During a quiet moment at the Mogao Caves, I noticed a small yaksha sweeping the floor at the edge of a mural depicting Maitreya’s journey. Unadorned and easily overlooked, he reminded me of the many unnoticed yet indispensable figures in everyday life. From this encounter, a story began.

Visually, Little Yaksha reimagines elements of Dunhuang murals through the language of contemporary picture books. Its characters are adapted from figures painted by artists centuries ago, inviting young readers to experience traditional Chinese art and aesthetics through storytelling. Using a limited palette inspired by the mineral pigments of traditional rock paintings — red, yellow, blue, green, and black — and combined with contemporary digital techniques, the book invites readers into a pure, imaginative world inspired by the murals.

Awards

• Shortlist, 5th Bronze Sunflower Picture Book Award, 2025

• Shortlist, 1st Chen Bochui New Children’s Literature Award, Picture Book & Illustration Competition, 2025

• American Brightness Award for Children’s Picture Books, 2020