How This Book Got Red

Available anywhere books are sold. Order online or from your local bookseller.

None of the panda books are ever about red pandas!

Red is going to do something about that.

When Red discovers a new book about pandas, she can’t wait to read it! Except it’s about only one kind of panda, and red pandas are completely left out. Red never gets to read stories about pandas like herself! So she decides to take matters into her own paws and write her own book.

But sometimes Red wonders if the only kind of pandas the world sees are the black and white kind. What if nobody wants to read her book? Red must find the courage to finish her story.

​Illustrated by Melissa Iwai

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (October 3, 2023)

ISBN: 978-1728265650

PRAISE

AMAZON BEST BOOKS AGES 3 – 5

KIDS’ INDIE NEXT LIST

COMMON SENSE SELECTION – FAMILIES

★ STARRED REVIEW
“Greanias illustrates perfectly, in a way that children will intuitively understand, why it’s so crucial for everyone to see themselves depicted in media; Iwai’s lovable panda characters, rendered in colorful watercolor, pencil, and digital tools, are irresistible. A final joyful spread portrays a future in which both types of pandas are represented everywhere, and crayon-drawn endpapers show pages from Red’s book. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Astute and adorable commentary on media representation.” — KIRKUS REVIEWS

“. . . what it excels at is breaking down the simplicity of wanting to be included into a charming friendship story.” — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“Strong positive messages of inclusion, representation, courage, and communication are featured in this story that also includes a supporting and encouraging good friend who models excellent ally behaviors.” — COMMON SENSE MEDIA

FREE ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY KIT: Download a free activity kit from Sourcebooks Kids which includes a coloring page, maze, templates for make-your-own red panda and giant panda hats, and write-your-own-story guide.