About Circle Yuen | Author-Illustrator

Circle Yuen (阮絡伶) is a UK-based author-illustrator originally from Hong Kong. Her work centres on children navigating moments of family change, attending to silence, rupture, and the shifting nature of belonging.

Current & Upcoming Works

Her debut author-illustrator picture book, Our Dance (Graffeg, 2025), was developed in partnership with the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) and was shortlisted for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize.

Her second author-illustrated picture book, Mama’s Wedding (Lantana Publishing, 2026), considers remarriage and the shifting shape of home through the eyes of two sisters. Alongside her own writing, she is illustrating Oakie (written by Isla McGuckin, Graffeg, 2026), bringing her signature sensitivity to this moving story about navigating loss and finding resilience in nature's enduring strength.

Recognition, Education & Critical Response

Circle holds an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, with a background in Cultural Studies.

“An affecting, gentle celebration of new marriage… softly expressive illustrations, and a visual language that deepens a child’s perspective on family change.”

— Kirkus Reviews (USA) on Mama’s Wedding, 2026

"A strikingly thoughtful book which deals with family breakdown with such sensitivity and honesty. The narrative truly centres the child, deftly managing the trauma... stripping the story down to its emotional core."

— Letterbox Library on Our Dance, 2026