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ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: Don’t Cause Trouble
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WEBSITE: https://arree.com/
CITY: San Francisco
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COUNTRY: United States
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PERSONAL
Male.
EDUCATION:Art Center College of Design.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Artist and entrepreneur. Pixar, production scheduler; Storyteller Academy, founder; worked in gaming.
MEMBER:Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
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Chinese American Arree Chung is an artist and entrepreneur from the Bay Area in California. He studied at Art Center College of Design, worked at Pixar, directed video games, and founded Storyteller Academy to share his knowledge of making picture books.
Chung wrote and illustrated the comic-book-style Ninja!, first in the “Ninja!” young readers series. The courageous ninja Maxwell is expert in sneaking around in stocking feet. Dad’s tie and a jump rope complete his equipment as he creeps around family pets on the way to his main objective, taking his baby sister’s milk and cookies. After he takes his prize, and gets caught, he realizes his sister is sad, so he teaches her the way of the ninja. In School Library Journal, Carol Connor remarked: “Acrylic paints and mixed media enhance the comic-strip portrayal of a modern ninja on his quest.” The story is “Told through a blend of traditional picture-book illustrations and comic-book-style panels,” reported a Kirkus Reviews critic. In an interview online at Kid Lit 411, Chung explained how he approached his stories: “Good storytelling is a lot like design. You think about what you want the reader to feel and you reduce until you find the heart of it. You keep on reducing/refining until your work is as punchy as it can be.”
In the second installment, Ninja! Attack of the Clan, Maxwell the ninja wants someone to play with. Mom is busy cooking dinner, baby sister is playing with her blocks, and Dad starts a game of hide-and-seek but doesn’t go looking for Maxwell. When mom announces dinner is ready, Maxwell arrives to an empty dining room and his family members in hiding. In ninja mode, Maxwell goes looking and plans some surprise attacks. “Readers will happily creep, meditate, and spar along with ninja Maxwell. A clever, laugh-out-loud story for a broad audience,” according to a writer in Kirkus Reviews.
The third book, Ninja Claus! continues the adventures of Maxwell, who is determined to catch a glimpse of Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. He sets up a few traps, including a hula hoop, ropes, and letters to distract Santa. A crash reveals that Dad, not Santa, is caught in the trap, while the real Santa uses his own ninja skills to cleverly hide behind the Christmas tree. “Hilarious, action-packed, read-aloud gold. Maxwell’s ninja traps will inspire young ones to engineer their own,” remarked Shanna Kim in School Library Journal. A Publishers Weekly reviewer praised Chung’s “exuberant mixed-media illustrations.”
In Chung’s OUT!, a baby has had enough of being trapped in the crib and wants “Out!” Jo Jo the Saint Bernard is guarding the baby but frets when it crawls out of the crib and starts traipsing through the house. Jo Jo tries to alert the parents downstairs, but they yell for Jo Jo to be quiet. The dog follows the baby as it hides in a laundry basket, joins it to eat cake, and goes outside on the porch to look at the stars. “The illustrations indulge in full-bleed spreads for moments of revelry,” noted Megan Dowd Lambert in Horn Book, while a contributor to Kirkus Reviews called the book: “A bouncy nighttime blend of easy graphic novel and almost-wordless picture book.”
A book with a message about diversity and unity, Chung’s 2018 Mixed: A Colorful Story features a city where the denizens are only three colors: loud Red, bright Yellow, and calm Blue. When the Reds declare that they’re the best color, everyone argues and isolates themselves behind walls. But then one Yellow and one Blue come together to create something truly amazing—Green, which takes on the qualities of both colors, bright and calm. The townsfolk realize they can create beautiful things if they come together.
In an interview with Hilli Levin at BookPage, Chung explained what inspired him: “I was just really passionate about this idea because I thought it was important. I started working on this five or six years ago before everything that’s happening right now. I had no idea it would be coming out at this time which is, I feel like, the perfect time.” In Kirkus Reviews, a critic called the book “A colorful story about celebrating difference as complementary and transformative.”
Chung drew on his own experiences as a first-generation American in Don’t Cause Trouble. Tween Ming Lee wants a fresh start to the new school year, but he sports his mother’s embarrassing bowl cut hair do, thrift-store clothes, and placement in the ESL class even though English is all he knows. Things look up when he befriends Vikrum, who’s Indian, and Marcus, who’s Black, and the teachers move him to Honors English. But he disappoints his parents, who say “Don’t cause trouble,” when he tries to shoplift the sought-after Air Elevates sneakers. In Kirkus Reviews, a contributor remarked: “Chung inserts humor and love beside moments of pain and frustration in a way that meshes stylistically with the straightforward dialogue.” Booklist reviewer Terry Hong mentioned that Chung’s “dynamic characters’ expressions are particularly affecting, although Mom just might be the title’s star player.”
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BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, March 2025, Terry Hong, review of Don’t Cause Trouble, p. 77.
Horn Book, September-October 2017, Megan Dowd Lambert, review of Out!, p. 64.
Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2014, review of Ninja!; April 15, 2016, review of Ninja! Attack of the Clan; April 15, 2017, review of Out!; September 1, 2017, review of Ninja Claus!; May 15, 2018, review of Mixed; March 1, 2025, review of Don’t Cause Trouble.
School Library Journal, May 2014, Carol Connor, review of Ninja!, p. 76; October 2017, Shanna Kim, review of Ninja Claus, p. 63.
ONLINE
Arree Chung homepage, https://arree.com/ (September 1, 2025).
BookPage, https://www.bookpage.com/ (July 11, 2018), Hilli Levin, “Icebreaker: Arree Chung.”
KidLit 411, https://www.kidlit411.com/ (August 2014), “Author-Illustrator Spotlight: Arree Chung.”
Publishers Weekly, https://www.publishersweekly.com/ (October 2017), review of Ninja Claus!
Dream Big
As a Chinese American kid growing up in the suburbs of the Bay Area from a blue collar immigrant family, becoming an artist and entrepreneur was never in the plans.
I’ve always had a big imagination and big ambitions to go along with my big ideas. I’ve always wanted to make things that people love and have the creative freedom to do it. But how could I pursue my dreams when my working class parents just wanted me to go to college and get a good job?
