Bio
Helen H. Wu is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as a translator and publisher. She is the author of Tofu Takes Time, illustrated by Julie Jarema (Beaming Books, 2022) and Long Goes To Dragon School, illustrated by Mae Besom (Yeehoo Press, 2023). Helen is the Publisher of Yeehoo Press, an independent children’s book publisher based in San Diego, California. Being fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, Helen loves to share stories that empower children to understand the world and our connections. Born and raised in Hefei, China, Helen moved to the US in her 20s. Currently, she resides in sunny Southern California, with her family and two kids.
Learn more about Helen at helenhwu.com and follow her on Twitter at @HelenHWuBooks and on Instagram at @HelenHWu.
Why I LOVE Picture Books
Children’s picture books have the potential to pass on the joy from generation to generation. Picture books are one of the channels that children can learn about the world when they snuggle on the laps of parents and grandparents. It’s a magical format that I feel can perfectly encapsulate a feeling, a moment, a subject, a place and time. As an art lover, I also find it’s very entertaining and soothing to simply enjoy the artwork of picture books.
My Journey to Writing, Illustrating, and Publishing Children’s Books
I’ve been passionate about writing and drawing since I was a kid; however, I never thought it would be a career option growing up in China. Back then, there were mostly black and white comic books. Picture books were introduced into China about 20 years ago.
After I graduated from the University of Georgia with a master’s in Economics, I landed a job in the marketing field. To make attractive marketing materials, I learned how to use Photoshop. Then, I found tutorials on how to draw in Photoshop. I was amazed by what could be done in the program. I did some digital drawings and put up a portfolio online. To my surprise, someone asked me if I could illustrate their picture book. I rediscovered my passion for art and storytelling. Gradually, I illustrated more picture books for other authors, and I began considering writing my own story. With all the fear and lack of confidence, I still took the leap and wrote, illustrated and self-published my first picture book in 2014. Positive feedback from readers encouraged me to do more.
At the beginning of 2018, with more than 10 picture books that I wrote and illustrated under my belt, I realized it takes teamwork of professional editor, designer, art director, marketing specialist and printer to produce quality picture books. Traditional publishing was the route to take. I started taking classes, joining critique groups and attending conferences to hone my craft and connect with editors and fellow authors and illustrators.
In August 2019, I attended SCBWI conference in Los Angeles and met Mr. Zhang and two editors from Yeehoo Press. They were looking for someone to take charge of the US division of their publishing house. They wanted someone who had experience in children’s book publishing in both the US and China and had connections with authors. My background was a perfect fit for Yeehoo’s criterion, and I joined the team shortly after the conference.
After working at Yeehoo Press for more than a year, now I have a deeper understanding of the business of children’s book publishing and I really appreciate being able to work with an awesome team of editors, designers, especially authors and illustrators. It takes a village to publish a children’s book, and every book is the fruit of faith, love, and teamwork.