The story is by Vilayvanh Bender and the art is by Nor Sanavongsay. “We like to promote multiculturalism, eating healthy and being accepting of other cultures,” said Vilayvanh Bender, the author, while introducing the upcoming book. “Mahlee, who is a little girl central to the story, learns how differently Mommy did things as a child in Laos than Mahlee does here in America,” she added.
According to the author, the book is all about promoting cultural preservation and encouraging intergenerational dialogues. “Sahtu Press is committed to publishing exciting, vital, and enduring Lao American authors of our time to delight and inspire readers,” said Nor Sanavongsay, the Founder of Sahtu Press.
“We also aim to contribute to the cultural life of our community and also to enrich our literary heritage,” he added. In addition to books, the press also publishes articles for its valued readers. This exciting new book is not only for the children of Laos or American origin, but also for the children from around the world and the press is welcoming parents and other readers worldwide to make generous donations to its cause.
There are over 232,000 Lao in the United States and many of them arrived as refugees in the 1980s with over 60,000 resettling in California, often to considerable culture shock compared to their lives back in Southeast Asia. In addition, more than 7,000 Lao lives near Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.
Vilayvanh Bender is a privately practicing Registered Dietitian based in Corona, California, and she is working with children and families. She migrated to America as a seven-year-old refugee girl after the Vietnam War. In addition, she is married and is the mother of two children. Vilayvanh teaches both daughters her cultural heritage through stories and activities. She enjoys outdoor activities and trying new food. Spending time with family makes her most happy. “Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers” is based on her eldest daughter, Mahlee, and her.
Nor Sanavongsay is an award-winning Lao American writer based in the San Francisco Bay area and he is the founder of Sahtu Press. He has been a member of several platforms, including the SatJaDham Lao Literary Project, the National Lao American Writers Summit and the Lao Artists Festival of Elgin. He is also the author of children’s books inspired by Lao folktales, such as Xieng Mieng: A Sticky Mess. Some of his handiwork can be seen from companies like Encyclopedia Britannica, Sears, Zoosk, and Barnes & Noble among others. “Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers” is his second illustrated children’s book.
Both author and illustrator will be available to talk at schools and book clubs throughout 2019. Also, there will be discount rates for the book available for non-profits, libraries and schools. They will also be available to sign books at these events. For more information on the book, please visit: www.sahtupress.com/books/mommy-eats-fried-grasshoppers Or find out more about the Sahtu Press by visiting: www.SahtuPress.com
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