Que Mai Phan Nguyen

Que Mai Phan Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American writer and illustrator who has recently become a prominent and successful author. She is best known for her lighthearted and inspiring illustrated children's and young adult fiction books. Since 2017, she has written and illustrated several award-winning books, including the New York Times bestsellers NomNom Panda and The Gift Garden.

Nguyen was born and raised in South Vietnam and immigrated to the United States in 1981 when she was nine years old. She has since lived in California but continues to visit the country of her birth. Nguyen has drawn from her childhood and her cultural heritage to write and illustrate books that speak to children and teens of diverse backgrounds and cultures. She draws from her own experiences of being a new immigrant to the United States who was caught between two cultures.

Nguyen's writing is often humorous and lighthearted, but also dives into deeper issues such as friendship, family, identity, and immigration for a young, multicultural audience. All of her books feature original artwork and visuals that capture the stories and emotions of the characters. Despite her artistic and literary accomplishments, Nguyen values her time spent with her family the most, calling them her 'most treasured gift.'

Nguyen first became noticed with the success of her book NomNom Panda in 2017, an illustrated children's book about a panda named NomNom who overcomes obstacles in order to pursue her dreams. It quickly became a New York Times bestseller and was praised for being an inspiring read and a beautiful, unique piece of artwork. The book was subsequently recognized with the 2018 Pura Belpre Award and was featured on Good Morning America.

Her next book, The Gift Garden, is a delightful and whimsical young adult novel about the power of interconnectedness and friendship. The Gift Garden follows a group of brave children and teens who transform a neglected community garden into a vibrant haven for their neighborhood. Nguyen's illustrations bring the characters to life with her uplifting and vibrant art style. The book won the American Booksellers Association's Best Book for Youth Award in 2019 and was also featured in multiple publications such as the New York Times and Washington Post.

Nguyen's books are suitable for readers of all ages and have helped educate young people on issues of immigration, friendship, and acceptance. Her unique art style and stories have touched the hearts of young readers, showing them that they too can achieve their dreams. Nguyen will continue to inspire future generations with her vibrant and thoughtful books, bringing her own experiences to life and setting an example of acceptance and resilience.