A QUICK WORD FROM ME
A common question I often hear is, "When did you know you were a writer?"
For me, the answer is simple. My passion began when I learned how to write. I've been writing stories for decades but always knew that a picture book was in my future.
Why did I know this?
Chandler the Crocodile stems from my own experience as a woman from two worlds. I'm an Asian American (Mom is a Filipina, Dad is an American) who was born in the Philippines. When I was 4 years old, we moved to the US.
My mixed-race ethnicity led to many challenges during my childhood, and I did everything I could (like dying my hair blond) to look more Caucasian. Today, I realize how silly that was because my heritage adds to my uniqueness. Just like any diverse trait, it should be celebrated.
Chandler the Crocodile is my way of inspiring our youth to avoid my mistake. If I can help one child recognize that he/she is special, then I have done my job as a storyteller.
Before I wrap, I'll mention one more question I often receive, "Why did you choose animals for this story?"
Diversity is not just about race. It encompasses so many backgrounds and beliefs, and featuring animals allows children to adapt this story for their own specific situations.
Plus, you gotta admit that Chandler is wicked cute!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my rambles! If you want to learn even more about me, please enjoy the fun facts below.
MORE ABOUT ME
6 FUN FACTS
TWO WORLDS
When I tell people I lived in the Philippines until I was 4 years old, they inevitably ask me this question:
"What do you remember about the Philippines?"
I cringe and utter a one-word answer: gravel.
Of all the things I could remember, I only recall gravel.
Disappointed?
I can relate.
ALMOST FLUNKED
Kindergarten was rough.
My teacher claimed I mumbled unintelligible words daily. My dad continually defended the fact that I was speaking Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines.
Mom vowed to teach me only English.
In the second half of the year, my grades turned around. Today, English is still my top subject.
WINK PRO
First grade was much better.
Determined to belong, I accepted a challenge from a popular classmate: winking.
It wasn't enough to be able to wink with just one eye; you had to be able to wink with both.
I mastered this skill quickly, and unlike many school subjects, it's a talent I still use today when I apply eye makeup.
EASY RIDER
Not long after I mastered winking, I moved on to my next adventure: bike riding. My neighbor down the street had a bike and wanted to teach me how to ride.
The bike was a 10-speed.
Within minutes, I zoomed around my friend's driveway.
No training wheels.
No falls.
I was destined to ride.
DOG WHISPERER
In fifth grade, I received the greatest gift of my life: a German Shepherd named Doogie.
One day, Doogie said "hello" to me when I got home from school. Bewildered, I spent the next few months trying to get him to say it to my parents. Months later, he finally said it to my dad.
Eventually, Doogie said "hello" to everyone who entered our house.
100% ARTIST
Teaching dogs how to say "hello" isn't my only talent.
Neither is writing.
I sing too.
Remember how I mentioned that my passion for writing began when I could write? Well, my love for singing started the first time I heard Dorothy sing in the Wizard of Oz. I was 5.
Listen to my covers now.
STAY IN TOUCH
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