Graduating from college and getting a good job is exactly what I did at first. In 2001, I found myself making spreadsheets for a living and I thought to myself, there had to be more to life than crunching numbers, right?
Anything is Possible
Everything changed when I met a group of art students on a metro commute home. I followed my curiosity and started taking art classes. My inner voice that told me that I was an artist. An artist makes art and I wanted to be able to think of ideas and make them happen.
Following my interest in art led to a job at Pixar as a production scheduler. Eventually, I left Pixar to pursue my artistic goals at Art Center College of Design. It was at Art Center that I discovered my love of picture books. Afterwards, I worked in games before becoming a published picture book author/illustrator with the publication of Ninja!
In 2016, I founded Storyteller Academy to share my knowledge of how to make picture books.
How to Make Ideas Happen
People ask me this question all of the time.
I know how it feels. You have ideas but you don’t want them just to live in your head. You want them to be real.
So how do you make ideas happen?
How do successful people make their dreams come true? What’s the difference between those who achieve their goals versus those who struggle to find their inner voice and confidence?
Here’s step 1: Listen to your inner voice.
I believe we are all born creative and that we all have gifts to share with the world. Somehow, deep inside you, you already know who you are and who you are meant to be.
Listening to that inner voice is the first step to your destiny.
Step 2: Write down your goals.
Take a moment to listen your inside and write those goals down.
Step 3: Start learning. Study the masters.
Learn from mentors. Studying with mentors is the fastest way to learn; there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.
Success leaves clues and you can follow them to grow faster. Continue to grow and never give up. Mistakes are part of the learning process to mastering your craft.
For me, I’ve grown from being a spreadsheet jockey at Pixar to art directing video games to published author and illustrator to an entrepreneur.
I’m living proof that you can peruse your dreams and live the creative life you’ve envisioned for yourself.
Step 4: Envision the Future.
Everyone has a unique gift to give to the world.
So I’ve got a question for you. What’s your unique gift? What’s your passion? What’s your creative vision?
If you’re a storyteller, I invite you to join our creative community at Storyteller Academy. At storyteller Academy, you’ll get the training and tools to become a published author or illustrator.
Step 5: Make a plan and just get started.
If you are a parent or educator who works with kids, you can download our activity guides. And if you are interested in a visit, check out our visits page.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit. I’m excited to head what your vision is and to see what you create.
Arree
Author-Illustrator Spotlight: Arree Chung
© Arree Chung
This week we feature the awesomely talented Arree Chung, whose debut picture book NINJA! was recently released in June. Enter the giveaway below of a signed copy of NINJA!
Illustrating for children is a second (or third) career for you. Tell us about your journey to becoming a children's illustrator.
The thought of illustrating and writing books for children still gives me chills because it really is a dream come true. I’ve always loved art but never thought about doing it seriously when I was growing up.
Coming from a family of immigrants, my parents stressed education. Both worked really hard in blue collar jobs that paid minimum wages and they didn’t want to see my brother or I struggle financially.
I wanted to make my parents proud, so when I went to college, I decided to major in biochemistry and become a doctor. Typical, right? In a few months time, I would change into Economics and upon graduating I worked as a litigation consultant. I basically became an expert at making spreadsheets and performing data analysis. I liked some aspects of it but overall, I was really bored.
Then I got an artistic itch from a chance encounter with some art school students on a evening commute home. I was hooked on art and started drawing. Over the next few years, I would quit my consulting job for a position (production scheduler) at Pixar and then I took the leap and quit Pixar to attend Art Center College of Design.
Quitting Pixar to attend art school was scary but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Art Center taught me the skills I needed to express myself. The technical skills of being an artist is learnable. Finding out what you want to say or make is the journey.
From there, I worked in Video Games for many years but I really wanted to tell my own stories and have more control of what I wanted to make as an artist. It’s taken about five years, but I’ve finally broken through!
What were the one or two key things that were your "big break" into the field?
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). I LOVE this organization and owe so much to them. It is probably one of the most kind, accepting and encouraging organizations that I know, and it’s simple to understand why. It’s a community of people who love books, children and believe that stories can change lives.
Art Director Cecilia Yung at the 2012 SCBWI conference
I got my big break at the 2012 SCBWI Summer Conference, when I attended the Illustrator Intensive Workshop. NINJA! was made for a homework assignment given out to workshop attendees. We were instructed to come up with a manuscript and thumbnails for an original story. That assignment helped give the motivation (fear) to challenge myself. I am such a deadline driven person! Without them, I’d be watching Sports Center.
As a first generation Chinese-American like yourself, sometimes our parents' expectations while we were growing up didn't include artist or illustrator as career choices. How did this mindset (if it was the case) affect your career choices? How supportive have your parents and family been of your career changes?
I love this question because it is such a common challenge for many Asian Americans, especially in my generation. As mention before, my parents worked tough menial jobs while I was growing up. My dad dreamed of me going to Stanford and becoming a professional.
Family portrait, 1980
So early on in my life, I never considered being an artist. I just wanted to make my parents proud. I wanted to be “successful.” But something strange happened when I started working as a consultant. It just didn’t feel right. My inner voice started telling me to change and pursue my artistic endeavors, even if there was no traditional path to follow.
Telling my Dad that I was going to go to art school instead of business school was not easy, nor was it popular. To tell you the truth, he still would have preferred an MBA over a BA in Illustration but it was MY decision to make. My mom has always been supportive in everything I do. She just wants me to be happy and she knows I try 110%. As in all families, there are mixed opinions on what you should do but ultimately you need to decide for yourself.
Life is often a series of small choices that build up to a bigger result much later. The decision to go to Art School was a just the first choice that led me to living a creative life.
NINJA is your debut picture book. Tell us a bit about it. What was one surprising thing you learned about the publication process during the making of this book?
Maxwell is a Ninja. He goes on a secret mission but when things go wrong, Maxwell must use his ninja skills to make amends.
NINJA!
I was surprised with how many people have a hand in bringing your book to the shelves. It starts with you, your agent and your editor. Then it goes to design, art director, sales, marketing, publicity and buyers. Then reviewers, bloggers and librarians take your book and champion it, connecting your book to the right audience.
