Night Market Rescue

The Taipei night market makes a fun setting for this familiar story of friendship and found family. Ren's vibrant illustrations glow with warmth and color . . . Those familiar with Taiwanese night markets and street food will have fun recognizing the different vendor offerings, and others will enjoy the feeling of visiting a new country.

Roused by a "sweet and spicy" scent on a cooling breeze, black-furred stray GoGo wanders solo on a hot summer's evening into unknown territory: one of Taipei's bustling night markets. Vendors line the streets with various treats, and GoGo dodges scooters and strangers, helping himself to "tasty, tender sausage bites/ while slurping ginger tea." Passersby pay him no mind as he maneuvers the stalls, snacking on scraps as they drop. While capitalizing on a fallen watermelon, he encounters a "scared lost stranger"--a child who quickly becomes a friend. Eager to show his new companion all he's discovered, GoGo guides the girl through the market, unwittingly leading her back to her parents' embrace. Cheng (A Moment in Time) draws on her own memories of Taiwanese night markets to write a lively readaloud about finding one's way home. Capturing a perhaps surprisingly subdued atmosphere, neat digital illustrations from Ren (Because) glow brightly in iridescent hues that grow more vibrant as the story reaches a happy ending for the solitary pooch. Ages 4-7. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary. (May)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

GoGo's an undeniably cute pooch, but the star here is the Night Market, gleaming with red lanterns, sparkling with luminescent colors, and peopled with a delightful assortment of characters that viewers can track through the pages. Shifts in perspectives and varied compositions bring the audience right into the hustle and bustle of the street. —BCCB

"[S]weet . . . Such a charming book, and the vibrant illustrations brought the night market alive. —Book Riot

Warm, rich colors, and a nice story about reaching out to help others. —Wacky Mommy

Charlotte Cheng's Night Market Rescue aims to expand kids' palates. Her picture book was inspired by the vivid sights, sounds and smells of the Taiwanese night markets and meals of her childhood. —Berkeleyside