This year’s selection is Piper Chen Sings written by Grammy winner and Tony-nominated actress Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, and illustrated by Qin Leng.

Piper Chen Sings is a story about a young girl who loves to express herself through singing but is struck with self-doubt and nervousness when asked to perform a solo in front of an audience. Piper tells her Nai Nai that she felt “like butterflies were having a dance party” in her belly; she doesn’t feel she can sing in front of others without making a mistake. Thankfully, Nai Nai teaches Piper that feeling butterflies means “something exciting was ahead” and that recognizing and welcoming that anxious feeling would help it pass. Nai Nai’s advice empowers Piper, who finds her voice on stage.

Phillipa Soo is an actor and singer, best known for originating the role of “Eliza” in Broadway’s critically acclaimed “Hamilton”, which earned her Emmy and Tony nominations and a Grammy win. She has appeared in many other plays and musicals, including “Cinderella”, “Camelot”, “One True Loves”, and “Over the Moon”. She currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband, Steven Pasquale. Piper Chen Sings is Soo’s first book.

Maris Pasquale Doran is a licensed social worker who works as a private psychotherapist and as a lecturer at Columbia University. Piper Chen Sings is her first publication. She resides in Maplewood, NJ with her husband and two children.

Qin Leng is a visual development artist in addition to being an illustrator and author of children’s books. Her work has included “A Day for Sandcastles”, “I am Small”, and “Clover”, which won the prestigious Governor General Literary Award. She lives in Toronto with her husband and son.