Trung Le Nguyen’s books blend breathtaking illustration with emotionally rich storytelling, offering readers heartfelt journeys through identity, love, and imagination. The recipient of numerous state awards and starred reviews, his work stands out for its gorgeous art and deeply resonant narratives that stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Trung Le Nguyen
author-illustrator of The Magic Fish and Angelica and the Bear Prince
★ “Tender, sweetly romantic, and enchanting; an encouraging coming-of-age story.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A captivating tale….It’s a gorgeously rendered, whimsical story about a community coming together to support one another during hardships both big and small.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “[A] masterfully paced queer romance grounded in reality and starring the most lovable (and beautifully representative) cast.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “Themes of grief, friendship, and family are thoughtfully explored through various characters….Hand this to readers looking for some hope after going through a tough time.” —The Bulletin, starred review
★ “Enchanting….Nguyen elevates what made his debut a success and once more demonstrates his mastery of creating complex characters, presenting a believably flawed yet wholly sympathetic cast.” —BookPage, starred review
“A lovely look at burnout, grief, and coming-of-age with just a dash of teenage romance as a treat.” —School Library Journal
Angelica and the Bear Prince
Creator Q&A
★”Infused with emotional depth and integrity, this coming-of-age story broadens the range of Vietnamese American creative voices in books for young people.” —The Horn Book, starred review
★“Warm, loving family and friends are a refreshing alternative to immigrant stories that focus on family problems. Beautifully illustrates how sharing old stories can be the best way to learn how to share new ones.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★“The magic happens here on every page, the perfection personified by debut author/artist Nguyen’s autobiographical homage to the infinite power of storytelling.” —Booklist, starred review
★“Nguyen’s poignant debut captures the perspectives of, and essence of the bond between, a parent and child, proving that language—and love—can transcend words.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★“How do you tell stories within stories within stories? Ask Trung Le Nguyen, who seamlessly blends family history, fairy tales, and a 1998 coming-out tale in this remarkable intergenerational graphic novel.” —The Bulletin, starred review
