I received my certificate from @bankstreetlibrary for the Irma Black Silver medal. I am beyond humbled. It is admittedly not easy balancing artmaking, teaching and my family all of which are so important to me. When I do get the time to make art (my books), they are painstaking labor of love. I will work hard and hopefully make another book in the near future 😅 Thanks EVERYONE for your support and encouragement, especially @holidayhousebks and @wendilulugu and my family ❤️
If you are interested, Bank Street College has a video of my acceptance speech on their website. Bittermelon and Chinese eggplant make a cameo! @greenburgerkids
Rainbow Shopping on NPR’s “Books We Love” list. Nominated by Lisa Yee, just your regular Newberry Honor Book winner, National Book Finalist, and winner of the Asian Pacific American Children’s Literature Award and literary trailblazer. I was at work all day and am just taking a moment to process all this. Thank you @NPR and @lisayee1 , I’ve been a fan of both of you and it’s a huge honor and encouragement. @holidayhousebks@greenburger_associates
Also I see Curlfriends by @coilyandcute !!! 🤲🤲🤲 I need to take a closer look when I get home I bet there’s more folks I know on here!
@holidayhousepeachtree@wendilulugu@hgliterary
Reposting from • theschoolatcolumbia Kindergarten students recently welcomed a very special guest author and illustrator, our very own Middle Division Art Teacher, @qingthings ! During her visit, she shared her book “Rainbow Shopping” and spoke about the journey from childhood memories and poetry to published storybook. Students asked insightful questions throughout the visit, inspiring conversations about creativity, storytelling and how authors can begin at any age, perfectly aligned to their Personal Narratives unit. Thank you Ms. Zhuang for visiting the kindergarten classroom!
Thank you, Ms. Zhuang, for visiting the kindergarten classroom!
#TheSchoolatColumbia
Some pics of my students’ lino cut prints from my phone. Theme is personal heroes and changemakers. I love making art with middle schoolers! They are a bit crazy but they’re so fun. Also we all know those who teach middle school go straight to heaven so…✌️🫡 #artteachersofinstagram #middleschoolart
I was invited to give an author talk to the Kindergarteners of the school I work at and received this beautiful card from a little boy I’ve been checking in on from time to time. He is only 5 or 6 years old and just moved here from China. Even though I’m a middle school teacher I’d drop by to say hi and help translate, but as you can see, it is Spring and he is picking up English just fine! I’ve always been more concerned about his social emotional health and I’m happy to see him thrive throughout these months and so moved that he connected with “Rainbow Shopping”. He wanted to give me this note in person and gave me a big hug. How lucky am I, right? @holidayhousepeachtree@wendilulugu
Quick side story about my lovely Mother’s Day Weekend. Had brunch today in BK and saw Spike Lee! Torn between staying silent and running to him for a photo, I simply yelled “CROOKLYN IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE FILMS”. He rightfully walked away and pretended not to hear me. I will not blow up his spot and tell you where we were, but there was a seafood tower involved 🤫😉🪷 🦀
Also went to the MET and caught the end of an exhibit on Chinese paintings. Was particularly moved by some ancient egrets.
Thanks @penguinrandomhouse for recommending Rainbow Shopping for #aapiheritagemonth ! It’s also a story about my Mother’s love, so I want to take this opportunity to say Happy Mother’s Day Weekend as well. ❤️🪷🤗🙏 @holidayhousepeachtree@wendilulugu
Lots of great books in this selection—including ones from my friends @rajanilarocca and @lbontigao !!!❤️
Here’s another sketchbook page from earlier in the year. I’ve only had two chances to draw for myself this year and both times I’m rediscovering the imperfect, unfinished line. I go through phases of drawing very tightly and then very loosely, almost sloppily. I used to feel bad about being inconsistent, but now I’m embracing this wholeheartedly. Sketching serves whatever it is you need at the moment, whether it’s for spirit or study. I kind of feel silly for even posting these, but I want to remind myself to draw more.
And it’s a wrap! The 8th grade musical was today! I wish I could show better photos and videos of their performance but I can only show them warming up from the back of their heads. The kids did AMAZING. I cried at several points. Im so so so proud. As an art teacher, working on plays/musicals is one of my favorite things. It’s the arts coming together, it’s incredible hard work on everyone’s end to make everything seem effortless and magical. Together we can dream grander than any of us can do alone. I’m so honored to be a part of this. I know it’s hard to tell but the spinning periaktoi sets worked out great. Added a smoothness and romance to the transitions. Can’t wait to go home and sleep!!! 🫶💃🏻
A whole lot going on today! Finalized all the Guys and Dolls set pieces and packed them up ready to ship to Miller Theater @columbia , hung up 6th grade paper mache masks, helped subbed for my fellow art teacher, hung up posters the kids designed for Integrated Projects Week and helped support the musical rehearsals. Cannot thank the facilities team enough! Ahhhh!!!! Have a great weekend everyone :)
