MEET THE AUTHOR, VILAYVANH "VANH" BENDER

Vilayvanh Bender immigrated to America with her family as a young refugee. Entering the United States without speaking English, her first goal was to become fluent in this new language. Cultural preservation, acceptance and not giving up on ones dreams is very important to Vilayvanh. She is also a private practice Registered Dietitian based in Corona, California working with children and families. Vilayvanh lives with her husband and two girls.

Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers is based on her original story. It’s a story of Vilayvanh’s childhood in Laos versus her daughter’s life, Mahlee, in the United States. The book illustrates Mahlee learning how differently Mommy did things in Laos than she does in America. Mahlee loves doing everything with Mommy, but will she eat fried grasshoppers?
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The award-winning book has reached and delighted readers across the globe. It made history by being the first Lao-American picture book ever published in Southern California.