Page 58 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 52

NAVIGATING GRIEF
THROUGH CHILDREN’S
EYES
Y.Y. Chan shares her journey of transforming personal grief into children’s literature, emphasizing the importance of addressing difficult topics and using writing as a therapeutic tool for healing and understanding.
“Y.Y. Chan, celebrated author, shares her passion for storytelling and her journey of transforming personal experiences into impactful children’s literature.
.Y. Chan is a remarkable voice in contemporary children’s literature, hailing from Hong Kong and captivating readers worldwide with her poignant storytelling. Her works
are celebrated for their emotional depth and courage in
Y.Y. CHAN
Y.Y. CHAN DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING DIFFICULT TOPICS IN
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
YEDITOR’S DESK
addressing complex themes such as grief and loss, making her a multi-award-winning author. Chan’s ability to weave narratives that resonate with both young and adult audiences is a testament to her skill and sensitivity as a writer. Her books, including the acclaimed “Can You Hear Me, Daddy?” and “Grandma, It’s Me!”, are not just stories but essential tools that help families and educators navigate difficult conversations with children. Through her writing, Chan offers solace and understanding, encouraging readers to embrace their emotions and find hope amidst life’s challenges.
In this insightful interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Y.Y. Chan shares her journey as an author and educator, revealing the personal experiences that have shaped her narratives. Her passion for storytelling is evident as she discusses the importance of addressing societal issues through children’s literature and the therapeutic power of writing. Chan’s dedication to fostering empathy and emotional intelligence in young readers is truly inspiring, and her works continue to leave a lasting impact on families and communities around the world.
58 II Reader’s House
Your debut picture book, Can You Hear Me, Daddy?, tackles the complex and emotional topic of grief through the eyes of a child. How did your personal experience of losing your father shape the narrative, and what message do you hope young readers will take away from Renee’s story?
My experience of losing my father to cancer at first inspired me
to write a memoir. As I began, I realized I couldn’t remember some details clearly and didn’t want to share some details with others, so I reframed it into a story for children. I wrote from the perspective of a