Today we are very excited to share an interview with Emily Sun Li and Yu Ting Cheng!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Emily Sun Li
Emily Sun Li (she/her) is a Chinese American author who spent two years studying Mandarin Chinese in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, as a Fulbright scholar. Afterward, she received an MA in children’s literature and an MFA in writing for children at Simmons University. Her experiences have inspired her to write her debut picture book, Mr. Chow’s Night Market. When she’s not writing, she’s probably procrasti-cleaning, drinking milk tea, or traveling. Learn more at emilysunli.com.
Meet the Illustrator: Yu Ting Cheng
Yu Ting Cheng (she/her) was born and raised in Taiwan. As a child, her adventures began at her great-grandfather’s private zoo, with three crocodiles, two peacocks, and many dogs. Yu earned an MFA in computer art from the School of Visual Art in New York and interned at Bill Plymptom Studios as an animation coloring artist. She hopes to express happiness through her illustrations.
About the Book: MR. CHOW’S NIGHT MARKET
Mr. Chow lives for the night, when the moon is a wok full of simmering oil, and the shadows are as soft and warm as black sesame paste. Too bad he owns a supermarket and has to wake up very, very early. Mr. Chow hates mornings and so does his store: The shopping carts are sluggish, the front door yawns, and the pomelos roll down the aisle in a sleepy daze.
When disaster strikes, Mr. Chow seeks advice from other workers and the similarly buoyant, anthropomorphic buildings they work in. And soon, he discovers that his store doesn’t have to be a morning market…it can be a night market!
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I’m often creatively inspired by meaningful chapters of my life, and one of my very favorites was living in Taiwan for a couple of years teaching English. As a night owl and a foodie, I especially fell in love with all the night markets! It was my first time living in a place that embraced staying up late, which got me thinking about the invisible cultural forces shaping our lives—and how we might resist those expectations to create a life that truly fits our needs. That curiosity inspired the story of a grocery store in Taiwan and the grumpy grandpa who owns it. Both of them have trouble waking up early enough to open on time—so, they decide to transform the store into a night market instead!
YABC: What research did you do to write this book?
A lot of the “research” for this book came from lived experience! I lived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for two years as a Fulbright scholar teaching elementary English and studying Mandarin Chinese, so I spent countless evenings wandering through night markets, trying new foods, and soaking in the atmosphere. While writing, I often revisited old photos, journals, and memories. I also read more about the history and evolution of Taiwanese night markets, especially iconic ones like Shilin Night Market in Taipei. My illustrator, Yu Ting Cheng, also brought so much care and specificity to the visual world of the book, especially since she’s based in Taipei. I’m so excited to go back to Taiwan in June for school visits and book events—it’s going to be such a full-circle moment for the book!
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
Definitely the setting and emotional core. I knew I wanted to write about Taiwan’s night markets and about the feeling of being “out of sync” with the world around you. Mr. Chow himself came a little later. Actually, in the very first draft, there weren’t any people at all! The story was about an anthropomorphic grocery store that went to its neighbors—a bakery, hospital, and movie theater—for advice before transforming itself into a night market. It was my editor’s idea to introduce more human characters, and we even debated between Mr. Chow and Mama Chow in the beginning, too. Now I can’t imagine the book any other way!
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
As a Chinese American writer, my work tends to explore the intersections of the Asian American experience, Chinese culture and mythology, and pure whimsy. I always hope to ignite imaginations, foster empathy (especially for people from marginalized backgrounds), and uncover the everyday joys of being alive and connecting with one another—with a generous dash of fantasy, for some extra sparkle. Oh, and metaphors—lots and lots of metaphors! I wholeheartedly believe in the power of storytelling and a well-placed metaphor to change people (and maybe even the world) for the better.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
It’s more of a drink! I love sipping on something while I write. It gives me an excuse to look up from my laptop, stare out a window, and romanticize my life a little bit. In the winter, I’m usually reaching for a hot chai. In the summer, I’ve been on a strawberry matcha kick! (When I lived in Taiwan, it was milk tea.)
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
I’ve always been a procrasti-cleaner! When I should be working but don’t want to, it eases some of the guilt by being “productive” in another way—like deep cleaning the house. Part of it is actually helpful—a clean space makes my mind feel more organized, too—but really, it’s just a way of putting things off. Oops!
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
This might be cheating a little since the book doesn’t come out until February 2027, but I was recently at an Asian/Asian American in-community retreat at Boyds Mills and got a sneak peek of Choi Meets World by Chris Choi. It’s simply phenomenal: heart-wrenching, honest, vulnerable, laugh-out-loud funny—it has it all. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll immediately want to buy copies for yourself and all your friends. Chris is also a friend, and I’ve been excited about this book ever since I first saw early sketches years ago. He has poured so much heart and soul into it, and even though the wait has felt impossibly long, I can confidently say it’s been worth it! Also—did I mention it’s available for preorder already?!
YABC: What is your favorite writing space or routine?
