Six Questions with Christine Alemshah

Christine Alemshah is a biracial Filipina-American children’s author and classically trained vocalist; she is the author of Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures. Christine writes children’s picture books championing innovation and celebrating multiculturalism, often with musical or percussive vibes. She hopes readers will see themselves in the stories she writes. Christine studied psychology and music, earning a bachelor of arts degree from Whittier College. When not writing, Christine enjoys singing karaoke and reading with her husband and two daughters under cozy blankets at their Lake Forest, California, home. To learn more, visit Christine’s website or follow her on social media:

Instagram and Twitter: C_Alemshah

Bsky: christinealemshah.bsky.social

1. How did you begin your journey as an author?

 I discovered my passion for publishing my picture books when I was in the 4th grade. I had the opportunity to write, illustrate, and bind my first picture book. I found the bookbinding machine magical. I grew up with my nose in books and visiting libraries, so the thought that I could one day make my own books — That stuck with me! It took many years of learning and trial and error before I felt ready to query, but I now have a plentiful repertoire of stories and, hopefully, many more books on the horizon.

2. How do you know your idea will make a good book?

All my ideas begin as a thought or phrase that I record in my ever-growing storystorm journal or notes file. When I start to brainstorm an idea, I pull that idea out into its own file. I know a story is going to make a good book when that new file is overflowing and brimming with notes. I jot down phrases, add research links, and lists of words that fit the mood of a piece. Once I have all that, I give it a title, add my byline and a pitch, and bring it into a Word document. In my mind, that is when I view it as a “real book.”

3. What’s bringing you joy in your creative life right now?

Revising stories of my heart and brainstorming new ideas. Sometimes, the writing muse is quiet, and sometimes, it says, “no, you don’t need to clean the house because I need attention right now.” So, I listen and write when the muse strikes because she usually has something to say. When I allow her voice to shine, I’m always grateful to have something new to work with. Sometimes I choose the stories from my storystorm ideas, other times sparks of ideas choose me. I’ve also taken up songwriting recently, and while I never called myself a poet, I’ve been having fun exploring different poetic structures. 

4. What piece of advice would you like to give to aspiring kidlit authors?

Two things come to mind that were game changers in my writing journey, which I hope might be helpful for others. The first is to not compare your journey to that of anyone else's. I recall that was a mistake I made at first, and it brought me a lot of heartache. When I focused on my journey, reflected on my progress, and celebrated all the small wins, it was much more fulfilling. The second thing that helped me immensely was reframing the word 'rejection' to 'not yet.' I believe that every project has come together in its own time. Sometimes, it may need more revisions, time away from it, or it just hasn't found its perfect home yet.

5. If you read your latest book to a room filled with kids, what message would you want them to leave with?

Great question. I hope to spark a sense of wonder, curiosity, and inspiration. Bea made a playhouse, rocket ship, and bear cave. What could children create? I’m sure they would think of things I couldn’t even imagine. I also hope to inspire children to make care packages for their own family members. I hope they also learn about the significance of the Filipino balikbayan box tradition and gain an appreciation for another culture or celebrate their heritage. 

6. What’s a particularly striking or memorable reaction someone has had to this book?

 To properly respect the balikbayan tradition, I shared early versions of Bea’s story with family and friends who also share Filipino heritage. The most memorable reaction was the feedback that Bea’s experience mirrored their own. From those who helped fill up balikbayan boxes, packed them, and had them picked up by LBC vans to those who have lived in the Philippines and would wait to receive balikbayan boxes. I’m so happy that my goal of capturing the connection and love that families feel when sending balikbayan boxes has resonated. In addition, I love the reactions from kid readers who fall in love with Bea and love to build cardboard box creations just like her!