What projects are you working on now?
Lots of things! More book projects! I have a series of inventive potty training books titled HOW TO PEE. There are two books, one for boys and one for girls. I’m working on my next picture book with Henry Holt(MacMillan), tentatively titled OUT. It stars a toddler, his dog and a few nefarious raccoons. I’m also illustrating a book for Harper Collins, written by Susan Hood. I’m really excited about trying out a new collage technique for that one.
© Arree Chung
Oh and I’m also writing a middle grade novel, titled MING LEE. It’s about growing as an American Born Chinese.
© Arrree Chung
What is your typical process for illustrating?
I make lots of thumbnails and dummies in the beginning. I am very sloppy, unorganized and extremely creative in the beginning. Anything goes. You are in the search for ideas and it helps when I’m free flowing.
Early sketch
More sketches
As you make choices, you narrow things down. Good storytelling is a lot like design. You think about what you want the reader to feel and you reduce until you find the heart of it. You keep on reducing/refining until your work is as punchy as it can be.
Painting the characters
What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators?
Keep at it. Don’t give up. Find mentors and friends who have the same passion as you do. Don’t listen to naysayers but do seek out criticism that will improve your work. Rest when you need it. If you get angry, frustrated, use it as motivation. Just keep moving forward. It’s a marathon with yourself. Not a race against others. You’ll get there if you keep taking steps.
What is one thing people don't know about you?
I am a night owl turning into a morning bird.
Where can people find you on the internet?
website: www.arree.com
blog: http://arreechung.blogspot.com
Twitter: @arreechung
FB: https://www.facebook.com/arree.chung
Arree Chung is the author and illustrator of NINJA! Before writing and illustrating books, he worked as a production scheduler for Pixar as well as an Art Director for educational and mobile games. You can find him sketching in cafes and riding his bike in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Daydreaming on Paper with Arree Chung
July 21, 2015 by Aimee Reid
Arree head shot
Arree Chung is a children’s book illustrator and author. He has worked at Pixar and in the games industry as a designer and art director. Arree and I share an agent in Rubin Pfeffer: www.rpcontent.com. It’s my pleasure to host him on Good Books to Share today.
Arree, please share about your experience of connecting with books as a child. What positive memories do you have?
My parents were new immigrants and were struggling to learn the English language themselves, so I don’t recall reading a lot of picture books when I was young. I do remember Dr. Suess’s bold colors in his books.
I was more of a late reader. I loved Shel Silverstien’s books of poems. Where the Sidewalk Ends is probably my favorite. I became an avid reader in middle school. My favorite books were James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (practically anything from Ronald Dahl) and Mrs. Frisbee and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien. Those books engaged my imagination. I don’t think I’ve stopped dreaming ever since.
Arree-MaxwellDinner
Arree’s vibrant art
Tell us about your experiences of being an adult and reading to a child or children. What are your favorite aspects of sharing good books with kids?
The best feeling I have as an artist is seeing kids’ faces light up when they see your work. You can see their imaginations kick into gear. When I present, I make sure to show them how a book just starts with an idea. I call it “daydreaming on paper.” Sharing good books is so important because it engages the imagination—and if you can imagine something, then you can make anything happen. I love this quote by Albert Einstein: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
ninja 2
Some of Arree’s daydreaming on paper
Please share your thoughts on and tips for sharing good books with children.
I think a common mistake grown ups have in sharing books with kids is trying to share books that “teach a lesson.” Many books that teach a lesson do so in a heavy-handed way and are just not fun books.
Kids are just like adults. Or perhaps, rather, we’re a lot like kids in bigger bodies. Anyhow, we don’t like being told what to do, and we’re all different. Matching the right book to a kid is about understanding what the kid likes or what that child may be going through. Of course, there are those few books that just strike a chord with practically everyone because they are so magical.
ninja1
classic moment from Ninja!
I love the idea of daydreaming on paper. Your daydreams have produced some delightful books. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us today, Arree.
Good news! Arree is giving away a signed copy of Ninja to one person who comments on this blog. What a fun book to share with a child you love! I’ll draw the winning name on Saturday, July 25.
For more giveaways from top-notch authors and illustrators, sign up for Aimee’s newsletter below.
Check out Arree’s picture books:
ninja amazonhow to pee girlsArree how to pee
Visit Arree at his website for activity and coloring pages based on Ninja!
Website: www.arree.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arree.chung
Twitter: www.twitter.com/arreechung
July 11, 2018
Icebreaker: Arree Chung
“Kids bring people together.”
Interview by Hilli Levin
Assistant Editor Hilli Levin speaks with the author-illustrator of Mixed, Arree Chung. Sponsored by Macmillan Children’s.
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BookPage Icebreaker This BookPage Icebreaker is sponsored by Macmillan Children’s.
A bustling city is inhabited by primary-colored residents whose hearts are changed when they discover the beauty of a more complex world in author-illustrator Arree Chung’s timely picture book, Mixed: A Colorful Story. When the Reds decide that they think they are the best color, they start shouting in the street. The color harmony is shattered, and the city is segregated into red, blue and yellow. But when a Yellow and a Blue fall in love and create a never-before-seen color, hearts and minds are opened.
Although Chung began work on this picture book years ago, it seems that Mixed—with its message of love that’s sure to inspire readers of all ages—is being published at the perfect time in America.
Hilli: The first thing I noticed—aside from the gorgeous endpapers—was that Mixed is a pretty different story compared to your silly Ninja! series. What inspired you to begin working on this book, which is more of a message-driven story?
Arree: Well you know, I have ideas that come to me all the time. I remember when this idea came to me I thought, wow that is a really neat idea that has probably been done already. But I feel like ideas are like having kids. They just come to you. But the concept was pretty clear to me early on. I feel like as a creative person, it’s never the problem of having ideas, it’s the problem of choosing which one and narrowing it down and working on it for a long time. I was just really passionate about this idea because I thought it was important. I started working on this five or six years ago before everything that’s happening right now. I had no idea it would be coming out at this time which is, I feel like, the perfect time. There are so many other stories I want to tell. Some are silly and some are not, but I feel like I’m growing as a storyteller. It took me two and a half years to find the essence of Mixed.
