A little late… but here’s our 2026 Hourly Comic from the Lunar New Year Flower Market at Asian Garden Mall 🧧🌸 Lion dances, bright blossoms, delicious food — even the dogs dressed up (we did not 😂).
If you’re in SoCal, the flower market is really fun.

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Monkey King isn’t perfect—he’s a prankster, throws tantrums, and makes silly decisions when he’s frustrated. But he also loves fiercely and keeps trying.

Sharing a little about why he’s so fun to write 🐒✨

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Story worlds aren’t just designed — they’re lived in.
Jordan’s home in Marshmallow & Jordan was inspired by real traditions, memory, and quiet everyday rituals.
New behind-the-scenes post is up — with a secret wish at the end. 🌙

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An agent said yes. 🎉
Now what?
In this post, I share what to do after the reply—how to take your time, what agent conversations are really like, and how to tell if it’s the right fit.

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IT’S OFFICIAL! 🐒🔥
Here’s the cover for Monkey King: Uproar in—my upcoming middle-grade graphic novel inspired by the classic legend Journey to the West.

A rebellious monkey. A heavenly system on the brink.

📚 On sale September 8, 2026
Preorders are now live:

us.macmillan.com/books/978125...

🎉 Cover reveal! 🎉 The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven cover is officially live—and preorders are open.
If you’re curious how a single image comes together, come take a look 🐒✨
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I visited a museum and realized how much I’ve missed sketching from life. In this post, I share a few playful, low-pressure, and observation-based drawing practices I always return to. If you love sketchbooks, and art that still feels like play, this is for you.

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A quiet hello to 2026 🌱
After a wild holiday season, I’m starting the year gently. This post is a small reflection on slowing down, making space, and easing into whatever comes next.
How are you easing into the new year?

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What a year 💫
Family reunions, friendships, and so many new milestones with art and books—my heart is full.

Thank you for supporting my work and being part of this community.
I’ve got a special ebook gift for you in my latest Substack post 🎁

open.substack.com/pub/alinacha...

Playing with printmaking ✨
This little experiment reminded me how freeing (and fun) it can be to step outside my comfort zone and try a new medium while a story is still finding its shape.
alinachau.substack.com/p/before-the...

🎁 Holiday treat for you!
40% OFF when you spend $36+ in my Store ✨Use code HAPPYHOLIDAYS25 at checkout. Perfect for cozy gifts, little joys, and creative cheer 💛

alinachau.com/gallerystore

Thinking about how the books we read as kids quietly shape the stories we create later. While editing Monkey King, I heard echoes of the classics my dad read to me — a reminder that children’s books aren where imagination and empathy begin. 💛

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A comic story about how Piglet adopted me—and how that precious moment inspired my new doll design for the upcoming Wonderpets show.

open.substack.com/pub/alinacha...

Ever wonder what goes into the final editing stage of a graphic novel?
It’s nerve-wracking, tedious… and thrilling to see everything finally come together. ✨ Come take a backstage peek at my editing notes. 💛

alinachau.substack.com/p/what-is-th...

Hi Bluesky friends! 🌸
I’m Alina — a children’s book author & illustrator who loves creating stories that celebrate friendship, culture, and creativity. ✨
So happy to find a new corner of the kid-lit world here! Can’t wait to meet fellow storytellers, artists, and book lovers. 💕