'My Beijing' is about the adventures of a girl and her grandfather

By Louise Kinross

My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder is a gorgeous watercolour children's book by Nie Jun that was released in September.

According to Kirkus Reviews: "A young Chinese girl and her grandpa navigate life's challenges and joys in a small neighbourhood of Beijing. In this graphic-short story collection, the author introduces readers to Yu'er, a girl with an unspecified physical disability that limits her mobility, and her loving grandfather.

The first story opens with her dream of becoming a champion swimmer and a belief strong enough to carry her above her naysayers. From there, readers meet a boy who helps her fight off bullies, encounter the fantastical properties of an old mailbox, and finish by witnessing Yu'er's reconciliation with a grumpy neighbour. Whimsical and sweet, this will remind readers of animated movies such as My Neighbour Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service."

BLOOM reached out to the publisher about getting an interview with the author. In the meantime, enjoy these images.