100 Days: A Story of Sisterhood

by Kimberly Lee, Michelle Jing Chan (Illustrator)

Overview

A picture book about the Chinese cultural tradition of commemorating a baby’s "100th Day" and celebrating sibling love.

Anya loves having special days with her mom and dad—rainy days, yellow days, stay-in-the-park for hours days. Then her younger sister is born and Anya finds herself feeling overlooked and forgotten. Why does Hana have to get all the attention? Her family is busy preparing for her younger sister’s 100 Day celebration, a Chinese tradition that commemorates an infant’s 100th day with good luck rituals and customs like the delectable ang ku kueh cakes, red envelopes, and baby’s first haircut.

As the day approaches, Anya learns to appreciate her baby sister, learning that sometimes love comes slowly, in days and moments that creep up on you, and hold onto you tightly—as tightly as a little sister can.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780374389871
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date:	07/01/2025
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.35(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Kimberly Lee is a lawyer, Managing Editor of parenting platform, makchic, the author of Boys Don't Fry, illustrated by Charlene Chua, and the co-author of What if?. Her love of cooking good food is superseded only by her love of eating it. She lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online on her website or on Instagram and Twitter.

Michelle Jing Chan is a queer Chinese American illustrator who grew up in Colorado and lives in the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by nature, cultural folklore, and fantasy, Michelle aspires to illustrate diverse, empowering stories her younger self would have loved. When she’s not drawing, she can be found attempting new recipes, reading, or watching spooky TV shows.

Editorial Reviews

" A heartfelt story incorporating authentic cultural elements with a relatable message." — Booklist

"A heartfelt new-sibling tale, infused with cultural elements." —Kirkus Review

From the Publisher

2025-04-19
Anya and Mama have a very special relationship…until a new baby sister arrives.

Anya loves spending time with her mother. They build forts, snuggle up and read stories, and visit Anya’s favorite aunt, Vee. But one day, Anya’s parents bring home her new sibling, Hana. Spot-art vignettes depict Anya becoming increasingly sad and angry. Once in a while, Anya does feel a “tug on her heart, and [wonders] if that might be love,” but it quickly disappears once Mama focuses her attention on Hana. As weeks pass, everyone becomes even busier as they plan Hana’s 100th day party—a common milestone in Chinese culture. On the big day, Anya feels left out and finds Aunt Vee in the kitchen making ang ku kueh, and while the two form the turtle-shaped sweet treats together, Aunt Vee tells Anya about how she and Anya’s mama fought as kids. “Sometimes love doesn’t come instantly,” she explains. It can be like the ang ku kueh, “slow as a tortoise hiding in its shell.” When it’s time for Mama to snip a lock of Hana’s hair, the baby wails, but Anya is there to comfort her. Though this tale treads familiar ground, it’s sweet nevertheless, distinguished by the thoughtful inclusion of Chinese traditions. Chan’s bright, colorful artwork gently teases out the relationship between family members—both Mama and Aunt Vee, as well as Anya and Hana.

A heartfelt new-sibling tale, infused with cultural elements. (author’s note, more information on 100th day customs, recipe for ang ku kueh)(Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews