“All of the preservice teacher candidates gained so much from Cherry’s talk and left even more inspired to make a difference in the lives of their future learners. Her talk also echoed the important role that teachers play in their students’ lives. I know that they LOVED hearing about the long-lasting impact of her fifth-grade teacher back then to the present day. These stories are so pivotal for future teachers to hear because every day they have the chance to make a difference in the lives of their students, so thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this beautiful connection and for sharing HOME IN A LUNCHBOX with readers.” — Penn State Harrisburg Professor, 2024
“Cherry Mo’s visit during our class was very informational and rewarding opportunity. It was great to have insight of an actual author/illustrator’s point of view on making picture books and the way her style of writing and illustrations really dedicated to what she wanted to display in her story to younger readers. It was also very informational and inspiring of her life’s journey into illustrations and her roadblocks that she had during her school years, but having the determination to come back to create her own stories and illustrations to share to others and younger audience is inspiring. Her book in general is just great for young readers to have an open mind about others from different backgrounds or cultures and take the time to learn about them and create a bond of acceptance and friendship. Thank you again Cherry Mo, for sharing to us your journey in your writing/illustrations, and for us future educators to connect with our students and broaden their understanding and compassion towards others.” — Penn State Harrisburg Student, 2024
“Cherry Mo is a talented author and artist. She was engaging and captivated our students’ interest with her stories and artwork. Students enjoyed learning new drawing techniques and were inspired to create their own works of art and literature.” — Principal of Wilson Creek Elementary School, 2024
“We were thrilled to welcome the talented Cherry Mo, author of “Home in a Lunchbox,” to our elementary school! Her visit was nothing short of inspiring for our students, who were captivated by her storytelling and the insightful discussion about the power of pictures in books.” — Wilson Creek Elementary School, 2024
“Cherry Mo’s passion for her craft was evident as she shared the journey of creating “Home in a Lunchbox.” She beautifully illustrated how pictures can tell a story just as powerfully as words, engaging the young minds in the audience and sparking their imaginations. Her presentation was both educational and entertaining, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.” — Wilson Creek Elementary School, 2024
“Our students were particularly excited about Cherry Mo’s new book, eagerly anticipating its release. They left the event with a renewed appreciation for reading and a deeper understanding of the creative process behind their favorite books.” — Wilson Creek Elementary School, 2024
“We are incredibly grateful for Cherry Mo’s visit and the joy she brought to our school. Her ability to connect with the students and encourage their love for reading and art was truly remarkable. We can’t wait to see the impact “Home in a Lunchbox” will have on our young readers!” — Wilson Creek Elementary School, 2024
“It was a joy to attend Cherry Mo’s presentation at my school! Hearing her share about her life experiences and becoming an author-illustrator was inspiring on so many levels. Her presentation was engaging for young kids and teachers alike. Her stories of moving to the US from Hong Kong encouraged all of us to recognize we can do hard things. She taught us how to tell a story through illustrations, and my young students and I couldn’t wait to try it when we got back to our classroom. I’m so excited to read her new book, and share it with my students and my own children!” — Wilson Creek Elementary School, 2024
“Cherry Mo’s author visit was nothing short of perfect for our sixth-grade middle school students. Even without the language barrier, they could easily relate to the feelings she experienced being in a new school and trying to make friends at the age of 11. I was especially impressed that she shared about having OCD and that she didn’t let that stop her from pursuing her dream to become a professional artist. Although the students loved the interactive drawing part of the presentation, my favorite was hearing how she took a simple drawing and persevered for three years to create an absolutely beautiful picture book. I cannot wait to read the finished product when it is released in June!” — Brevard Middle School teacher, 2024
“Cherry’s presentation left a lasting impression on me. Her book resonates deeply with my own experiences, especially the nostalgia of home my Grandma’s packed lunches bring me. Your narrative, shedding light on the journey from Asia to the US at a young age, is both refreshing and much-needed. I’ll be pre-ordering your book and look forward to the day I can have it signed by you. Your courage in sharing your story and representing Asian immigrant families is truly commendable.” — Brevard High School student, 2024
“Cherry’s presentation was engaging and informative. The students really enjoyed choosing what she drew at the end. She also had good command of the audience, reminding them to be quiet a few times. I think it was a great experience for our 6th graders!” — Brevard Middle School teacher, 2024
“The group of kids I had were very impressed with her presentation! They had nothing but great things to say about it and raved about how talented she was to both illustrate and write a book. I think it was a great opportunity for them to be able to listen and see an author’s work.” — Brevard Middle School teacher, 2024
“For a book with very minimal words, it speaks volumes. The immigrant experience is illustrated brilliantly, viscerally. The reader can feel the emotions as the illustrations leap off the page.” — Moss Kids Book Project
“Round-faced, endearing Jun is utterly expressive; her sadness upon returning home each day is especially palpable…A touching immigrant story that hits the heart—and stomach.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Memories of home, and images of lunch box contents, are rendered in elegant full-color illustrations alongside swirling hearts and emanata, suggesting feelings of comfort and love. In an exceptional debut, Mo deploys digital illustrations that expertly use selective coloring to depict an experience of finding common ground.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“With its spare text (most of which is speech-bubble dialogue), the story is primarily conveyed through Mo’s sensitively drawn, sometimes paneled illustrations, which vividly depict Jun’s emotional state. This debut picture book captures the immigrant experience, highlighting the impact of small gestures of kindness and celebrating the unifying power of food across cultures and languages.” — Horn Book
“This lushly illustrated book takes readers on a journey of memory and hope, highlighting the power of food to build connections across language, space, and time.” — Joanna Ho, New York Times Bestselling author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
“Lushly illustrated but with carefully sparse text, Home in a Lunchbox is a sensitive and warm debut. This book is a reminder for grownups of how differences can bring us together, and a story for children about making friends, bad days, and the warmth and comfort food from home can bring. This story reminds us all how anyone can feel lonely, but small gestures can travel for miles. A beautiful book.” — Erin Stead, Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator of A Sick Day for Amos McGee
