I’ve always loved visual storytelling, but my sense of calling to write and illustrate children’s books isn’t just about the art itself. Yes, I love drawing whimsical characters and crafting imaginative worlds—but really, the reason I do it is about something much bigger: the restoration of the family.
Where Passion Meets the World’s Greatest Injustice
I’ve heard it said that your calling lies at the intersection of your deepest passions and what you feel is the world’s greatest injustice. For me, that injustice is broken families—children who feel lost, disconnected, or lacking a sense of home. My passion is storytelling. And somewhere in between, I’ve found my purpose: creating stories that help kids feel seen, valued, and inspired to rise above their circumstances.
Finding Refuge in Storytelling
I had just turned 11 when my parents got divorced. But while they were in counseling and legal appointments, my younger sister and I often stayed with our next-door neighbors—a young couple with no children of their own. They didn’t try to “fix” our situation. They didn’t pry or tell us everything would be okay. Instead, they just gave us what kids need most: a chance to be kids. They handed us fantasy books and video games. In those worlds, heroes overcame adversity, the greatest of villains could be vanquished, and even misfit children had the potential for greatness.
That was when I first got into Harry Potter. At its heart, I saw it as a story about a boy who had a higher calling. Despite his painful past and family members who tried to hide his identity, he rose above his circumstances to fulfill his destiny. That story wasn’t just an escape for me. It reminded me that no matter what was happening in my life, there is a higher purpose to live for, which was something bigger than my painful circumstances at the time.
How Books Help Kids Feel Seen
In 2022, I was invited to be a panelist at San Diego Comic-Con. I was there because of some comic book covers I illustrated for a Filipino-American superhero series. At first, I hesitated because… I’m mostly out of touch with pop culture, and really, I just did a couple book covers–not a whole book. I was convinced that the little bit of work I did wasn’t that important. But I figured (through LOTS of peer pressure) that it would be a neat experience, so I went.
On the plane ride over, I sat next to an older woman and told her why I was heading to San Diego. She shared that her granddaughter is Filipino-American and has been bullied for looking Asian and not being white. “She hates herself,” the woman said. “I tell her all the time how beautiful she is. So what you’re doing—creating work for Filipino-American kids to feel seen—is so important. You’re doing it for her.”
That conversation stuck with me. It reminded me that storytelling isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about representation, belonging, and healing. It’s about showing kids that they are seen, valued, and worthy of love.
I believe books—and all forms of imaginative storytelling—hold this kind of transformative power. They plant seeds of hope in the hearts of children, showing them that their story isn’t over yet, that they too can rise above whatever circumstances they find themselves in.
The stories I’m working on now are my way of passing that gift forward. They’re silly… but they’re stories of adventure, of finding belonging, of discovering purpose. Because every child, no matter their background, deserves to feel like a hero in their own story.
Why This Matters
Restoring families isn’t just about keeping households together—it’s about healing hearts, nurturing hope, and giving kids the tools to dream beyond their present reality. While my work might be whimsical, the deeper mission is always about this: helping children believe in themselves and in the power of a hopeful future.
So maybe my calling isn’t just about making art. Maybe it’s about creating something that, even in a small way, helps restore the hearts of the next generation.
What stories helped you through difficult times? I’d love to hear about them.
0 comments