Kelly Zhang is a first-generation Chinese immigrant, bilingual author, and literary translator based in Ottawa, Canada. She writes heartfelt stories inspired by her heritage culture and informed by her lived experiences. Kelly also translates contemporary children's fiction originating from mainland China and the Chinese diaspora, and always seeks to elevate the voices of young emerging writers and women creatives. Her debut picture book, Take Me to Laolao, is forthcoming with Quill Tree/HC in Winter 2024. She translates for the New York Times for Kids (China edition) and regularly contributes to the WorldKidLit Blog. Connect with Kelly on Twitter (@KellyZhang_YL), or visit her website: www.kellyzhangyl.com.

"Bursting with vibrant color and detail... the poetic translation from the Chinese is spiced with flavorful language and occasional rhyme... readers will relish this joy-filled soul who sows with enthusiasm and reaps a bounty of love to share with all." - Booklist

"Dynamic.. love sprouts from the pages of this charming picture book." - Foreword Reviews

[STAR] "In this exquisite debut inspired by her childhood and a precious elder, Wei lovingly cultivates a picture book that captures Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province, with expressionistic folk art and vibrant, textured colored-pencil illustrations... Readers with a green thumb will admire Granny's passion for giving back to the community while living happily and healthily in green spaces." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred)

[STAR] "This heartwarming tale is one to share and treasure." - Bookpage (starred)

"Wei's whimsical vegetable-studded spreads complement rhythmic text in this buoyant, character-driven debut." - Publishers Weekly

"This charming book for younger readers pays homage to a grandmother and her ingenuity in using the roof of her apartment block to grow her own produce... Dynamic pencil drawings fill every inch of the page with color and life, and a partially rhyming, always playful text oozes with wonder at one person's ability to transform an often-forgotten space into food for the good of herself, the environment, and her whole community." - Words Without Borders