Using color theory to personify the beauty of diversity is such a lovely concept. Was this inspired by your time in art school a little later in life?
Yes, definitely! I love drawing, storytelling and symbolism, and the more I worked on this idea I just found so many analogies that worked so well in terms of color theory: the way that colors look different with each other and feel different with each other and had so many different personalities. I think the most poignant point was thinking about the message—as the world mixes in culture, we create new colors. They’re their own color. It opens a lot of interesting conversations with kids.
Did any particular artists or illustrators influence your work? I think the art here has a really cool classic feel—I love the contrast of the black and white city with the colorful inhabitants.
I always think that stories drive every single visual decision. Everything you do in making a book that’s visual should serve the story. Mr. Men [a series by Roger Hargreaves] was obviously an influence, but it was also a challenge because I didn’t want it to look like Mr. Men at all, but I love how it’s so simple and kind of quirky. It’s something that kids can draw really easily. And then there’s an artist named Brian Biggs and he does Tinyville Town. I really like his lines and how thick and broken they are. My linework is a little different, but I really love the way he draws buildings and the graphicness of it. I think the last person I really looked at a lot was Christian Robinson because he just does great naive art. It feels so honest to a kids experience. So I kind of meshed them all together and made my own thing.
I think you did such a nice job breaking down a heavy story about discrimination for such a young reader. You wrap up this huge concept in such a small number of pages. It feels almost effortless!
If I make it look easy than I did my job! The story is always the hard part. Stories can go a million different ways and you’re thinking so deeply about what it means and trying to get the tone right, so it was not easy. I teach classes about storytelling, and one thing I teach is that you want to try to simplify your story to that simple truth or simple feeling, the experience that every kid has or a simple truth in life.
The simple truth that I simplified it down to is: Kids bring people together. There are two different sides of family who oftentimes may have discrimination or feelings, oftentimes kids will bring them together. Kids don’t see race, they don’t have those extra implications at a young age. It was hard. I was lost for a lot of time but just simplifying it down to that moment where green is born and she’s new and no one’s ever seen her before. That unlocked the story and that’s what brings everyone together.
I was lost at so many other themes about preserving culture. There are lots of other things I’m pretty confused about that are for another book, I’m trying to come up with a sequel.
I would love a sequel!
It’s called Mixed Up, and it picks up right after we left off in the last book where the city wasn’t perfect, but it was home, which is where we are as a society. I think it’s along the lines of figuring out our feelings about culture. There are folks that are older and are afraid of losing Chinese culture or African culture or America, whatever that means. So they’re a little mixed up. They want to be forward thinking but they also want to find that line.
How did you approach this story as a first-generation Chinese American?
I think I actually wrote it more for my nieces. They’re mixed and I thought about them a lot. I’m pretty close to their family. I thought more about my nieces and my friends who have mixed kids than my own personal experiences. Definitely what’s going on in the world influenced the illustrations a lot more in terms of segregation and the protests that we see so much now with each side thinking that they’re right. I have [that experience] going into a middle grade novel I’m sort of working on. It’s called Ming Lee and it’s about growing up as a Chinese American and not feeling completely Chinese and not feeling completely American. There are lots of funny embarrassing stories about not fitting in quite right. You just pull from your life—it’s not that hard!
Sounds like you have so many projects coming up! I can’t wait.
I have too much stuff, it’s a blessing and a curse!
What do you hope young readers take away from this story?
There are two main things. I’d say the first one is that every color is special, unique and different and the world is more colorful with the diversity of colors. I’d say that’s the main one. The world being full of diverse colors is a richer place, and I think the story shows that visually. And then I guess the second one is that being accepting of all sorts of people and there is no such thing as being better or best. I had the honor of showing this at a school visit recently and they get it. They ask some really powerful questions.
I hope that these are the discussions that will happen in schools across America and in some way bring this country a little bit closer together. That’s my hope for it.
Illustrations © Arree Chung
Website: www.arree.com
Shop for autographed books: https://shop.arree.com
Arree Chung’s Storyteller Academy: http://www.storytelleracademy.com
Simply 7 interview with Arree Chung–Out!
July 30, 2017 / jenabenton
Today’s interview comes after a bit of a wait, but it’s well worth it! Arree Chung is a busy creator and as hard to catch as one of his picture book ninjas. BUT I can totally relate to that, as busy as I am too (i.e., teacher, writer, illustrator, interviewer, Alaska SCBWI Illustrator Coordinator, etc.).
Don’t know Arree? Arree_Live_in_a_Story You should! Arree Chung’s first picture book “Ninja!” hit bookstores in 2014 with quite the acclaim. Since then, he’s written several more picture books and started up Storyteller Academy where he helps others learn to craft picture books. Arree loves to help others achieve their storytelling dreams, just as he was able to do. You can learn more about him at his website.
His latest book “Out!” Outwas released in June. It is the story of a little boy who is desperate to escape. His crib that is! It is a cute spin on bed-time-stories but what sets this one apart is that it is nearly wordless. The text of the story itself is ONLY 38 words long, with 4 major words reused throughout (out, woof, yay, and down). Now THAT takes talent! And a LOT of rewriting!
Thanks for stopping by today Arree!
Thanks for having me on your blog Jena.
Me: You have 5 picture books out now. What draws you to writing and illustrating your own picture books?
Arree: I’m in love with the process of creating something from nothing. In the beginning you are just playing around with ideas. Making a story work is like putting a puzzle together but you also have to create the puzzle pieces. I enjoy the creative process in coming up with a story. After the story is made, I really enjoy bringing my ideas to life through design and illustration. One of the unique aspects of making picture books is that you have the opportunity to do it all!
Me: I see you have a chapter book coming out this summer that you illustrated as well (“The Danger Gang and the Pirates of Borneo!”). Do you prefer to write and/or illustrate picture books, compared to other genres?
