Interview With Author Little Dumpling Tales
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the creator behind “Little Dumpling Tales,” a bilingual book series dedicated to helping children connect with Chinese heritage through food and fun stories. As a parent, I wanted to create books that are not just educational, but also capture the warmth of family memories. I have written 3 books in this series so far, covering beloved traditions like Hot Pot, Dim Sum, and Chinese New Year Red Envelopes.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Happy Hot Pot Night. It was inspired by my own childhood memories of snowy winter nights and the magic of a bubbling pot shared with family. In Chinese culture, the round hot pot symbolizes “reunion” (Tuányuán). I wanted to capture the sensory details—the steam, the smells, and the joy of sharing—to help parents and kids experience that warmth together, no matter where they are in the world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since my books revolve around delicious food, I often get incredibly hungry while writing! I have a “tasty” habit: I try to eat or cook the specific dish I’m writing about—whether it’s dipping beef in hot pot or having a warm bun—to make sure I can describe the taste and texture perfectly for my young readers. It’s a very delicious research process!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am deeply inspired by Grace Lin, who has done an amazing job bringing Asian-American stories to the mainstream. I also admire the visual storytelling of Eric Carle; his ability to engage children through simple yet profound imagery is something I strive for in my own bilingual picture books.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on expanding the “Little Dumpling” series to cover more traditional festivals. Right now, I’m sketching out storyboards for a book about the Dragon Boat Festival and the delicious sticky rice dumplings (Zongzi) that come with it. I want to ensure every major holiday has a fun, bilingual story for families to enjoy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As an independent author, I rely heavily on Amazon’s KDP Select program. The free promotion days are incredibly valuable for getting my books into the hands of new readers. I also find book discovery sites like Awesome Gang essential for connecting with book lovers who might not find me through a simple search.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find your niche. You don’t have to write for everyone; you just need to write for the people who need your story the most. For me, that was bilingual families. Also, don’t let the technical side of self-publishing scare you. Take it one step at a time, and focus on creating a high-quality product that you are proud of.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write the book you wanted to read as a child.” This advice resonates deeply with me. Growing up, I didn’t see many books that reflected my culture in a fun, modern way. Creating these books feels like I’m filling that gap for the next generation, which keeps me motivated.
What are you reading now?
I am currently re-reading “The Read-Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease. It’s a wonderful reminder of the power of reading to children, not just with them. It helps me think about the rhythm and flow of my own stories to make sure they sound good when parents read them aloud at bedtime.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My goal is to turn Little Dumpling Tales into a comprehensive resource for parents raising bilingual kids. Beyond picture books, I hope to explore creating activity books and audio resources to make learning Chinese effortless and fun. I want to build a bridge where culture is shared with joy and laughter.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1,”The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle – Because the illustrations bring me joy, and I can read it to the crabs on the beach!
2,”Harry Potter” series – It’s long, magical, and I can re-read it a hundred times without getting bored.
3,A thick Chinese Cookbook – Even if I can’t cook the dishes on the island, just looking at the pictures of dumplings and hot pot will keep my dreams delicious!
Author Websites and Profiles
Little Dumpling Tales Amazon Profile
Little Dumpling Tales’s Social Media Links
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