Stories are our legacies.

Carren Jao is a Chinese Filipina storyteller and arts journalist based in Los Angeles. She is deeply interested in finding the common threads between people of different cultures and amplifying the representation of Filipino and Chinese culture in children’s books.

Her written work is inspired by her multi-generational immigrant experience—first with her Chinese immigrant family in the Philippines and then now as a new immigrant to the United States—as well as her friendships and travels. Her stories are like blankets that provide warmth and comfort for one, but can also be shared with many.

She is the co-lead for the AA & NHPI Affinity Group at Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Picture Book Challenge. A member of the Authors Guild and a 2023 PB Rising Star mentored by Sylvia Chen.

She is the 2022 winner of Lee & Low’s New Voices Award and will soon publish her debut children’s book, “The Shape of Love” edited by Kandace Coston.

Carren is represented by Heather Cashman at Storm Literary.