DangerGang
Arree: The Danger Gang was a great opportunity to try out another genre. As an artist, I think it’s healthy to try out many forms of storytelling. That’s how you learn. I wouldn’t say I prefer one over the other. They’re both fun. It’s sort of like music. I like all kinds of music and having an eclectic mix helps you grow as an artist.Danger_Gang1
Me: You have also illustrated picture books written by others. Do you enjoy that as much as you do illustrating your own?
Aree: Each project is different. What I like most about illustrating a book written by someone else is that the story is already made. Making a great idea into a story is hard work. They don’t call it “creative work” for no reason.
When I get a manuscript that has a really great story, it sparks my imagination. I think of all the different ways I could tell the story visually. So that’s fun. I have ideas for stories all of time, so I’ll always be working on my own stories as well.
Me: You have said that “Out!” was inspired by the movie “The Great Escape.” Is that a favorite movie of yours? How many times have you seen it before this idea occurred to you?
Arree: I haven’t seen that movie in a long time but as a child, I saw it at least ten times. My dad always loved watching World War I and II movies. His life was dramatically affected by the war so I think he was fascinated by these movies.
For me, it was just a fun, campy story. It’s funny what you remember as a child. I loved the element of escaping as kid, so I wanted to capture that feeling in OUT!
Out2
Me: What is one thing that surprised you in writing and illustrating this story?
Arree: The challenge I gave to myself was to use as few words as possible. Originally, I aimed to tell the whole story with just two words, “out” and “in.” My editor thought the book needed a few more words to help with the read out loud experience. She was right. We still kept the book minimal though. I was surprised on how much story you can tell with just the pictures. It was a fun creative challenge.
Out1
Me: Any advice for other picture book writers and/or illustrators?
Arree: My main piece of advice is to keep working on it. Most of my ideas take years to develop into full stories. Stories are like clay. You can shape them, take them apart and re-work them. Take some time to also enjoy life and be in the world. Think about your story but don’t stare at a blank page. Try collecting your ideas as they come to you and go on creative walks. That’s what I do! Everyone has a ton of ideas that can be stories, but few stick to them and develop them into polished stories. Stick with it and continue to develop your stories. It will come together!
Q: So true. It’s a process and you’ve got to work at it. Your ninja series has been highly successful and you even have a third Ninja book (“Ninja Claus!”) being released this December. Arree_NinjafyMe_LargeI’ve seen a photo of you somewhere dressed up as a ninja with a tie on your forehead like Maxwell. Are you really a ninja at heart? Did you study any of the martial arts?
Arree: Funny thing is that as a kid, I never studied martial arts. I didn’t want to be known as the Chinese kid that knew karate. I was always annoyed when people asked or assumed I knew karate just because I was Chinese.
But I do like sneaking up on people and being mischievous in a fun, innocent way. Maxwell is how I behaved as a six year old.
NinjaClausCover
LOL! Of course. I think it’s a requirement for all picture book writers to be young at heart.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, dear readers, to read “Out!” you should track it down and study it. It is truly clever!
And of course be on the lookout for Arree’s third Ninja book (“Ninja Claus!”) due out this fall. It looks quite funny and promises many laughs (just as the first two books in the series did). May you have many happy Ninja dreams until then!
* CHUNG, Arree. Ninja! illus. by Arree Chung. 40p. Holt. Jun. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780805099119.
K-Gr 2--Readers riding high on the ninja craze will find this treatise on how to be a successful one quite enlightening. For instance, ninjas need special equipment--a thick stick, silent footwear, sticky gloves, etc. A ninja sneaks, creeps, and is fast on his feet. He will face danger (look out, family pets), show courage, and, most importantly, master the art of SURPRISE! Readers follow the main character through comic-book-style panels as he moves with stealthlike precision, covertly navigating each room and the furniture, to fulfill his mission of capturing his prize: his sister's snack. Silent as a spider, this cartoonish little guy is regaled in makeshift black ninja fashion (where is Dad's necktie?), with only his wide eyes (and several teeth) visible to his enemies. Acrylic paints and mixed media enhance the comic-strip portrayal of a modern ninja on his quest. Heavy, dark tones are enhanced with bursts of color, such as brightly hued, fiery dragon images in keeping with the theme. Oversize heads and exaggerated expressions round out the laugh-out-loud fun. Prospective ninjas, take notice!--Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH
KEY: * Excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject or in the same genre | (e) eBook original Tr Hardcover trade binding | RTE Reinforced trade binding | lib. ed. Publisher's library binding Board Board book | pap. Paperback
Connor, Carol
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2014 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Connor, Carol. "Chung, Arree. Ninja!" School Library Journal, vol. 60, no. 5, May 2014, p. 76. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A367298720/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=78f70da2. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Chung, Arree NINJA! Henry Holt (Children's Picture Books) $16.99 6, 3 ISBN: 978-0-8050-9911-9
Silently the young ninja stalks through the house to reach his objective: baby sister's prized milk and cookies.Throughout the quiet house, Ninja Maxwell moves on fleet feet. He has two objectives: surprising his sleeping father and pulling off the ultimate heist of his baby sister's snack (along with his awesome red ninja cup). The young ninja however, is not without feeling. When his ninja skills leave his little sister saddened and him both caught red-handed and "dishonored," Maxwell seizes the opportunity to impart to the next generation (aka selfsame baby sister) the "way of the ninja." Young readers should certainly relate to Maxwell's familiar assemblage of household ninja props: a stick (a pool cue), ninja rope (a jump rope) and, of course, a ninja paddle (a paddleball game). A gentle rhythm propels this lively and charming text: "A ninja sneaks / creeps, / tumbles, / hides, / and is fast on his feet." Told through a blend of traditional picture-book illustrations and comic-book-style panels, this seamlessly hybridizes the two forms, creating the perfect jumping-in point for readers interested in ninjas and comics.High-flying fun to be read aloud or independently. (Picture book. 3-6)
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"Chung, Arree: NINJA!" Kirkus Reviews, 15 May 2014. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A367795089/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=a6a41e78. Accessed 27 July 2025.
How to Pee: Potty Training for Boys
by Todd Spector;
illus. by Arree Chung
Preschool Holt 32 pp.
