A crowd of families visited the Port Washington Library to join local author Kiko Liang in reading her children’s book, “I Am Me.”
The Wednesday, Oct. 2 event, sponsored by the non-profit organization Chinese Giving Circle, celebrated the theme of Liang’s book, parent-child relationships and self-discovery.
Liang wrote “I Am Me” to help young readers embrace their individuality and creativity. The book reflects Liang’s deep commitment to fostering meaningful parent-child connections and encouraging children to explore their unique talents and imaginations.
Liang hopes her book will spark deeper conversations between parents and children, inspiring families to grow together through the power of storytelling, Liang said.
Serena Sun and Kayla Xu, students of East Williston’s The Wheatley School, moderated the event, which allowed children and parents to explore the themes of Liang’s book.
The illustrations emphasize the importance of embracing one’s strengths while encouraging children to express their imagination freely. Parents gained valuable insights into how they can nurture their children’s growth and provide the space for them to explore their full potential.
The evening has volunteer musical performances. Phoebe Qian, a student of The Wheatley School and Juilliard Pre-College, performed with her cello and vocal pieces. Keira Lassegue, a St. John’s University student, joined Qian for a beautiful vocal and guitar duet. Norman Yao, a Schreiber High School student and fellow Juilliard Pre-College musician, delivered a bass performance.
Following the reading and musical interludes, a Q&A session engaged the audience, with children eagerly taking the stage to ask questions. The interaction allowed both parents and children to connect with the themes of “I Am Me” personally, making the event a highly interactive and empowering experience for all.
Families had the opportunity to get books signed, take photos and share their thoughts with Liang.
The collaboration between Liang, the Chinese Giving Circle and the time volunteered by the young musicians and students of The Wheatley School, merged the worlds of literature, music, and community.
