Book #2 (Ava Lin, One of a Kind) came out in January, and book #3 (Ava Lin, Super-Duper Happy) is out June 10.
In Book 2, first-grader Ava's quest to do more kind deeds than anyone else in her class (in order to win a cool prize) leads to unexpected consequences. And Book 3 brings a school walkathon and a visit from Ava's popo (Chinese for grandmother). The Ava Lin books are bursting with humor and heart as Ava makes mistakes and learns from them. Throughout, Vicky's lively art keeps young readers engaged.
GROG: Your third Ava Lin book is now out. How is it different from the earlier two?
Vicky: While Best Friend! and One of a Kind focused on Ava navigating school and friendships, Super-Duper Happy centers on Ava’s relationship with her grandmother. There are still school themes involved (like the big school walkathon) but this book really explores how Ava tries to find a connection with her grandmother. It’s inspired by my own kids’ relationship with their grandmother (popo), and the hilarity found between what Ava thinks is awesome (treasures she finds on the ground or creepy crawly critters) and what her popo thinks is awesome (NOT the same things.)
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| from Book 3 |
How has Ava surprised you as the series progressed?
As I get to know Ava more, I love her for her optimism, her intensity, and her enthusiasm. I feel like writing Ava Lin helps me identify the social anxieties or confusions that are familiar to us all—and her character gives me a chance to dive headlong into those social missteps and find a way to bounce back or move forward from them. Writing these books is both cathartic and delightful, because I have so much fun writing and illustrating Ava’s hilarious shenanigans.
Why did you want Ava Lin to be Chinese American?
I wanted to write a Chinese American character because of my own upbringing and because I wanted my boys to see a truly funny, relatable character that was Chinese American, like them.
I also knew that the specificity would make the stories more funny and relatable. Little details, like the special tea Popo brings, or the slippers she wears around the house, give the characters and the situations depth and reality. I hope that Chinese American kids delight at seeing their culture represented in these books and that all kids recognize and relate to Ava’s experiences.
When you do classroom visits, what do first graders say about your Ava Lin books?
School visits are so much fun! I love getting messages afterwards from kids who love the books. There’s often something specific that they’ve fallen in love with—much like Ava Lin does! “I love the turtle” or “I love how she was kind to her friend” or “I like bubble tea too.” Ava Lin is all about full enthusiastic love for all kinds of wonderful things, so I love that kids react to the books in the same way! I’ve also seen and heard that kids don’t want to put the book down and want to keep on reading, which of course, makes me so happy as an author who wants to encourage young readers!
The word is you're working on an early graphic novel series, can you tell us more about that?
Yes! I am very excited about my upcoming early graphic novel series, One Mad Cat. It’s releasing next summer (2026) and I’m just working on the final cover for the first book now. It’s about a very cute but easily annoyed cat who steps out of her comfort zone to help solve mysteries for her friends.
I can't wait to see that one! It's been great chatting, Vicky. Anything else you'd like to share with GROG readers?
Yes -- for updates on my upcoming books, you can sign up for my newsletter at https://vickyfang.substack.com/.
Fun, fun, fun! Thanks for bringing these books to my attention!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see book 3 of the Ava Lin series posted here! I love her as a character. Working with Vicky on her slide decks for this series was fun & informative for me. Yay Ava! Yay, Vicky!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Vicky, on the success of this series & your new upcoming graphic novel.
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