Circle Yuen
Author & Illustrator
She/ Her
Hong Kong, UK, Northern Europe, Eastern Asia
Circle Yuen is an award-winning author and illustrator from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. Through her storytelling, she explores universal themes of family, resilience, and social justice. Her work has been longlisted for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize.
Q&A
Tell us something interesting about yourself:
Just between us, I haven't forgotten the gymnastics I learned in middle school. Now that I'm a mum of two, I can still use my foot as a phone, pressing it to my ear and competing with my kids to see who's best. Next time I'm at your school to share my picture book, I'll be sure to give a performance!
Current job title:
Author & Illustrator
Tell us your favourite medium for reading:
I love reading physical books. The feeling of turning a page and the smell of the paper are simply irreplaceable. As someone with severe myopia, when it comes to e-books, I prefer reading them on a large monitor so I can make the text big enough to read.
Tell us your favourite location for reading:
My favourite place to read is tucked away in a quiet corner with my bunny, ChaCha. He's three years old, and he loves to lie beside me while I read. It's the coziest spot in the house, perfect for getting lost in a story with a cup of tea and no music on.
Book title:
Mama’s Wedding
What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book?
A very personal place inspired my creative process for Mama's Wedding. About five years ago, as I prepared to remarry, I was searching for a picture book to help me share the news with my daughters. In Asian cultures, it's not always easy to discuss difficult topics like a parent getting remarried.
I wish to create books to give courage and hope to every family member. I hope to show that families are held together by love, and this love can take on many wonderful forms.
Favourite character or moment from the book – and why?
My favourite moment is when Ruby, the main character, finally decides to take Alex's hand as they walk to the wedding arch. She hesitates at first, but after seeing her mother's happy face, she takes a breath and steps forward. This small act of courage represents a huge emotional step for her. It’s a quiet but powerful moment that shows her acceptance and willingness to welcome a new person into her life.
What themes or messages does your book raise?
Mama's Wedding is a wonderful resource for families, teachers, and children. The book explores several important themes in a gentle and accessible way:
Navigating Family Change: It provides a soft and reassuring narrative for children as they navigate major shifts in their family structure, such as a parent's new relationship.
Empathy and Understanding: The story encourages children to consider the feelings of their parents and new family members, fostering a sense of empathy and emotional intelligence.
The Evolution of Love: It beautifully reassures children that love within a family can take on new and wonderful forms.
Resilience and Belonging: Ultimately, the book is about courage and hope. It shows children that they can find a new sense of security and belonging even when their family landscape shifts.
These themes make the book a great starting point for discussions in classrooms or at home.
How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words?
Tender, heartfelt, and compassionate.
What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations?
I connected most with the emotional journey of the characters. Parents going through a “marriage storm” with children often carry a sense of guilt, feeling as though a piece of their child's life is missing. For me, facing remarriage required immense courage, not just to look forward, but also to look back at our shared history.
I understand that children's emotions during such family changes can be complex and hard to recognise. They often find it difficult to express their inner thoughts. That's why I infused the illustrations with much of my own experience. I concentrated on subtle yet important details — such as the emotional shift in Ruby's character and the look in her mother's eyes — to craft a story that feels honest and relatable.
Materials and techniques used for this book’s illustrations:
Mixed media with digital finishing.
Favourite illustration – and why?
My favourite illustration is the second-to-last page spread. It captures the most crucial moment of the wedding: Ruby is in front, like a little guide, with her flower basket sprinkling petals to bless the path ahead.
After my own wedding, I wrote a thank-you card to my daughters that said, “My dear flower girls, I could not say ‘I do’ once again without you walking along with me.” This image isn't just a scene from a wedding; it's a testament to my daughters' support.
