The Pandas Next Door - Paperback

by Vickie An (Author), Guy Wolek (Illustrator)

A family of proud peacocks doesn't take too kindly to their new neighbors, a family of panda bears. But the Panda family's spunky daughter is determined to change their minds. This illustrated chapter book teaches advancing readers about kindness and acceptance. This fiction book supports early fluent readers on their journey to independent reading. Engage students' natural curiosity with fun and inspiring real-world stories. Perfect for shared or guided reading, this book builds a foundation for a lifelong love of reading.

Author Biography

Guy Wolek grew up just outside Chicago. He drew constantly; if his parents took away his paper, he would draw on newspapers, inside the covers of books, wherever there was blank space. To this day, some of his parents' books still have his art--so he can say his art has been in books since he was four!

While growing up, Guy was focused on things other than art, until his first job after graduating high school convinced him to go to art school. He attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago and landed his first job as a professional artist with a portfolio he put together in a weekend. Over his thirty-five-year career, Guy has done everything from working as a courtroom sketch artist, to illustrating children's books, to developing characters for animation.

A father and grandfather, he lives in Southern California with his wife of over thirty years.