Eva’s Lanterns is a collaboration with designer Erxuan Xu in which we reinterpreted her childhood memories of Shanghai as a children’s book. Throughout the creative process, we discussed her favorite childhood memories, family traditions, and important locations that she frequented. We discussed her family’s practice of making homemade lanterns for Chinese New Year, which became an essential part of the story. We focused the story on the importance of cultural exploration and expanding horizons because of our distinct upbringings.

The story follows Eva, an alligator from Louisiana, as she explores Shanghai and learns more about Chinese culture. Thanks to her friend Yin, a tiger from Shanghai, Eva discovers the value of trying new things and stepping out of her comfort zone.

In order to begin writing the book, Erxuan and I made an itinerary based on her favorite locations and activities around Shanghai. She included specific details, like food and shopping districts, to make the story more personal.