DOWN, THROUGH, UP PICTURE BOOK DEBUT
by Shirley Ng-Benitez, HarperCollins

Down, through, up,
down, through, up,
the needle is old but sturdy,
like your ancestors.

Mei’s heart is formed by patchwork pieces shaped like her beloved Panda stuffie, Momma, and their home in the country. Everything fits together perfectly. But when Momma announces that Mei will be spending the summer with her Apaw in San Francisco, Mei’s heart begins to fray.

In The City, her grandmother teaches Mei about their family history, the magic of sewing, and how the two are connected. Will Mei be able to mend her broken heart, and create something new?

This lyrical debut picture book will sit perfectly on shelves next to I’M FROM, and THE TOGETHER TREE. Watercolor, gouache, and painted & cut-paper collage artwork features heirloom sewing items in this story about new experiences, being open to change, the power of making & sewing, and rediscovering yourself somewhere new.

Available at your favorite Independent Bookstore, Bookshop.org, BarnesandNoble.com, and more!

ISBN: 978-0063273818
ISBN 10: 0063273810
Imprint: HarperCollins
On Sale: March 2, 2027
Trimsize: 11 x 9
Pages: 40
Ages: 4-8
List price: $19.99
Format: Hardcover

~ My sincerest thanks for your support—I truly appreciate it! ~
Pre-orders are super helpful for independent bookstores to discover books and get them to readers everywhere.
Also, please stay tuned as I’m finalizing the kit details and will update this site with photos :)