The Yellow Áo Dài

Inspired by her first teacher at a refugee camp, Hanh Bui pursued a master’s degree in early childhood education and taught second grade before becoming a full-time mother to three children. She also served as a development officer for Senhoa Foundation in support of women and children who survived human trafficking in Cambodia, and has served on boards supporting children and parents in building community. Hanh’s commitment to celebrating her heritage includes giving presentations in school visits about her refugee experience to children studying immigration as part of their school curriculum. She serves as co-chair of the Equity and Inclusion Team for the Mid-Atlantic region of SCBWI, and has been featured in Highlights For Children’s Magazine and Next Avenue. The Yellow Áo Dài is her debut picture book.

Minnie Phan is a queer Vietnamese American cartoonist and illustrator born in Stockton, CA, and raised across the Bay Area. Her parents were among the last wave of Vietnamese refugees to arrive in the early 90s before immigration was restricted from the region. She earned a BFA in illustration and put down roots in Oakland, CA, where she's resided for 10 years. Her work ranges from editorial illustrations to comics, animation, and picture books. She values inclusive image-making and diverse storytelling; she hopes for all children to see themselves as whatever they dream: artists, scientists, doctors, and more. When she's not illustrating, she teaches comics to youth in the Bay Area and advocates for safer streets for bicyclists.