4/15 978-0-8050-9773-3 $12.99 g
This lighthearted peeing primer by a family doctor/father encourages both kids and parents to add some fun to the sometimes-fraught process. In an introductory note "Dr. Todd" explains his approach. When he was potty training his son, "Abe would make up styles for using the potty, and we would try to guess what they were." To get the creative juices flowing, the book suggests ten peeing "styles." Take, for example, "Cowboy style": "Step 1: Don a hat, pardner. Step 2: Find your holster. Step 3: Put your hands on your hips. Step 4: Pee-haw! Yee-haw!" There's "Rocket style" (no hands, so stand back), "Movie Star style," and "Firefighter style" (yes, a "hose" is involved). Bringing the whole amusing idea to life, Chung's acrylic and Photoshopped illustrations gleefully interpret the simple four-step instructions for each technique. Spector provides reassuring advice for parents at book's end with a few basic rules, such as "Don't worry about a few accidents on your floor." A helpful reminder, since the above performances can only complicate the task at hand. (In fact, as this is a book for boys, some pointers on diming would have been useful.) Along with Mo Willems's Time to Pee (rev. 1/04), this book hits the mark. And hopefully the kid does, too. KITTY FLYNN
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2015 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Sources, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Flynn, Kitty. "How to Pee: Potty Training for Boys." The Horn Book Magazine, vol. 91, no. 2, Mar.-Apr. 2015, p. 126. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A404754226/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=99673307. Accessed 27 July 2025.
How to Pee: Potty Training for Girls
by Todd Spector; illus. by Arree Chung
Preschool Holt 40 pp.
4/16 978-1-62779-297-4 $12.99
In this follow-up to How to Pee for boys (rev. 3/15), family doc/dad Spector offers ten peeing "styles" for girls, including "Witchy style," "Tea party style," "Princess style," and "Gymnast style." Costumes, props, and a flair for drama are encouraged; the idea is to make the potty-training process fun and less stressful for all involved. The acrylic and Photoshop illustrations animate the simple four-step instructions ("Step 1: Curtsy. Step 2: Greet your people. Step 3: Kiss the prince. Step 4: Sit upon your throne"). A two-page author's note to parents offers some helpful and reassuring advice.
Most of the books are recommended; all of them are subject to the qualifications in the reviews. (g) indicates that the book was read in galley or page proof. The publisher's price is the suggested retail price and does not indicate a possible discount to libraries. Grade levels are only suggestions; the individual child is the real criterion. * indicates a book that the editors believe to be an outstanding example of its genre, of books of this particular publishing season, or of the author's body of work. For a complete key to the review abbreviations as well as for bios of our reviewers, please visit hbook.com/horn-book-magazine.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Sources, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Flynn, Kitty. "How to Pee: Potty Training for Girls." The Horn Book Magazine, vol. 92, no. 2, Mar.-Apr. 2016, p. 112. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A445751505/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e0cd71de. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Chung, Arree NINJA! ATTACK OF THE CLAN Henry Holt (Children's Picture Books) $16.99 6, 7 ISBN: 978-0-8050-9916-4
A young ninja seeks a worthy opponent, but his family is too busy to play.Chung (Ninja!, 2014) returns with a second comic-book-style tale about lovable, freckle-faced ninja Maxwell. Ready to tackle a challenger, Maxwell seeks an adversary in one of his family members. His mother is preparing dinner. His younger sister, Cassy, would rather play with her blocks. His father absentmindedly agrees to play hide-and-seek with him but forgets to look for Maxwell. Frustrated and bored, Maxwell meditates to find inner peace--unsuccessfully. When his mother calls him to dinner, he discovers an abandoned meal and his family hiding in wings. Three surprise attacks result in three epic battles--and one worthy opponent. Chung's modern family is Asian and white, and their dinner consists of miso soup and sushi rolls. His vibrant illustrations are playful and action-packed. The background colors of each panel reflect Maxwell's changing emotions: bright reds and yellows for excitement; browns for boredom; and grays for frustration. Readers should study Chung's illustrations closely for small details that add even more depth to his story. Maxwell's father is distracted because he's working on his taxes; Cassy's careful structure falls after her brother walks away. Readers will happily creep, meditate, and spar along with ninja Maxwell.A clever, laugh-out-loud story for a broad audience. (Picture book. 3-8)
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"Chung, Arree: NINJA! ATTACK OF THE CLAN." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2016. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A449240838/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b7b2a328. Accessed 27 July 2025.
HOOD, Susan. The Fix-It Man. illus. by Arree Chung. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. Nov. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062370853. POP
PreS-Gr 2--Rat-a-tat-tat! Make way for Joshua James and his tool belt and hard hat! In this lighthearted and innovative story, Joshua (aka Mr. Fix-It) tinkers with broken household items and manages a checklist on his clipboard. One day, he tries to concoct a mechanism that dumps his sister's smelly diapers from the house into the outdoor garbage can. Once his plan is in place, the wheels start turning and the Fix-It Man is on the case. Two silly critters, assumed to be household pets, dillydally across each page either assisting the children or taking part in mischievous activities, which adds even more humor. Some of the content is displayed in comic book layout, along with some catchy onomatopoeia to grab readers' attention. Joshua's contraptions are each illustrated in a sequential order of lettered parts that could help children follow along with the mechanics of inventive construction. The children and animals are drawn with cartoonlike characteristics, such as oversize heads and squat legs, while watercolor and ink illustrations cover each spread. The subjects of brothers and sisters and apologies are explored as the story progresses, demonstrating what can go wrong when things don't go as planned. VERDICT Pair with Andrea Beaty's Ada Twist, Scientist for a terrific session on the trial and error of tinkering and problem-solving. A recommended general purchase.--Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Welz, Krista. "Hood, Susan. The Fix-It Man." School Library Journal, vol. 62, no. 11, Nov. 2016, p. 72. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A468699158/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e1b672ed. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Chung, Arree OUT! Henry Holt (Children's Fiction) $17.99 6, 6 ISBN: 978-1-62779-553-1
Jo Jo is a babysitter of sorts. She's also a St. Bernard.Jo Jo and a brown-skinned baby with black curly hair are playing when a pair of arms snatches the child. On the title page itself, the baby is ensconced in a crib yelling the titular "OUT!" (shown in a speech bubble) as the baby's pale-skinned dad signals quiet! before leaving dog and baby together in the bedroom. The baby wants out, shouts the word constantly, but Jo Jo can, of course, say only: "Woof." Jo Jo tries to alert the parents, an interracial couple (the mom is black, with brown skin a few shades darker than the baby's), downstairs, but all they have to say is a cross "Jo Jo!" and "Out!" What can a concerned dog do but return to the baby? The strong-willed child climbs out of the crib, slides downstairs in a laundry basket, with a terrified Jo Jo riding behind, and their adventures begin. Young children will soon retell the story, remembering the few words in the speech balloons. The bold illustrations, created using dark acrylics, found paper, and Adobe Photoshop, are executed in a mix of graphic panels and double-page spreads. Amusing details include the parents dancing in the dark before the baby and Jo Jo creep into the parents' bed; the back cover shows all four sleeping peacefully together. A bouncy nighttime blend of easy graphic novel and almost-wordless picture book. (Picture book. 2-4)
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"Chung, Arree: OUT!" Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2017. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A489268475/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=a2ad506b. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Out!
