The Majestic Banyan Tree and
The Green Tong Lau
Banyan trees are everywhere in Hong Kong, thriving in the most unexpected places like sidewalk cracks and walls. Their seeds are scattered by birds and wind, taking root and growing strong with little care or tending. They flourish in the toughest conditions—a beautiful metaphor I wanted to share with young readers.
These are some of the trees in my Hong Kong neighborhood that inspired this story.
I also drew inspiration from the tong lau, traditional tenement houses in Hong Kong constructed from the late 19th century to the 1960s, such as this Blue House, a typical Lingnan-style house built in 1922 with wide balconies.
I'm thrilled to announce that this will be my fourth picture book, and my third picture with Kokila! The talented Ishita Jain will illustrate it, and I can’t wait to share more!
