Six Questions with Michael Wang

Michael Wang is an author, designer, and avid plant enthusiast. His career began in graphic design, where he worked for many years before co-founding a design studio specializing in creating and curating artwork for hotels. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking through forests, exploring beaches at low tide, making pottery, and sharing a good story over coffee. Michael was born in Taiwan and grew up in New York City, where he still resides. He is on Instagram @plantgroovy, where he chronicles the progress of his ever-growing plant collection.

Leif’s Gift, illustrated by Lenny Wen and published by Norton Young Readers, is his debut picture book. Michael is represented by Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio. Visit Michael’s website at michaelwangstories.com for more about him and his work.

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

Growing up, I loved reading and drawing, especially superheroes and mythical creatures. I’d often disappear into a corner to create my own stories, even crafting mini books out of folded paper. Creative writing assignments were always my favorite in school, and I happily contributed poetry (in hindsight, quite bad!) to our school writing magazines. My career, however, eventually led me to becoming a designer. While I loved the design side of things, I recognized I was essentially telling other people’s stories visually. It wasn’t until the Covid pandemic, while writing Leif’s Gift, that it truly clicked: I’m still that kid at heart with my own stories to tell.

2. What do you feel you’ve gained from being a part of the children’s writing community?

I’ve gained so much, but mostly gratitude. From my agent and editor to my critique partners, workshop instructors, and everyone in between, all have contributed to helping me grow as a writer. This community has been nothing but supportive and encouraging from the get-go. And I’m constantly amazed by my fellow children’s book creators and the truly imaginative stuff they come up with. Their talent inspires me to keep writing stories that can connect with children.

3. When you’re not writing what are your favorite things to do?

When I’m not writing or reading, I usually try to connect with nature or tap into my creative self somehow. Inevitably, they fuel each other. During the pandemic, I really got into houseplants—tending to my indoor jungle and chronicling it on Instagram. But getting out into nature is really what it’s all about. Trekking through a rainforest, exploring beaches at low tide, or simply watching bees buzzing around a garden— these experiences spark my other interests, like designing, making pottery, or even just sharing good stories over coffee with friends.

4. Where did you get the idea for this book? What was your inspiration?

So, the idea for Leif’s Gift grew out of the Covid pandemic. The entire world was going through an unsettling time. Personally, my mother was also fighting a losing battle with cancer. It was a dark place, but I found light and comfort by nurturing houseplants—it somehow became my therapy. I started with just a few, then kept adding to my collection until I had well over 50 plants in my apartment. Then one day, as I looked at them, something sparked, and that’s when the idea of a boy whose plants grow wild sprouted.

5. Did you have a lot of collaboration with the illustrator?

Honestly, not much at all. As soon as I found out it was Lenny Wen, and once I saw her art style, I just had this feeling she’d do a fantastic job. So, I basically sat back and let my publisher, Norton Young Readers, and Lenny handle the rest. But I will admit, every now and then, that little voice in my head would pop up and ask, “Oh, what if it doesn’t...?” Then when I saw the final sketches and a spread of finished art, any doubt just melted away. Lenny didn’t just bring Leif, Hortus, and all the plants to life; she illustrated them exactly as they were meant to be. I just can’t imagine them looking any different now.

6. If you read this book to a room filled with kids, what message would you want them to leave with?My biggest hope is that Leif’s Gift inspires children to connect with and appreciate nature. And that can begin with the houseplants we already have on our windowsills. Getting that connection going early on is just so important, because truth be told, plants are everything! They give us oxygen, food, shelter, and nourishment for our souls. We absolutely need plants—for ourselves, for our communities, and for our entire world.