Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Cherry

Mo

Children’s Author
Illustrator and Public Speaker
Travels from: Atlanta, GA

“This lushly illustrated book takes readers on a journey of memory and hope, highlighting the power of food to build connections across language, space, and time.” — Joanna Ho, New York Times bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Cherry Mo is the author-illustrator of her debut picture book, HOME IN A LUNCHBOX, releasing on June 11, 2024 from Penguin Workshop (Penguin Random House). This book is inspired by Cherry’s personal experience of moving from Hong Kong to America at the age of ten. Through writing and illustrating, she hopes to bring young readers a sense of comfort and belonging. She draws inspiration from her personal experiences and Chinese-American background. Cherry has a second picture book coming from Penguin Workshop (details are to be announced).

Besides her creative work, Cherry is actively involved in a nonprofit organization focusing on self-awareness. She is invited to speak monthly on topics related to cultivating a positive mindset in daily life. She translates her practices of self-awareness into her author-illustrator work, and she hopes to continue creating meaningful stories that inspire children to understand themselves and assist others.

Home in a Lunchbox

Penguin Workshop |
Children’s

Cherry Mo’s stunning debut is about a young girl who immigrates to America and finds home in an unexpected place.

When Jun moves from Hong Kong to America, the only words she knows are hello, thank youI don’t know, and toilet. Her new school feels foreign and terrifying.

But when she opens her lunchbox to find her favorite meals—like bao, dumplings, and bok choy—she realizes home isn’t so far away after all.

Through lush art and spare dialogue, Cherry Mo’s breathtakingly beautiful debut picture book reminds readers that friendship and belonging can be found in every bite.

Writing and Illustrating Picture Books – Home in a Lunchbox

What is involved in creating a picture book? Cherry will share the book’s inspiration, process art, as well as themes within the story. Q&A will follow after.

The Power of Pictures

Cherry will read her picture book Home in a Lunchbox and explain how her story is told mainly through pictures with minimal words. Students can then illustrate their own stories and discover the power of image-making.

Journey To Becoming A Creative

Cherry will share her journey to becoming an author-illustrator. She experienced epiphanies as well as creative blocks, in which she turned challenges into fuel for storytelling. Appropriate for a wide range of audience, from students to artists and writers.

Let's Draw Anything!

A drawing workshop where Cherry starts with taking suggestions from students on what to draw. She will then do a live, “freestyle” drawing demonstration. Audience members will create their own versions to discover the endless possibilities and fun in creating art.

Mental Health for The Youth

Growing up with anxiety, Cherry understands very well how difficult it is to deal with challenges in mental health. There are ways to navigate and resolve complicated emotions, and Cherry will share her journey of how she overcame her own anxiety. Programs available for elementary, middle and high school students.

Looking Within – Mental Health for Creatives

As creatives, we express what is within us. Cherry is a strong believer that great art comes from a healthy state of mind. Cherry will share from her personal experience on how to avoid burnout and cultivate positivity. Suitable for artists, writers, and any creatives.

Adapting As A Newcomer (ESL students and educators)

This presentation targets ESL (English as Second Language) students and educators. Cherry will share her experience of immigrating from Hong Kong to America, and how she overcame the language barrier and cultural differences. She hopes that this presentation encourages ESL students as well as provides helpful references to educators. Presentations can be done in both English and Mandarin.

Discovering the Asian-American Identity

How do we meld two drastically different cultures into one? Cherry will explain how being Chinese-American shaped her as an artist and writer, as well as how the blend of two cultures became her identity and inspiration. Appropriate for students and creatives.

Coming Soon!

How-To-Handout on Drawing Link

Cherry’s Illustrations Link

Cherry’s Portfolio Link

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection for HOME IN A LUNCHBOX
2022 SCBWI MayFest Portfolio Showcase Winner
2022 SCBWI Southern Breeze Conference Featured Cover Artist
2021 SCBWI Juried Art Show: Best in Show Award & People’s Choice Award
2021 #PBParty Contest Finalist

Media clips

Bold Journey | Meet Cherry Mo

Canvas Rebel | Meet Cherry Mo

Junior Library Guild | Home in a Lunchbox

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

Similar Authors

Michelle
Children’s Book Author
Jack
Award Winning Children’s Author
Helena Ku
Children’s Author
Rajani
Award Winning Children’s Author
Jamilah
Award Winning Children’s Book Author

Interested in hosting this author?
Send us a message and an A|U Agent will return to you ASAP!