From Pain to Purpose: How Circle Yuen Transforms Life’s Challenges into Picture Books That Heal, Empower, and Offer Hope to Children and Families Navigating Life’s Toughest Journeys.
Rooted in my experiences growing up in Hong Kong and my years of working for with women's organizations, my work often delves into issues of gender equality, empowerment, and healing. I believe deeply in the power of stories to connect us, to spark conversations, and to inspire positive change.
Ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined myself here—creating picture books that not only entertain but also heal. My journey as an author and illustrator began with pain, during a time when my life was turned upside down. As I navigated the complexities of family restructuring, I found myself searching for ways to process the overwhelming emotions—and drawing became my solace.
In those moments, I found hope in Babette Cole’s Two of Everything, a picture book that brought comfort to my daughter and me during a time of profound change. It reminded us that even in the midst of upheaval, there could still be joy, connection, and resilience. That single book planted a seed in me: How could I create stories that might do the same for others?
Inspired by this, I and my team created "Two Nests – Love from Both," a book celebrating the different and often tough journey of co-parenting in Asia. This book brought together the voices of separated families and co-parents, offering a wide range of perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of co-parenting.
Believing in the transformative power of art, we adapted Two Nests into a unique format: a Readers’ Theater production. Performed by both divorced family members and professional actors, this innovative approach aimed to foster empathy, break down stereotypes, and promote a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by divorced families within the community. Each message of gratitude I received reminded me that my pain wasn’t just a burden—it was a bridge.
Picture book projects like Today is Friday, which addresses gender-based violence and family restructuring, solidified my belief in the power of illustration to educate, heal, and inspire. Half of these books were gifted to families in need and professionals in Taiwan and Hong Kong, a deeply rewarding experience that affirmed my purpose as an artist.
At one point, I asked myself a pivotal question: How can this issue—child-contact centres and co-parenting—find its place on a library shelf? I realized there were no survivors creating picture books that addressed such challenging topics. That gap became the driving force behind my work.
Healing Through Creation
It was during my MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art that I found clarity. I discovered that my tears—shed over every project—were not a sign of weakness but proof of healing. Each book became an extension of my journey, a step forward in finding strength through storytelling. It was there that I learned to embrace the raw emotions in my work, using them as a source of strength.
Every story I create, every illustration I complete, comes from a deeply personal place.
My upcoming book, Our Dance: Living Apart, Time Together, is the culmination of this journey. Collaborating with the National Association of Child Contact Centres, I sought to create a story that could comfort children and families navigating separation. This book isn’t just about telling a story; it’s about giving readers the tools to understand and navigate their own emotions.
“When your wounds heal, the strength you can offer others grows.”
Writing and illustrating through tears is not easy. But it is in those moments that I connect most deeply with my readers. My stories are for those who feel unseen, for the children and families who need to hear that they are not alone, and for those who need a reminder that every ending holds the possibility of a new beginning.
Beyond the Books
I’ve learned that creating isn’t just about the books—it’s about the people they reach. Whether it’s through Today is Friday, Our Dance, or a simple illustration, my purpose is to walk alongside those with similar wounds, offering them the comfort of knowing someone understands.
Let’s journey forward together—one story, one heart at a time.
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