I live in upstate New York, but I love to travel and tend to be pretty nomadic, so no two writing days ever look exactly alike. Generally, though, my favorite writing setup is working in a café with lots of natural light and a sturdy table. Ideally, the weather is nice and there’s one of those giant garage-style doors open onto a street with just enough foot traffic—not too loud, not too quiet. I’m sipping something delicious, there’s soft music playing, and I’ve already finished all my admin work so my inbox is at zero (and magically stays there forever). I’ve journaled about how grateful I am for a perfect day. Maybe there’s a small pastry involved. I’m wearing something cute but comfortable, and my hair is cooperating. I have plans to see friends later for dinner or drinks, but the whole sprawling afternoon is open for writing. Is this all wildly specific and unrealistic? Maybe. But it’s the dream!
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m so excited about what’s ahead! In September 2026, I have Disney’s Lilo & Stitch: Into the Volcano coming out—a chapter book that follows Lilo and Stitch on an adventure while introducing young readers to earth science and volcanology. I even visited Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with my big sister to do research for the book!
I also have another picture book on the way: The Lo Mein Loophole: A Sweet-and-Sour Tale of How Chinese Immigrants Found a Way—and Fed a Nation (Summer 2028, Penguin Workshop), the second book in my two-book deal. This one has been challenging in the best way. We wanted to honor the complex history of how a loophole in the Chinese Exclusion Act led to a boom in Chinese restaurants—something that still shapes American food culture today—while keeping the story accessible, child-centered, and contemporary. I’m so grateful to be working with Elizabeth again, who also edited Mr. Chow’s Night Market, to help bring this history to young readers.
~Illustrator Chat~
YABC: What is your favorite thing to draw?
I love adding little surprises in my drawings. As long as it’s appropriate, I enjoy hiding little extra details — playful animals or charming interactions between characters. It reminds me so much of life itself: if you observe closely, you can always find unexpected and delightful discoveries.
YABC: Do you doodle?
Yes, I love doing life sketching on the streets or in cafes. You might find me standing somewhere with my sketchbook, drawing people and scenes from real life.
YABC: What advice would you have for aspiring illustrators?
Focus on discovering your own unique “superpower” and staying endlessly curious. For me, it’s finding beauty in unexpected places and creating art that touches people emotionally. That authenticity is what makes your work stand out. And above all, stay optimistic — just like the happy crab in the book!
YABC: What inspired you the most for the artwork in this book?
My greatest inspiration comes from my everyday life and my deep love for Taiwan. I was most inspired by the warmth of the night markets and the memories I’ve made there with the people I love. For me, ‘life research’ isn’t just a step in the process; it’s how I add soul and energy to every piece I create.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
My favorite scene is the transformation of Mr. Chow’s market into the first Taiwanese Night Market. It’s a massive, inclusive celebration of life. One of my favorite details is the ‘Friend Mart’—it captures the idea of the night market as a wonderland where everyone, from family to total strangers (and even animals!), can share in the excitement together.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Definitely the Crab! He’s my favorite Easter egg because he’s always smiling, even when his world (and his aquarium) is falling apart. To him, every disaster is just another chance for freedom. Look closely and you’ll find him hidden in many scenes, staying optimistic through it all!
YABC: What do you do when you feel stuck or when you want to procrastinate?
When I’m stuck, I play with my cat; he’s a constant source of goofy joy. If I need a deeper reset, I go outside for a long walk or a bike ride. There is something so refreshing about wandering aimlessly and just letting my mind drift. It completely changes my perspective, and I often find that my best ideas come from the unexpected things I see while exploring.
YABC: Do you have a favorite genre to illustrate?
I especially enjoy illustrating warm, heartfelt stories with a playful touch — often featuring cute little animals, which I adore. Growing up surrounded by them in my grandfather’s “mini zoo” definitely shaped that passion! I enjoy weaving my own experiences and feelings into stories that are both meaningful and fun.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m currently working on a bilingual children’s book with Hot Pot Press that brings classic Tang dynasty poems to life. These were the very first poems I learned as a child, recited to me by my parents as nursery rhymes. It’s deeply meaningful to visualize those memories. I see this project as a bridge across generations, culture, and language that I can’t wait to share.
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
I think my superpower is finding the hidden beauty in things and bringing it to life. I use my illustrations to make that beauty ‘felt,’ creating a connection with anyone who sees my work.
Title: MR.CHOW’SNIGHT MARKET
Author: Emily Sun Li
Illustrator: Yu Ting Cheng
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
ISBN: 9780593887035
On Sale: April 14, 2026
Ages: 3-7
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
~ Giveaway Details ~
Use the Rafflepress Form below to enter
*Be sure to include a complete mailing address for the second entry question to qualify to win*
One (1) winner will receive a copy of MR.CHOW’SNIGHT MARKET (Emily Sun Li) ~US Only!
I can’t wait to read this book and learn about another culture too.
Love the illustrator’s comment about “surprises” mixed into the main illustration. It’s those touches that will keep readers/browsers coming back to the pages again and again and provide so many talking points in the classroom.
I enjoy reading books about different cultures.