Stories are our legacies.
Carren Jao is a Chinese Filipina storyteller. 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 stories are like blankets that provide warmth and comfort for one, but can also be shared with many.
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.
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, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a 2023 PB Rising Star mentored by Sylvia Chen. She is the 2022 winner of Lee & Low’s New Voices Award. Carren is represented by Kaitlyn Sanchez at Bradford Literary.
The Shape of Love
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In Celia’s family,
love isn’t shaped like a heart.
It is a balikbayan box–a cardboard treasure chest
filled with dreams on the brink of coming true!
Although distance keeps her family apart, Celia stays close to her loved ones by tenderly packing items to send to the Philippines. Each item is carefully chosen and placed in a balikbayan box. The perfect sneakers for her basketball-loving son, the latest book in her daughter’s favorite fantasy series, delicious chocolates for her youngest child–treasures for each of them to cherish and enjoy!
Winner of the Lee & Low Books New Voices Award, author Carren Jao celebrates a Filipino tradition that continues to this day. With captivating illustrations by Corinne Caro, THE SHAPE OF LOVE reminds us that love is more than a feeling–it is a powerful promise that endures time and great distances to keep families connected.
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Publisher : Lee & Low Books
Publication date : September 22, 2026
Print length : 40 pages
ISBN-10 : 1643796925
ISBN-13: 978-1643796925
Item Weight : 1 pounds
Reading age : 3 - 5 years
Dimensions : 11 x 0.25 x 9.25 inches
Grade level : Preschool -Kindergarten
Maya Breaks It Down
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At Maya’s house, every weekend is a dance party, but learning her brother’s six-step is tripping her up. Can Maya break down a big problem into smaller parts to finally get down on the dance floor?
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Coming soon!
