firsts, explores her creativity, and finally gains a companion, events rendered by Fang in an upbeat combination of bubbly prose and simple b&w comics. Ages 5-8. (June)
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"Ava Lin, Best Friend! (Ava Lin #1)." Publishers Weekly, vol. 271, no. 13, 1 Apr. 2024, p. 60. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A799108149/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e4fcc409. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Fang, Vicky AVA LIN, BEST FRIEND! Candlewick (Children's None) $16.99 6, 4 ISBN: 9781536229691
Ava is ready to find her best friend!
Six-year-old Ava Lin has the best snacks for lunch, pockets filled with treasures, and a list of 117 animals that might make a good pet. She does not, however, have a best friend. Luckily, she can look to her cousin Nikki for guidance; Nikki met her best friend in first grade, and as a fifth grader, she now has someone who's always there for her. As Ava gets ready for her first day of first grade, she knows that she'll find her best friend this year, just like Nikki. At first, things go well. Ava is seated next to generous Kushi, whose backpack features a picture of a fox (Ava loves foxes!). Then things take a turn. The rules of friendship are hard to decipher, Ava upsets her mom when she leaves a crayon in her pocket and ruins the laundry, and she makes a mistake that necessitates a trip to the doctor. Though Ava is realistically impulsive, she's also emotionally perceptive and creative, both qualities that help her find solutions to her problems. Told through a combination of prose and grayscale illustrations (some in graphic novel-style panels), Ava's story is a wonderful combination of laughs and drama that will keep young readers engaged--and eager to read future books in this new series. Ava and her family are of Chinese descent, while the artwork depicts Kushi as darker-skinned than Ava; other characters are illustrated with a range of skin tones.
A funny, charming series opener. (Chapter book. 5-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Fang, Vicky: AVA LIN, BEST FRIEND!" Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A789814560/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=a22e9da8. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
\Fang, Vicky AVA LIN, ONE OF A KIND Candlewick (Children's None) $6.99 1, 14 ISBN: 9781536229707
Now a seasoned first grader, Ava Lin returns to deliver new laughs and misadventures.
Six-and-a-half-year-old Ava is good at many things: making lists, coming up with new games, and treating her classmates respectfully. She has a new opportunity to show off this last skill; her teacher has found a way to reward kindness in the classroom. Each time someone is nice to a peer, they receive a ticket in their bucket. At week's end, the student with the most tickets gets to select a prize. Ava is determined to win, especially once she spots a narwhal-shaped eraser in the bin; narwhals are her very favorite! At first, being extra kind is easy. Ava is polite on the playground, compliments her friends, and shares her treasures. Soon, however, her fixation on victory makes her irritable, and her ticket-collecting efforts stall. When her best friend, Kushi, offers to help with her plan to win over their classmates, Ava is relieved. The tickets come pouring in for Ava, but Kushi's hurt that Ava takes full credit. Will Kushi forgive her? Ava's world is full of silly humor and big feelings that will land with young readers navigating complex priorities of their own. Though occasionally exasperated with her antics, the adults in Ava's life are supportive of her imaginative, unconventional problem-solving skills. Ava and her family are of Chinese descent, while Kushi is brown-skinned; their class is diverse.
This series continues to charm.(Chapter book. 5-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Fang, Vicky: AVA LIN, ONE OF A KIND." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Nov. 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A813883670/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=2427d936. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025
FANG, Vicky. Rain Is Wet!: An Acorn Book. illus. by Luisa Leal. 48p. (Best Buddies: Bk. 3). Scholastic. Apr. 2024. Tr $23.99. ISBN 9781338865646; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781338865639.
PreS-Gr 1--Best buddies Sniff and Scratch are on a learning adventure. First, they encounter rain. They don't really know what to make of it, but overcome their hesitation and discover some things about it. Next, they notice a string and decide to investigate. Finally, they hear loud noises and see flashes of light that scare them; they decide to hide until they feel safe. Fang and Leal have done another wonderful job in this third book of the "Best Buddies" series. The use of dialogue bubbles with additional text and bright, colorful illustrations is a combination that emerging readers will be able to use to boost their reading skills and vocabulary. Most importantly, the last chapter where the friends are afraid during a bad storm gives parents, caregivers, and educators an opportunity to talk to young children about what storms are, what causes them, and what to do during them to ensure that they are safe. VERDICT A great addition to any children's collection.--Laura Ellis
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Ellis, Laura. "FANG, Vicky. Rain Is Wet!: An Acorn Book." School Library Journal, vol. 70, no. 4, Apr. 2024, p. 125. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A790645096/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=1a9b5b8a. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.