Alan Woo

Alan Woo was born in England and raised in Vancouver where he continues to live. His writing and poetry have appeared in Ricepaper magazine and Quills Canadian Poetry Magazine. Woo finds inspiration in his Chinese-Canadian heritage. Woo is also a teen librarian working in Surrey Libraries.

Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)

David Jump’s In

Illustrated by Katty Maurey.
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2020.

Publisher’s Synopsis (From its website)

This lyrical tale, written in simple free verse, tells how a game with roots in ancient China — called elastic skip in this story — helps a boy find his footing on his first day at a new school.

It is David’s first day at his brand-new school. He doesn’t know anyone. At recess, he stands alone and watches the other children enjoying their activities on the playground, from practicing soccer moves and climbing monkey bars to playing hopscotch and daydreaming in the grass. Bundled deep inside David’s pocket is a string of rubber bands, knotted and ready for a game of elastic skip. But will anyone want to try that game? he wonders. Will anyone want to play with him?

Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)

Maggie’s Chopsticks

Illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant.
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2012.

Publisher’s Synopsis (From its website)

Poor Maggie struggles to master her chopsticks — it seems nearly everyone around the dinner table has something to say about the “right” way to hold them! But when Father reminds her not to worry about everyone else, Maggie finally gets a grip on an important lesson.

Awards and Honours

2013 Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize–BC Book Prizes (Winner)
2013 Best Children’s Books of the Year, Bank Street Children’s Book Committee (Ages 5-9 category)
2013 Best Books for Kids & Teens — Canadian Children’s Book Centre (Winner)
2014 Chocolate Lily Young Reader’s Choice Award (Finalist)