Elaine Su is an elementary school teacher-librarian and storyteller living in the Pacific Northwest on the unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-speaking peoples. Su was born in Shanghai.
Fiction, (Juvenile, Picture book)
Love, Panda
Illustrated by Charlene Chua.
Orchard Books, 2026.
forthcoming July 2026
Publisher’s Synopsis
Meet Panda: she’s grumpy, she’s snarky, she’s a ball of mischief, and… she’s been abandoned in the BABY’S room! Follow along as cheeky Panda the stuffy writes letters to Benny, her owner and the big brother, pleading to be rescued from the drooly, boring, (…and kinda cute?) baby.
Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)
A Stronger Home
Co-author: Katrina Chen.
Illustrated by Delphie Côté-Lacroix.
Orca Book Publishers, 2025.
Publisher’s Synopsis (From its website)
A boy and his mother hide from the rattle of fists on a wall and the thunder of yelling. There is a storm inside their house. It’s time to find a stronger home.
Their first new home is by the water. When they find a seashell and press it to their ears, they hear the sound of the waves. The boy’s mother tells him that a seashell always carries its home, the sea, inside it, just like they will carry their home inside them—in their heartbeats. They travel from place to place to find stronger and stronger homes, relying on each other for support and finding joy and comfort, even when they’re scared. But what about their old house? One day, the boy’s mother says it’s time to go back. They go home to find their family and friends waiting to welcome them and help make it the strongest house yet. Finally, the boy and his mother won’t have to be afraid anymore.
Available in French as Une maison solide.