New Books Network Stephanie Ellen Sy. "You Can't Tame a Tiger" (OwlKids, 2025)
Nov 6, 2025
Julien Chung, an award-winning illustrator from Montreal, discusses his captivating new picture book, You Can't Tame a Tiger, and shares insights from his diverse career in illustration and graphic design. He reveals his creative journey, explaining how he transitioned to children's books after age 50. Julien shares his love for visual storytelling, highlighting the importance of 'wow' moments and the collaborative nature of illustration. He also provides advice for aspiring artists, emphasizing the value of community and mentorship in the creative industry.
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Personal Connection To The Tiger
- Julien Chung was drawn to You Can't Tame a Tiger because the tiger theme connected to his family and personal history.
- He experimented with a limited palette (orange and gray) and the publisher kept his gray backgrounds exactly as submitted.
When Separate Characters Become One
- Chung's creative "wow moment" is when separate characters merged into one strong idea in his mind.
- He realized the tiger was a spirit inside the boy, which shaped his illustration choices.
Artful Childhood And Scholastic Books
- Chung described a childhood steeped in art: parents from different cultures, a design-minded household, and many children's books.
- His mother bought many books from the Scholastic catalog, fostering his early love of reading and making art.
