Being strong doesn’t mean carrying the weight of the world alone. Yet every single day, countless children quietly wrestle with pressure, anxiety, friendships, school expectations, and overwhelming emotions because they’ve been taught—directly or indirectly—that asking for help is a sign of weakness instead of wisdom.
When we begin teaching children that reaching out is something courageous people do early—not something reserved for moments of complete overwhelm or breaking points—everything changes. Kids begin to understand that support is not a burden, a favor, or something to feel ashamed of. It becomes a source of strength, connection, belonging, and healing.
And so, in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, one creative storyteller is helping redefine what bravery looks like for the next generation—not the child who silently carries everything alone, but the child who learns how to ask for help, accept support, and uplift others along the way. 
Children’s Author, Emily Sun Li, joins our John Masiulionis and Little Forrest on Episode #271 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series to share her inspiring journey from voracious reader to respected educator and ray of hope within the KidLit community, the release of her debut picture book, Mr. Chow’s Night Market (published by Penguin Workshop), why vulnerability is a form of strength—not weakness, how to turn relentless rejection into creative fuel, the power of personifying places to encourage children to see themselves and the world around them differently, practical ways parents and educators can empower kids to ask for help without shame, and a sneak peek at her next chapter book, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch: Into the Volcano (published by Scholastic)—plus much more. 
We encourage you, our friends and neighbors, to support Emily’s work by getting your copies of Mr. Chow’s Night Market and enjoying this empowering read with your little ones: https://bit.ly/4unRUTG. 
Mr. Chow’s Night Market
Text copyright © 2026 by Emily Sun Li • Illustrations copyright © 2026 by Yu Ting Cheng. Used with permission. Published by Penguin Workshop. All rights reserved.
Stay connected with Emily online and on social media:
Official Website: https://bit.ly/4nuaqHz
Instagram: https://bit.ly/4ddqRok
X: https://bit.ly/43893EX
