Q&A with children's author, Angie Cui!

Thank you to author Angie Cui for stopping by to chat about her new picture book OUR MAP, her writing process, what she's working on next, and what she hopes her books will give to children.

OUR MAP by Angie Cui
illustrated by Novia Heroanto
Published by Wombat Books

Available now!
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1. Angie, what prompted you to write your picture book Our Map? How did the idea come about and what was the writing and rewriting process like?

I was inspired by some casual conversations I had with children and parents at our local daycare and primary school. I wanted to explore what it means when a child can’t find their parents’ or grandparents’ homeland on a map — and how that absence can shape their understanding of identity and place.
Danielle Binks’ book The Year the Map Changed was a big influence as well. One line from that book really stayed with me: "The map doesn’t always tell the truth."
The first draft came together fairly quickly, but as with my debut, I wasn't sure whether it should be a picture book or a short story — the concept felt big for a children's book. Through rounds of feedback from my critique group and editors, I cut, reworded, and restructured the manuscript until the heart of the story became clearer and more emotionally resonant. I wanted every word to earn its place.
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2. How did it find a home with Wombat Books, and what was the publication experience like for you?

I submitted the manuscript to about ten publishers. Some felt the story was too political for a children’s book. That pushed me to revise and explore two versions — one that included a country name and one that didn’t. I also decided to include a short introduction on the first page featuring my own family, as a way to open a conversation with readers.
I had long admired the work Wombat Books does in publishing meaningful, values-driven stories for children. When I submitted Our Map to them via the CYA Conference, I was hopeful — and to my joy, they connected with the story. When four publishers requested to see the manuscript again, I ultimately chose Wombat because I felt their approach was incredibly thoughtful and aligned with the story’s vision.


3. What was it like when you first saw Novia’s artwork bringing your story to life? Do you have a favourite illustration from the book?

It was magical. I got goose bumps when I first saw Novia’s illustrations — it was clear she had done a lot of research. Her art brought such warmth, depth, and tenderness to the characters and the imaginative world they create. She captured both the emotional undercurrent and the playful spirit of the story.
My favourite spread is the one where the children unfurl their paper map together. It perfectly captures the blend of creativity, connection, and possibility that I hoped the story would evoke.


4. Do you have a typical writing process? And what is your writing space like?

“Typical” might be a stretch — I’m a parent and a creative juggling multiple projects, so I write whenever and wherever I can! I’m not a morning person, so most of my writing happens at night after the kids are in bed, when the house is finally quiet.
I usually warm up with a journal entry, a short story, or even a few random scenes that might not make any sense at first — just to get the words flowing. I don’t have a dedicated writing space. I write wherever I find time and space — on the couch, at the dining table, even in the car during school pick-up sometimes.


5. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?

Yes — I’m currently working on a new picture book that explores intergenerational memory. It’s still early, but I’m excited about the direction it’s heading in.
I’m also playing with the idea of a junior fiction series that celebrates multicultural families and the everyday magic they navigate — stories filled with heart, humour, and cultural connection. Stay tuned!


6. Anything else you would like to add?

If you say - my first book - My Mum is a Bird gives children wings - the freedom to spread those wings and fly, then Our Map gives them a chance to build their own world. A world they can imagine, create, and fill with the things they choose. A world that no one can take away!