Stephanie Ellen Sy: Filipino Author Bringing Stories of Resilience to Life in "A Roof!"

Meet Stephanie Ellen Sy, a Filipino author with a background in international relations and Asian studies from Tufts University. Inspired by her childhood experiences in Hong Kong and the Philippines, where typhoons are a common occurrence, she authored "A Roof!"—a poignant children's book. Beyond writing, Stephanie enjoys culinary adventures and hiking. Discover her reflections on Canadian literature and her passion for storytelling in our exclusive interview. Connect with Stephanie at StephanieEllenSy.com and follow her on Instagram @steph_steph_sy for more insights into her creative journey.

What inspired you to become a children's book writer and how did you start the process of writing your first book?

During the pandemic, I began writing children's stories in a virtual group with my sister and cousin. Inspired by the George Floyd incident, I initially planned a short story collection on Filipino female migrant workers. When I took a break from that project, my sister and cousin encouraged me to write a children’s story. The short form appealed to me, and I realized I could highlight the experiences of Filipino children of migrant workers, who are rarely represented in children’s books.

A ROOF! was inspired by Typhoon Rai’s impact in the Philippines at the end of 2021. I felt compelled to share the frequent typhoons and their destruction and to highlight the Filipino bayanihan spirit in rebuilding. Roofs symbolize resilience and community spirit. When a friend mentioned that people write their names and addresses on roofs for identification during storms, the story concept clicked into place.

I hear so many moms say to me, I wanted to write a kids book, especially for my child. What resources or training can women take to tell their stories to children?

The kid-lit community offers great resources like writing groups, blogs, workshops, webinars, and social media groups for aspiring children's book writers. I haven't taken formal workshops but found SCBWI (the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) invaluable. It connected me with fellow writers and illustrators, and their events and webinars provide valuable insights. Joining critique groups with other writers has refined my craft, I joined my first group through SCWBI. Their feedback was crucial in polishing A ROOF! to a state my agent could sell. Connecting with friends and other writers to swap stories is also invaluable. A sense of community and support is essential in developing and sharing your stories.

What book in the Canadian literary canon do you think is a must-read? And why?

In children's literature, Canadian authors and illustrators like Jordan Scott, Sydney Smith, and The Fan Brothers stand out to me. Jordan Scott's I TALK LIKE A RIVER is a lyrical masterpiece. Sydney Smith's SMALL IN THE CITY captures a child's perspective beautifully. The Fan Brothers' books blend a classic feel with imaginative storytelling. I think these books are exceptional because they not only master the art of storytelling for children, but they also appeal to adults.