Arree Chung is an award-winning author, illustrator, and dynamic school presenter who visits schools across the country to inspire students through art and storytelling. He is best known for his bestselling picture book *Mixed* — a story that uses color theory to explore diversity, inclusion, and the power of story.

With humor, heart, and live drawing, Arree’s school presentations inspire students to embrace their creativity and tell their own stories. His featured assembly, *Mixed: Symbolism and the Power of Story*, invites students to reflect on how their stories can build empathy and create change. From doodles to story beats, Arree walks students through the creative process and encourages them to find their voice.

Arree’s latest book, *Don’t Cause Trouble*, is a graphic novel rooted in his real-life experiences as a mischief-making Asian American kid trying to fit in. As a child of immigrants growing up in a neighborhood with little diversity, Arree often felt like an outsider. His journey shaped his passion for storytelling and continues to guide his mission of helping kids feel seen, understood, and inspired.

Before becoming a full-time storyteller, Arree worked as an artist at Disney, an art director in mobile games, and a production scheduler at Pixar. Today, he is the founder of both Storyteller Academy, which trains aspiring authors and illustrators, and Creativity School, an online art program where kids learn how to make art and tell stories in fun, empowering ways.

Whether presenting to an auditorium full of students or leading an intimate workshop, Arree’s message remains the same: **”Your imagination, creativity, and stories matter—what will you make?”**

SCHOOL VISIT PRESENTATIONS

MIXED, Symbolism and the Power of Story

Presentation for Grades Pre-K to 8 
Stories are powerful tools to create understanding and empathy. Arree shares how the Lorax and the Giving Tree touched him as a child and inspired him to become a storyteller. Arree shares how he found the idea for Mixed and what inspired the story. In addition, Arree discusses how stories can be used to generated discussion and understanding. Students are engaged in conversation about diversity and inclusion.

How to Become a Picture Book Ninja!

Presentation for Grades 1–4
In a creative process, called “daydreaming on paper,” Arree shows how he develops ideas into picture books. Arree shares every step in the creative process. From doodles to thumbnails and manuscripts to dummies, students will see how a story develops and is put together. Since stories are complex puzzles to solve, Arree shares creative strategies to revise and problem solve. At the end, Students are treated to two animated shorts and are left inspired with creativity.

Please Note: It is recommended that students read Arree’s books before the Author’s visit. Pre-visit activities and curriculum will be sent to help prepare for Arree’s visit.

WRITING WORKSHOPS

(All writing workshops are limited to 25 students per session.)

STORY WORKSHOP

Writing Workshop for Grades 1–8
How can young authors come up with ideas for stories? Arree shares an exercise to collage ideas and develop unique stories. Arree teaches the elements of story and Students are given post-it notes to help brainstorm ideas. Together, the group will vote on ideas and start writing the story. By the end, each student writes their own version of the story developed in the workshop.

ADULT PRESENTATIONS

Arree is available for keynotes, workshops, and breakout sessions for adult writers and illustrators as well as motivational and educational talks for librarians, educators, and community administrators.

 

Website

Availability and Honorariums