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Children's Book Illustrator & Educational Stories that Inspire Young Minds
Behind the Book: Whispers in the Wetlands
Inspiration from Nature
Choosing the Main Character
Inspiration from Nature
In September, 2024 I joined a California Naturalist class with a friend, and it was here that my journey with the wetlands began. Learning about this fragile habitat during field trips inspired me to create this book as part of a stewardship project, hoping to share the beauty and importance of the wetlands.
A Story with Purpose
Choosing the Main Character
Inspiration from Nature
During a coastal cleanup with volunteers in blue shirts (you’ll spot them in the book!), we found an abandoned scooter half-buried in the mud. The experience made me think about how the smallest actions can impact nature and how a story could carry this message to young readers.
Choosing the Main Character
Choosing the Main Character
Choosing the Main Character
The snowy egret caught my eye on that same trip. Learning that this beautiful creature is a year-round resident of the wetlands felt symbolic, making it the perfect main character to guide readers through the story.
Bringing Wildlife to Life
Bringing Wildlife to Life
Choosing the Main Character
Throughout my field trips with the naturalist class, I observed so many unique species that eventually found their way into the book’s pages. Each illustration aims to capture the wetlands’ beauty and diversity, from initial sketches to the final, colorful scenes.
A Message of Stewardship
Bringing Wildlife to Life
A Message of Stewardship
My goal was to subtly weave the message of conservation and care into the story. Through the characters and their journey, I hope readers come away with a deeper understanding of why our wetlands are worth protecting.
Sharing the Story
Bringing Wildlife to Life
A Message of Stewardship
This book is now part of my stewardship project, available for free to inspire families and young readers to connect with and care for nature. My hope is that it encourages a love for the wetlands and a commitment to keeping them thriving.
Meet the Maker
The Art & Stories of Ren
Hi, I’m Ren—a Filipino American author, children’s book illustrator, nature lover, and mom who’s always chasing new ways to tell stories (and sometimes chasing my son).
Through my picture books, I aim to create worlds that celebrate community, kindness, and cultural connection. My work draws deeply from my Filipino heritage and a love for the natural world, blending personal experiences with themes that inspire empathy and openness.
I love weaving in cultural elements like Baybayin characters and traditional textures, hoping to connect young readers with Filipino language and heritage. As a former teacher and creative director, I’m passionate about crafting educational visual stories that encourage kids to look a little closer, think a little deeper, and see the world with fresh eyes.
When I’m not working on a new story, you’ll often find me hiking, baking something that may or may not rise, observing wildlife (including my family), or lost in a good book. Life keeps me inspired—and a bit on my toes!
Whether you’re here to explore my work, dive into a story, or just say hello, welcome. I’m excited to share this journey with you!