by Arree Chung; illus. by the author
Preschool Holt 40 pp.
6/17 978-1-62779-553-1 $17.99
A toddler's repeated cries to be taken "OUT!" of the crib are ignored by Mom and Dad (a biracial couple), but family dog Jo Jo comes running. Jo Jo's attempts to appease the child with a stuffed giraffe and a blanket swiped from Mom's and Dad's laps don't work. Then the child hatches an escape from the crib, using Jo Jo's big, soft body to break the fall ("Yay! Down"). The text throughout is limited to one- or two-word speech bubbles. High jinks ensue in the paneled illustrations, outside of the parents' view, which should prove amusing to a child audience. At times sequential panels compress the action (when the toddler careens down the stairs in an empty laundry basket); at other points the illustrations indulge in full-bleed spreads for moments of revelry (child and dog gobble down a cake) or reverie (stargazing from the porch). The parents' discovery of a mess in the kitchen leads them to find Jo Jo curled up in the crib with the toddler--who delivers the story's punch line by liberating Jo Jo from the dog crate at book's end, presumably for further adventures. MEGAN DOWD LAMBERT
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Sources, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Lambert, Megan Dowd. "Out!" The Horn Book Magazine, vol. 93, no. 5, Sept.-Oct. 2017, pp. 64+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A503641774/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=85551881. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Chung, Arree NINJA CLAUS! Henry Holt (Children's Fiction) $17.99 10, 10 ISBN: 978-1-62779-552-4
Maxwell the ninja tries to capture Santa in this third offering in Chung's popular series, following Ninja! (2014) and Ninja! Attack of the Clan (2016). Dressed in his ninja suit, Maxwell is determined to see Santa on Christmas Eve. He devises a trap with a handwritten note and multiple ropes to catch Santa in the act of delivering toys. Instead, the trap catches Maxwell's dad when he sits down in a red recliner to sample the snacks set out for Santa. The family goes back to bed, no one spotting Santa already in the house and hiding behind the Christmas tree. Santa uses his Ninja Claus skills to carefully avoid additional traps, leaving a handwritten note for Maxwell and a gift of elf-made ninja shoes. Cleverly composed illustrations use a combination of graphic panels, traditional picture-book illustrations, and multiple handwritten notes between Maxwell and Santa, providing a delightfully varied means of conveying the story. Speech balloons, sound effects set in display type, and appearances by Maxwell's hamster add more layers of interest to the overall design. Maxwell and his small sister are biracial; his mom is Asian and his dad is white; Santa is white. This funny Christmas story will be a gift to Maxwell's fans and enjoyed by children interested in the ninja craze. (Picture book. 4-8)
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"Chung, Arree: NINJA CLAUS!" Kirkus Reviews, 1 Sept. 2017. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A502192118/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fd97d491. Accessed 27 July 2025.
CHUNG, Arree. Ninja Claus! illus. by Arree Chung. 40p. Holt. Oct. 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781627795524. POP
PreS-Gr 2--Aspiring ninja Maxwell vows to catch Santa Claus with a series of clever traps. Chung's illustrations combine traditional picture book and comic book elements; add pitch-perfect comic characterization to the mix and yon have a readaloud that kids (and adults) will put on repeat. Maxwell leaves a letter for Santa with some weighty questions ("Are elves taller than kids? Can you read minds? Is your sleigh energy renewable?"), and falls asleep waiting. When crashing noises wake Maxwell, he grabs a flashlight and his dog Brutus to invesitgate, and discovers his terrified papa trapped by hula hoops and covered in cookie crumbs! All the while, Santa (a master ninja himself) hides behind the Christmas tree. As the family sleeps, he easily evades Maxwell's traps. On Christmas morning, Maxwell finds a letter from Ninja Santa answering his previous questions and complimenting his engineering and ninja skills. He also leaves him some sneaky Santa shoes! Maxwell's closing note, promising a "big SURPRISE!" next year, will inspire giggles as readers imagine the high jinks to come. VERDICT Hilarious, action-packed, read-aloud gold. Maxwell's ninja traps will inspire young ones to engineer their own. An easy purchase for all libraries.--Shanna Kim, Los Angeles Public Library
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Kim, Shanna. "Chung, Arree. Ninja Claus!" School Library Journal, vol. 63, no. 10, Oct. 2017, pp. 63+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A507950634/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e3876f0f. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Chung, Arree MIXED Henry Holt (Children's Fiction) $17.99 7, 3 ISBN: 978-1-250-14273-3
Beginning with endpapers full of colorful, distinctive faces in primary hues, Chung presents the heavy issue of discrimination using vivid colors and precise text.
