Surf Soup Buttons

Surf Soup Buttons

An Immigrant's Asian American Dream Born in Grandpa's Laundry

In the back of a steamy, bustling laundromat, little Donna didn't need toys-she had crayons, oatmeal teddy bear, and a magical porcelain chicken bowl filled with buttons and stories. This heartwarming, whimsical tale draws from the real-life childhood of an Asian American girl growing up in her grandfather's "Laundry" 

While her grandparents folded clothes and chased dreams in a new land, Donna dreamed, too-turning socks into characters, laundry machines into animation studios, and buttons into storytellers.

A tribute to family, creativity, and the power of small beginnings, Surf Soup Buttons gently introduces young readers to the immigrant experience, while celebrating imagination, love, and cultural heritage.

The book includes a special section that offers historical context about Chinese American laundries, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and a heartfelt message from the author.

Ideal for readers ages 5-12, this book is perfect for fans of Asian American stories, immigrant family tales, and anyone who believes that magic can be found in the everyday moments of life.