Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Mary Lee Donovan received her MA in children's literature at the Center for the Study of Children's Literature, Simmons College. In addition to being a writer, she is one of the founding directors of the Kindling Words retreat for children's book professionals and an editorial director at Candlewick Press. Mary Lee Donovan lives in Littleton, Massachusetts.Lian Cho is the award-winning author-illustrator of Don’t Eat Eustace, Pig Town Party (recipient of the Society of Illustrators’ Silver Medal) and Oh, Olive! Lian was born in Taiwan and spent a large part of her childhood in New Zealand. She has also illustrated other picture books, such as 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli, Oh No, the Aunts Are Here, and It Began with Lemonade. In her spare time, she likes to make funny comics about her life. You can visit her at liancho.com.

“With so much distrust, anger, and hate in the air, a genuine expression of welcome is just the balm we so desperately need. . . . The belief that each of us matters, regardless of religion, nationality, or race, comes through with sincerity. . . . Céad mile fáilte to this heartfelt message of inclusivity and compassion.” — Kirkus Reviews“Donovan and Cho celebrate cultural diversity with this tribute to unity, which explores the different ways people around the world say ‘welcome.’ . . . The lyrical text emphasizes meeting friends, family, and strangers alike with kindness and generosity. . . . This openhearted picture book comes to a satisfying close with a blessing and a jubilant spread of the book’s many international families dining together at a page-filling banquet table.” — Publishers Weekly“The simple act of welcoming friends and neighbors takes the spotlight in this heartening picture book. Donovan's feather-light rhyming couplets trail over and through each watercolor and colored-pencil illustration, her words . . . a gentle incantation. Cho's vibrant illustrations . . . alternate perspectives playfully . . . Inviting scenes are peppered with hand-lettered welcomes in different languages along with a pronunciation guide. . . . An informative, inviting read.” — Horn Book Magazine