Arree Chung
Arree loves storytelling and art. After working in management and consulting fields, Arree decided to pursue his love of art at Art Center College of Design.
Since graduating from Art Center, Arree has worked in the Entertainment Industry as a Concept Artist and Art Director. Arree's calling to make children's books began midway through his time at Art Center. In 2010, Arree won first place at the SCBWI Western Washington Portfolio show. Although this was a good start, it would be a few more years until Arree would get his opportunity to be published.
After attending the Illustrator Intensive at SCWBI 2012 Summer Conference, Arree began to work with literary agent Rubin Pfeffer. Ninja! was acquired by Henry Holt as a part of a three picture book deal.
Arree continues to work on picture book stories as well as a middle-grade novel encompassing the Immigrant experience. Arree lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Reviews
Remixed: A Blended Family
“This companion title to Mixed: A Colorful Story (2018) explores changes in family structure. Several colors, each depicted with their own distinct features, meet and form families born out of love. Sienna and Autumn mix to create Amber, while Honey joins a band of three musicians. They embrace togetherness through activities like sharing meals and celebrating one another. However, both families experience change: Sienna and Autumn separate, and Honey goes solo. These actions, described without judgment, are sympathetically portrayed with multiple characters expressing sadness or unease. The accompanying text “And then everything changes” expresses the seismic shift that occurs with familial separations. Slowly over time, the characters explore new connections. Although these relationships are fulfilling, the characters question if they’ve made a mistake or if others will like them. Making space for worry acknowledges the ongoing nature of healing while normalizing insecurity and doubt. The characters show courage and vulnerability by opening up to others. The hopeful promise of new possibilities is reflected as more and more color is added to the black-and-white urban setting, reinforcing the theme of inclusivity. As characters enrich their lives with others and remix their families, vibrant color appears dotting the landscape. Honest and affirming, this story celebrates the love and opportunity for growth created by blended and found families.”—Kirkus Reviews
Mixed
"This book's simple and straightforward approach to confronting discrimination is age-appropriate without trivializing difficult, hurtful situations, offering children and adults excellent moments for discussion and personal growth . . . A colorful story about celebrating difference as complementary and transformative." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
Ninja Claus!
"Chung's exuberant mixed-media illustrations bring out the wiliness of his young ninja hero's plans and the energy that’s an inherent part of Christmas Eve." —Publishers Weekly
"Ninja Claus silently springs into action. Christmas morning brings surprises that not even young Maxwell could have anticipated." —The Horn Book
Out!
"A bouncy nighttime blend of easy graphic novel and almost-wordless picture book." —Kirkus Reviews
"Hopefully, Jo Jo has more adventures to come." —Booklist
"A toddler’s repeated cries to be taken “OUT!” of the crib are ignored by Mom and Dad (a biracial couple), but family dog Jo Jo comes running. . . . High jinks ensue." —The Horn Book
The Fix-It Man
"Lighthearted and innovative." —School Library Journal
Ninja!
"The ninja wannabe who wreaks stealthy havoc on his or her household is now a staple of the children’s bookshelf. But Arree, a designer making his picture book debut, shows there’s still plenty of kick left in the premise, thanks to a bold visual style and a keen sense of comic timing.” —Publishers Weekly
"High-flying fun to be read aloud or independently." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Readers riding high on the ninja craze will find this treatise on how to be a successful one quite enlightening." —School Library Journal, Starred Review