About the Holiday

Once, people communicated their news, emotions, and “wish you were here” postcard sentiments through the mail. Today, letters can take on a different connotation. They don’t have to be those long missives sent in envelopes with stamps affixed. A note to a friend, a message included in a child’s lunch sack, or a post-it stuck where a co-worker can see it are all ways to write a few encouraging words to those you love. Today, why not put your thoughts on paper and give your letter to someone you’d like to connect with—even if it’s just for a little help, like in today’s book!

Thank you to Orchard Books/Scholastic for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Love, Panda

Written by Elaine Su | Illustrated by Charlene Chua

As new big brother Benny takes off to play with a visiting friend, a squishy panda feels abandoned with the baby who’s chewing her ear amid piles of diapers, tiny clothes, and other little toys. Panda writes a letter to Benny pleading to be rescued to no avail. The next day Panda writes that she endured watching “four elephants fly around in a circle all morning.” The baby thinks they’re hilarious, but Panda? Not so much. She reminds Benny that she’s still waiting for him to retrieve her. In a postcard, Panda questions if Dump Truck is even delivering her letters.

As Baby continues to grow, Panda grows desperate, and his letters become impassioned missives bemoaning her fate as Baby’s constant companion. Panda’s suffering through loud crinkly books, new lax rules on burping, and Baba’s singing to Baby. Little by little, though, Panda’s letters reveal real concern, interest, appreciation, and an understanding of what Baby needs. Panda even uses her name. But then the “weirdest thing” happens. Panda begins to bond with Baby Lou and to remember that crinkly book, and one of Lou’s hats, and even having tea long ago with a giraffe in the baby’s room.

At the same time, now that Lou can sit up, Benny is more interested in his baby sister. Entering her room, he reconnects with Panda in a big, happy squeeze before the three have a tea party together. In his last letter, Panda retracts her previous requests, having decided that she “might stay here a bit longer,” but inviting Benny to come play again tomorrow.

Elaine Su’s adorable story, told through witty letters that echo the feelings of a sibling as they adjust to the changes a new baby brings, is full of personality, funny observations, and the subtle way acceptance and love grow between siblings. Su deftly weaves Baby Lou’s progression of milestones throughout the story, reminding older brothers or sisters that they, too, experienced these stages and share a common history.

Charlene Chua’s bright illustrations give young readers plenty to smile, laugh, and talk about as Panda’s facial expressions clearly show her emotions—from boredom to growing kinship to happiness. Benny’s increasing interaction with his sister is also shown through background images of his playdates, his reaction to Lou’s crying, and his sweet reunion with Panda before officially giving her to Lou. The final image of a letter Benny has made for Panda brings the story to a heartwarming finish.

Endearing and hilarious, Love, Panda is a perfect choice for new or soon-to-be siblings that will continue to be relevant and appreciated as the baby grows and the siblings form a relationship. The book is sure to be an often-asked-for addition to any home or library collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546179580

About the Author

Elaine Su was born in Shanghai and now lives with her family in beautiful coastal British Columbia, Canada. Her favorite childhood stuffie was an enormous green and white rabbit named Duffle. Visit her at elainesu.com.

About the Illustrator

Charlene Chua has illustrated more than a dozen books, including Oliver Bounces Back!, Amy Wu and The Perfect Bao, The Pencil, and Hug? Her work has been nominated for the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, the Forest of Reading Awards, the Shining Willow Award, and the First Nation Communities READ Award. Charlene lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Visit her/them at charlenechua.com.

World Letter Writing Day Activity

Love, Panda Activity Pages

Kids can commiserate with Panda and show their love for their own favorite stuffed animal with these Love, Panda Activity Pages from Elaine Su, Charlene Chua, and Scholastic!

Love, Panda Coloring Sheet | Love, Panda Letter Writing Activity

You can purchase Love, Panda from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review