Hello!
Nice to meet you! I’m Cherry.
I am a children's book author-illustrator, passionate about making books that help kids feel understood and find their sense of belonging. I studied Illustration at ArtCenter College of Design, where I found my love of storytelling. I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and my identity as a Chinese-American. My life is driven by practicing self-awareness, which goes hand-in-hand with my writing and illustrating! Besides creating art, I love to play Chinese chess (have you heard of 五子棋 Wu Zi Qi? It's like Connect Four, but the Chinese version). I also love writing postcards to those dear to me, and find joy in simple things, like a plain tortilla or 饅頭 Man Tou.
Upcoming Author-Illustrator Debut:
HOME IN A LUNCHBOX (Penguin Workshop, June 11, 2024)
This book is inspired by my personal experience of moving from Hong Kong to America at the age of ten. Although it has been many, many years since then, this is the story that I always wanted to tell. This is the memory that has made the deepest impression from my childhood. I believe there are many readers, whether children or adults, who knowingly or unknowingly are seeking for comfort, love, and their place in the world. I hope my debut speaks to you as well, whether to your inner child or your current state of heart. It is a story shared from my heart to yours.
Awards & Recognitions:
2022 SCBWI MayFest Portfolio Showcase Winner
2022 SCBWI Southern Breeze Conference Featured Cover Artist
2022 SCBWI Winter Conference Scholarship Recipient
2021 SCBWI Juried Art Show: Best in Show Award & People’s Choice Award
2021 #PBParty Contest Finalist
Education:
Dec. 2021 - Mar. 2022 Art Mentorship with Art Director Adela Pons,
Peachtree Press
2021 Children’s Book Academy with Dr. Mira Reisberg
2011-2014 ArtCenter College of Design, Illustration
Thank you!