Downtown Issaquah Story Stroll™ Watercress
ISSAQUAH, Wash., September 5 – October 3 – The Downtown Issaquah Association celebrates its latest Story Stroll™ “edutainment” program along with the Issaquah Library with the fanciful, heartwarming book “Watercress” written by Andrea Wange and illustrated by Jason Chin.
The Story Stroll™ features a story about the power of sharing memories—including the painful ones—and the way our heritage stays with and shapes us, even when we don’t see it.
Author Andrea Wang calls this moving, autobiographical story “both an apology and a love letter to my parents.” It’s a bittersweet, delicate look at how sharing the difficult parts of our histories can create powerful new moments of family history and help connect us to our roots.
Jason Chin’s illustrations move between China and the American Midwest and were created with a mixture of traditional Chinese brushes and Western media. The dreamy, nostalgic color palette brings this beautiful story to life.
An endnote from the author describes her personal connection to the story, and an illustrator’s note touches on both the process of the painting and the emotional meaning brought to the work.
Each page will be displayed prominently in business windows along Front Street from Village Theatre to Sunset Way from September 5 through October 3.
Champions of literacy and visual arts, the Downtown Issaquah Association and the King County Issaquah Library, host strolls at least twice a year.
“Our Story Strolls celebrate literacy, diverse perspectives, and have always been one of the most popular programs for residents, school children, and visitors from all over the Eastside,” said DIA President Christina Bruning.
Awards for Watercress:
Caldecott Medal Winner
Newbery Honor Book
APALA Award Winner
New England Book Award Winner
A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Boston Globe Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book
One of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of the 21st Century (So Far)
Winner of the Cybils Award
An SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Winner
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
An ALSC Notable Children’s Book
Named a best book of the year by Publishers Weekly, BookPage, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Lunch, Shelf Awareness , and more!
A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
An NPR ‘Book We Love!’
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
MEDIA CONTACT: execdirector@downtownissaquah.com
ABOUT DOWNTOWN ISSAQUAH ASSOCIATION
The mission of the Downtown Issaquah Association is to cultivate a thriving Olde Town that builds community and celebrates our charm.
ABOUT ISSAQUAH
Named Best Burb by Sunset Magazine, one of the Best Towns for Families by Family Circle, and one of the Best Towns by Outside Magazine, Issaquah is a draw for outdoor and culture enthusiasts from around the world. With more than 40,000 diverse residents, it is situated conveniently off I-90, just 16 miles east of Seattle.
Issaquah’s Downtown is dubbed Historically Hip, with its state designation as a Creative Arts District, drawing artisans to its funky vibe. Situated among the Issaquah Alps. It’s an outdoor paradise, drawing locals and tourists to beautiful hiking trails, paragliding, pristine lakes, and nature attractions in state and community parks.