Mr. Chow’s Night Market

A supermarket owner who “lives for the night” finds a way to stop rising with the sun in Sun Li and Cheng’s lively picture book of professional problem-solving. By the time Mr. Chow unlocks the doors of Trader Chow’s, much later than expected, a queue of frustrated customers extends down the block, chaos ensues, and he can’t take time to play with his grandchildren. Seeking advice from neighbors sets Mr. Chow on a path of trying something new. In the solace of evening, he assembles his store outside, creating Taiwan’s first-ever night market. Rendering bustling days and serene nights, dynamic pencil and digital cartooning captures the protagonist’s night-owl innovation, while visuals of anthropomorphic Taipei buildings and food-related phrasing (“The sun is an egg dripping hot yolk on Mr. Chow’s face”) add levity to this tale of transition and self-understanding. An author’s note concludes. Ages 3–7. (Apr.)