My name is Stephanie Sy (how to pronounce Sy) 施佳慧, and I am a Filipino-Chinese-Canadian from Hong Kong. I write picture books that explore and celebrate the vibrant, in-between spaces of my multicultural identity.

You Can’t Tame a Tiger, illustrated by New York Times Bestselling Illustrator Julien Chung and published by Owlkids, is my most recent picture book. It’s a spirited read-aloud that explores identity, self-acceptance, and respect for individuality. It provides a wonderful springboard for discussions on social-emotional learning (SEL), the danger of stereotypes, and the importance of being unapologetically YOU.

CBC Books Best Canadian Children's Book of 2025

Jia Has a Dog Problem, illustrated by Isabella Kung and published by Kokila (Penguin Random House), releases May 12. This humorous story draws on my childhood fear of dogs, set in Hong Kong, where I grew up. Told in a dual narrative, we also meet Charlie—Jia’s neighbor in the same building—who has an equally huge fear of kids. The book is a natural conversation starter about understanding our own fears, developing empathy for others, and realizing that fears don't have to be "logical" to feel real. Perfect for social-emotional learning (SEL), point-of-view discussions, and home or classroom read-alouds.

★ “A doggone delight.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review