From Query to Bookshelf: AANHPI Creators Discuss Children’s Book Publishing

Join SCBWI’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter for an AANHPI Heritage Month panel for a candid, heart-forward conversation with AANHPI children’s book creators in our region. Panelists will discuss the business side of books—from query to book deal, marketing your work, sustaining creativity, navigating representation, and advocating for authentic stories. Our panelists will share honest lessons, practical insights, and the behind-the-scenes realities of children’s book publishing.

This event warmly welcomes all creators—whether you’re aspiring to be published, newly debuted, or already published and looking for deeper industry insight. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and celebrate the power of our stories and the pathways that bring them to life. Authors will be available to mingle and sign books during the event.

Event is free and open to the public. 

Location: Loyalty Bookstores (4203 9th St NW Washington, DC 20011)

Date: Friday, May 29, 2026

Time: 7:00-8:15PM

About the Panelists:

• Patricia (Pat) Tanumihardja grew up a third-culture kid, forever curious about the world around her and her place in it. Born in Jakarta and raised in Singapore, her Chinese Indonesian parents encouraged her appetites for both delicious foods and good books. Growing up surrounded by bustling markets, beloved family recipes, and stacks of well-thumbed books sparked a lifelong love of both delicious food and the written word. As a writer, Pat’s work explores food, culture, and self, and especially the in-between spaces she inhabited as an immigrant three-times-over. Her fun, heartwarming stories often echo her lived experiences buoyed by universal themes. Her debut children's book “Ramen for Everyone” was a JLG Gold Selection. Her latest, “Monkey’s Sweet Surprise,” launched in December 2025.
• Angela Hsieh is a Taiwanese American author, illustrator, and all-around nature enthusiast. Her debut middle grade fantasy graphic novel, LU AND REN’S GUIDE TO GEOZOOLOGY, is a 2026 SCBWI Golden Kite Award Honoree and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. It was named a "Best Book of 2025" by the ALA Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table, the Chicago Public Library, Booklist, and the National Library of New Zealand, among others. Angela also illustrated ANTARCTICA: THE MELTING CONTINENT, a critically acclaimed nonfiction book about real-life scientists and explorers.
• Sylvia Liu grew up with books and daydreams in Caracas, Venezuela. Once an environmental attorney protecting the oceans, she now spins stories about nature, strong girls, and the intricacies of family and friendship. Her middle grade books include Stealing the Score, Near and Deer, Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation, and Manatee’s Best Friend, and her picture book, A Morning with Grandpa was the Lee and Low New Voices Award winner. Learn more at enjoyingplanetearth.com.
• Celeste Dador writes cozy rom-coms with festive flair and big main-character energy. She was a finalist on reality TV show America’s Next Great Author and is an assistant advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her YA debut, Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights, blends swoony romance with her love of public service. A proud Filipino American, Celeste lives in the D.C. area and can usually be found writing in coffee shops or on Instagram @celestedador. 

About Loyalty Bookstores

We like books. We like you. And we aim to bring the best diverse books and events to our community. We aim to be the Mid-Atlantic’s neighborhood spot for wonderful books and unique stationery, gifts, and programming. 

Loyalty's DC location is at 4203 9th St NW, Washington DC 20011 and is on street level.