5 of Mượn Thị Văn’s Favorite Picture Books About Home & Family

Mượn Thị Văn is intimately familiar with the beauty of family bonds. The award-winning author creates vibrant picture books about home and family, illustrating what it truly means to be part of a community and achieve things together. 

“As a child, I moved frequently — I had lived in three different countries by the time I was two years old, and in three different U.S. states by the time I was twelve,” says Văn. “But no matter where I went, I always felt at home because home was where my big, vibrant family was. This appreciation of home and family is at the core of many of my stories.”

In Văn’s new title, Wishes, a Vietnamese family seeks a permanent home. Based on true events from Văn’s life and told through the eyes of a young girl, this story explores themes of overcoming difficulties and immense challenges as a family, strength, and everlasting bonds.

Experiencing stories through the lens of others in different circumstances broadens horizons and increases empathy and understanding, which all circles back to creating a warm feeling of being tied to the community, to family, and to culture. That is why when it came to choosing her favorite kids' books about family, Văn knew exactly which titles illustrate those principles.

“I chose these books because they reflect on home and family in thoughtful and surprising ways,” says Văn. “Each book is distinctively and gorgeously illustrated and carefully written, except for The Arrival, which needs no words.”

Here are Mượn Thị Văn’s top picture books about home and family! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.

The Arrival 

An imaginative graphic novel by Shaun Tan, The Arrival uses only illustrations to deliver a message about family love, enduring bonds, immigrant hardships, and ultimately triumph.

Where the Wild Things Are 

In this classic tale by Maurice Sendak, grumpy hero Max dons his monster suit and joins the Wild Things on one of their infamous rumpuses, only to come back home and remember — and appreciate — the love his mother has for him.

The Giving Tree 

Full of love and generosity, this beautiful tree takes care of a little boy throughout his life in any way it can. With a message of unconditional love, this classic is a must-have for every home library.

When I Am Old With You

This heartfelt ode to the love between children and their grandparents is sure to become a family favorite as a child imagines what it would be like to be old together with Granddaddy.

Welcome, Precious

This sweet book about welcoming a new baby into the love of a family will bring joy to little readers and their parents alike.