ABOUT MAPLE LAM
Maple Lam is an award-winning author-illustrator, graphic novelist, and speaker who creates funny, heartfelt books for young readers. She loves making stories that invite kids to laugh, wonder, ask questions, and see the world in new ways. Through mythology, history, culture, and visual storytelling, Maple hopes to spark curiosity, creative thinking, and a sense of connection. Her books have been published by Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette UK, and Macmillan.​
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MAPLE'S STORY
Maple Lam was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Greater Los Angeles at age 11. Upon the big move, Maple carefully put her small collection of manga and books into two small boxes. Books were what she treasured the most. It hasn't changed since.
Maple studied studio art at the University of California, Irvine, where she first got paid as a comic and editorial illustrator at the college's newspaper. In her third year, she enrolled in a study abroad program in Cambridge, England. That summer, she read a magazine article about children's book authors and illustrators. It was the first time she realized such an occupation existed. She didn't know how to become one yet, but it planted a seed in her.
↑ This spread in GRAPHICS INTERNATIONAL (Issue 97) made Maple realize children's book writing and illustrating is a profession.
After college graduation, Maple worked at an event design firm for seven years, where she worked from a design intern to an art director. While she enjoyed the work and appreciated the opportunity to travel, deep down, she wanted to write and illustrate books and graphic novels. She saved up, honed her craft on writing and drawing, gave the company a one-year notice, and began pursuing her dream as an author-illustrator.
At her first SCBWI Summer Conference, Maple won a portfolio mentorship award, where she had the opportunity to meet with a group of industry professionals for sound advice and direction. As she journeyed down her path as author-illustrator, she met amazing and talented friends, all of whom continue to inspire and encourage her as a creator.
Maple has since published with Penguin Random House, Hachette UK, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster. Her latest award-winning graphic novel series, Monkey King and the World of Myths, is recommended by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best middle-grade books of the year.
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Maple has presented at schools, libraries, and literary events internationally, including the 2025 Hong Kong International Book Festival / Young Readers Program.
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In her free time, Maple plays competitive badminton and takes care of the community cats with her lovely neighbors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are my answers to some of the most asked questions.
Q1: I like your name. Are you from Canada?
Thank you! I like my name too! That's to my parents' credit. I am actually from Hong Kong, and I moved to Greater Los Angeles when I was 11.
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Q2: Why do you like making comics and graphic novels?
When I was growing up in Hong Kong, local comics and Japanese manga were really popular. I read tons, and I made my own comics for fun. I guess I simply haven't stopped.
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Q3: How many languages do you know?
I am fluent in English and Cantonese, and I am alright with Mandarin. I can write in both English and Chinese.
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Q4: Is it true you are allergic to chocolate?
Yes and no. I was eleven when I did my first trick-or-treat in America. I was so excited, I gobbled up one too many pieces. I got really sick and had since developed a psychological allergic reaction to chocolate. It might be psychological, but the reaction is real. I truly do get sick after. (But a little is usually okay.)
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Q5: What book do you enjoy?​
My leisure genres rotate among history, self-help, psychology, sociology, mythology, astrophysics and business. I gravitates more towards nonfiction, but I enjoy fiction occasionally, such as a good mystery.
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Q6: What else do you do when you are not drawing and writing?​
I am an avid competitive badminton player – not the ones that you swing your racket leisurely in an open park, but the indoor, fast-paced, rigorous type. I play about 2 to 3 times a week in local badminton clubs. I also take care of about 10 community cats on my street with my neighbors. They are the most adorable cats, and I've grown really close to them. (Please TNR community cats!) I go in and out of my local library at least once a week – you will find me either reading or working there. It's my go-to happy place.
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Q7: How did you get started in children's book publishing?​
Much like many of my peers, I joined the Society of Children's Book Writer and Illustrator (SCBWI). They are fantastic! Five stars! Highly recommend!
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Q8: Do you do school visits or library workshops?​
Yes, absolutely! Please check out the author visits section for more information.
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Q9: I wrote a story! Can I hire you to illustrate my book?​
I am very flattered. Thank you for thinking of me on your project! You can contact my agent Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary Agency. Please note that I am currently not accepting commissions to illustrate self-published books. Thank you again!
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Q10: Can you donate your art or a book to my organization? It's for a good cause.​
Much like my peers in the industry, I get this question a lot. I think there is a misconception that the publisher will send the author-illustrator tons of her own books for free. The truth is, we only receive a few copies of our own books, and we buy the rest of them with our own money. Please understand that even when I get a slight discount for buying my own books in bulk, I am still paying out of pocket, and am also responsible for all the shipping and handling cost. Because of time and financial limits, I am usually not able to participate in such donations. Thank you for your understanding.
