Oh, Panda

by Cindy Derby

Caldecott Honor winner Cindy Derby delivers an endearing picture book about an adorable (and ingenious!) panda bear who must find the grit within to climb--and overcome--a snowy, slippery mountain.

Look! A butterfly! Up, up, and away it flutters, flying high above a large snowy mountain.

But Panda wants to play, and that mountain is clearly in their way. To reach their new friend, Panda will just have to climb it! Unfortunately, it's very slippery...and very steep...and little Panda keeps tumbling to the bottom. Oh, Panda. Just how will they reach the peak?!

With spare text and dazzling watercolor illustrations, Panda’s journey reminds us that with a bit of moxie—and a lot of perseverance—we, too, can reach the top of our mountain.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Growth Mindset, Juvenile, Storytime

40 pages, Library Binding

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Cindy Derby is an illustrator and author based out of San Francisco. How to Walk an Ant is her debut picture book, which has been praised as “[a] freaky, bizarre delight” (Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast) and named one of "The Most Astonishingly Unconventional Children's Books of 2019" (100 Scope Notes). Cindy's background is in puppetry and she has performed all over the world.

Reviews

[Kristen]

5/30/2024 - I enjoyed the theme of the story about persistence and trying different methods. The illustrations were fun and whimsical.

[Riley Gullett]

This was one of the cutest and sweetest stories I have ever read. It is perfect when discussing the importance of determination and perseverance during hard times, especially when you want something.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList]

Panda is a little bit of a bumbling bear (not unlike Winnie the Pooh?). The narrator speaks to the panda, who acts a bit like a toddler, and wants to get off-task easily. The painted illustration style is unique and engaging, with touches of frost and ice throughout. The book could almost do without words? Panda chases a butterfly and overcomes obstacles to climb to new heights. The narrator guides and tries to encourage, but in the end, finds that Panda knew what she was doing all along. Ingenuity and cheering from the narrator. Pretty clever.

Read as a nomination in the 2023 Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Barbara]

Oh, Panda! You are certainly one determined little bear with a rather winsome look. This picture book with its watercolor and gouache illustrations follows a young panda whose play with a bright red butterfly prompts it to follow the creature when it flies away. Despite the unseen narrator's attempts to distract the animal by building an ice castle, the panda remains focused on his goal of climbing an icy mountain in order to reach the butterfly. Even though he has several falls, the panda tries different techniques to scale it successfully, even using sap, twigs, and ice blocks. When he finally reaches the summit, the view is worth all the effort. Clearly, all those missteps and tumbles have been forgotten. Youngsters reading this one are likely to feel encouraged that mistakes don't necessarily equate with failures but are part of the learning process.

[Caroline]

A very resilient panda bear is determined to follow a beautiful, pink butterfly up a snowy mountain. As the narrator tries to push him back towards home, he persists in finding different ways up the mountain -- and is rewarded by a visual surprise.

This is a love grit and growth mindset picture book with a panda standing in for a determined toddler. The illustrations are done with lovely watercolors that remind us of Cindy Derby's definite chops. Charming and effective.

[Rose Rosetree]

Knowing that Cindy Derby will be your author and illustrator, sure. Let her show you the unlikely adventure of a cute little panda attempting to climb up a mountain.

To this Goodreader, right from the start this seems clear: Panda is a stand-in for any adventurous two-year-old.

How heartening, then, that the ending is happy, even triumphant. Not that I'm going to do a spoiler here, no no!

FIVE STARS for the magnificent, quirky artisty and writer-sty of Cindy Derby

[Roben]

What should panda do today? Build an ice castle? Or chase an elusive butterfly up a slippery slope? Definitely chase! Panda is having a hard time catching up with his butterfly but he doesn't give up. Eventually he makes it to the top and Oh, Panda! The artwork for Panda is delightful - he is so expressive!
A nice reminder to not give up when the going gets a bit rough and slippery. And it's also OK to let folks help you with your task.
Take a peek under the dust jacket!

[Claire]

I can certainly see why this book has won awards. The illustrations are lovely and the story is sweet. Panda didn't seem sold on the idea of building an ice castle and when they found something they wanted to, the narrator tried (repeatedly) to get them back to a task the narrator wanted them to do. Panda was determined to investigate the butterfly regardless of the obstacles, they learned and kept trying and look at the reward!

[H. L. Reyes]

From the sweetest opening page to the breathtaking ending and every page in between, we thoroughly enjoy reading Oh, Panda’ by Cindy Derby. She fully captures the heart of a children’s book, pulling us into the story, following along together with Panda - it leaves us feeling like we are there too. How magical!

[Brittany]

I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. Although this book had amazing watercolor illustrations, it would have been way better off if it was wordless. The story itself was short, simple, and ended abruptly. A decent story for a young reader about perseverance. It just don't think it is going to get lots of attention from young readers.

[K]

For all the reviews saying the writing may not be engaging for young readers my 2.5 yr old loves it!

The simple storyline means she can “read” along and the beautiful pictures allow us to discuss what is happening along with what emotions panda may be feeling.

It’s one of her absolute favorite books and she asks for it at least once a week.

[R.C.]

What's with all of the 3-star reviews that just offer praise? Those drive me nuts. This book is gorgeous, lightly humorous, and a lovely little ode to trying again. And I loved that the cool snow textures were created with "salt, a little spatula, and a tiny sea sponge"! How cool!

[Christie Kaaland]

Sweet tale of a young panda determined to climb a nearby mountain, particularly after seeing a bright red butterfly, he wants to chase the butterfly up the 'hill'. Love aurora borealis-type vistas on ice and snow surround Panda in his many silly attempts to get up the hill.

[Steph]

This book is perfectly adorable.

[Kelly]

It's a cute book and I think it's really good for really young kids. It's short and seems like how hard little kids try to do things they probably can't.

[Panda Incognito]

This is more of a message book than a story, but the illustrations are so unique and beautiful!

[Molly]

Really cute illustrations, and a sweet tone throughout.

[Peacegal]

A very determined little bear climbs a mountain with questions, and then encouragement, from the narrator. Gentle, soft-focus illustrations.

[Tweller83]

10/12/23: I didn't love this one but the illustrations were really nice.

[Gail]

Oh, Panda — oh, how lovely!

[KMitch]

Caldecott Honor Winner, beautiful illustrations

[Sarah Threlkeld]

Sweet story about coming up with creative solutions and persevering. The final illustration is gorgeous.

[Jeimy]

This one was adorable and very cute!

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Kelly]

Really cute.

[Madison]

5/30/2024 - Fun and pretty illustrations! Loved the story about not giving up. Read with Momma.

[Anne]

Found in L4L Volume 129.

[Jessica]

The illustrations are simple yet lovely.

[Meredith]

The panda has a snack of tree sap from an evergreen tree. 🤨 Science mom says “no.”

[Starbubbles]

I am not sure I liked the dialog in here, but it was a nice book about a panda that stuck with their goal.