"In the beginning, there were three colors:" loud reds, bright yellows, and laid-back blues. But initial urban harmony soon gives way to suspicion and competition about which is the best color, leading to high brick walls and color-specific isolation. The story could end there and already be a timely response to current events. However, one day a Yellow and a Blue "notice" each other and realize their happiness lies in each other's distinct characteristics. Their relationship grows, and other colors take note, reacting negatively at first. Undeterred, the two "mix" (depicted as a wedding) and create a new color--Green--who embodies bits of each of her parents ("bright like Yellow and calm like Blue") but is also "a color all her own." Suddenly other Reds, Blues, and Yellows rediscover one another, too, and begin to mix, transforming the primarily black-and-white urban landscape, which is drawn in a graphic, eye-catching style. This book's simple and straightforward approach to confronting discrimination is age-appropriate without trivializing difficult, hurtful situations, offering children and adults excellent moments for discussion and personal growth. Mixed-race readers, especially, may appreciate the author's presentation of mixed-color characters as instruments of change and hope.
A colorful story about celebrating difference as complementary and transformative. (Picture book. 4-8)
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"Chung, Arree: MIXED." Kirkus Reviews, 15 May 2018. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A538293984/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ab8a03b2. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Chung, Arree REMIXED Henry Holt (Children's None) $18.99 7, 5 ISBN: 978-1-250-14274-0
This companion title to Mixed: A Colorful Story (2018) explores changes in family structure.
Several colors, each depicted with their own distinct features, meet and form families born out of love. Sienna and Autumn mix to create Amber, while Honey joins a band of three musicians. They embrace togetherness through activities like sharing meals and celebrating one another. However, both families experience change: Sienna and Autumn separate, and Honey goes solo. These actions, described without judgment, are sympathetically portrayed with multiple characters expressing sadness or unease. The accompanying text "And then everything changes" expresses the seismic shift that occurs with familial separations. Slowly over time, the characters explore new connections. Although these relationships are fulfilling, the characters question if they've made a mistake or if others will like them. Making space for worry acknowledges the ongoing nature of healing while normalizing insecurity and doubt. The characters show courage and vulnerability by opening up to others. The hopeful promise of new possibilities is reflected as more and more color is added to the black-and-white urban setting, reinforcing the theme of inclusivity. As characters enrich their lives with others and remix their families, vibrant color appears dotting the landscape. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Honest and affirming, this story celebrates the love and opportunity for growth created by blended and found families. (Picture book. 3-8)
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"Chung, Arree: REMIXED." Kirkus Reviews, 1 June 2022. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A705356061/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fe3fb275. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Chung, Arree DON'T CAUSE TROUBLE Henry Holt (Children's None) $14.99 4, 22 ISBN: 9781250887306
Being a first-generation American makes school more challenging for a plucky tween boy.
Ming Lee faces middle school with his usual bowl haircut (administered by his mom), the embarrassment of thrift store shopping for back-to-school clothing, and a fervent wish to just get through it all unnoticed. His other deep desire is a pair of Air Elevates sneakers--much too costly for his extremely frugal Chinese-immigrant parents to ever buy him. After initially being assigned to an ESL class (even though English is his first and only language), Ming is placed in Honors English. He makes two new friends, Vikrum (who's cued Indian) and Marcus (who's Black). The trio support each other through Halloween hilarity, Ming's crush, basketball mishaps, and school candy sales turf wars. But the real test of friendship comes when Ming, in a desperate move after his sneaker fund is stolen, involves his buddies in a bungled shoplifting attempt. In the aftermath, Ming learns about the power of family, religion, friends, and self-acceptance. His parents, grappling with their own tribulations around finances, racism, and familial duty, gain insight into Ming's situation, improving their family bonds. In this graphic novel inspired by the author's life, Chung inserts humor and love beside moments of pain and frustration in a way that meshes stylistically with the straightforward dialogue and clean, simple drawings.
This humorous and heartwarming glimpse into an immigrant family's experiences entertains and educates. (author's note, how to make a graphic novel)(Graphic fiction. 9-12)
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"Chung, Arree: DON'T CAUSE TROUBLE." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A828785273/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=7e0be799. Accessed 27 July 2025.
* Don't Cause Trouble. By Arree Chung. Art by the author. Apr. 2025. 256p. Holt, $22.99 (9781250887290); paper, $14.99 (9781250887306). Gr. 3-6. 741.5.
"Tomorrow is the first day of middle school. I was hoping for a fresh start," announces 11-year-old Ming Lee. But Mom's giving him the same old "bowl" haircut and still limiting his wardrobe to thrift store "red-dot sales" items. Mom and Dad--Chinese-speaking immigrants via Thailand where they met and married--don't seem to understand Ming's desire to just fit in. Dad expects Ming to study hard, get good grades, and go to Stanford. "Don't cause trouble" is a constant parental refrain. "But I've got different dreams," Ming silently insists. Middle school doesn't start particularly well when he's placed in an ESL class, even though English is his only language; "Dad didn't want me to learn" Chinese, he thinks, but, on the plus side, "At least I'm on my way to an easy A!" What Ming enjoys most, though, is drawing--it's "never boring"--and (aspirationally) playing basketball (wearing Air Elevates, of course). He eventually jumps from ESL to Honors English and makes good friends, but, alas, doesn't manage to avoid that dreaded trouble. "Real life" inspired Chung's graphic novel debut, which uses vibrant, vivacious, full-color panels. His dynamic characters' expressions are particularly affecting, although Mom just might be the title's star player. For wannabe cartoonists, Chung appends an accessible, meticulously detailed "How to Make a Graphic Novel" instructions, complete with well-deserved back pats. --Terry Hong
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 American Library Association
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Hong, Terry. "Don't Cause Trouble." Booklist, vol. 121, no. 13-14, Mar. 2025, p. 77. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A847202128/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=da598463. Accessed 27 July 2025.
Ninja Claus!
Arree Chung. Holt, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-62779-552-4
Previously seen in Ninja! and Ninja! Attack of the Clan, ninja-in-training Maxwell is feeling a bit stung that Santa Claus left him a hamster for Christmas last year, instead of the rat-eating snake that he had requested. This year, Maxwell decides to lay an elaborate trap for Santa (“Make sure you sit on this red chair,” reads the letter Maxwell leaves for him), but is it possible that Santa is even sneakier and stealthier than Maxwell? Chung’s exuberant mixed-media illustrations bring out the wiliness of his young ninja hero’s plans and the energy that’s an inherent part of Christmas Eve. Ages 4–7. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. (Oct.)