Stephanie Ellen Sy is a writer and interior designer with a degree in International Relations and Asian Studies from Tufts University. She draws inspiration from her memories and experiences living in Hong Kong, Canada, the US, Italy and the Philippines, where she was born.
Stephanie lives in Vancouver, BC. When she’s not writing she’s thinking of her next meal and where to go on her next hike.
We caught up with Stephanie to ask about writing her first picture book and exploring in-between places.
You found your way back to writing during the pandemic and now have a picture book out in the world. What drew you to writing for children?
During the pandemic, I fulfilled a long-held dream by forming a writing group to pursue a passion project: interviewing Filipino migrant workers and writing about their lives in a short story collection. As someone with ties to both the country that exports migrant workers and the country that receives them, I’ve always been deeply aware of the sacrifices these workers make for their families. I wanted to share their stories—not just their struggles, but their resilience and humanity. After months of interviews, however, I began experiencing creative fatigue. That’s when my sister and cousin, both writing for children, encouraged me to explore writing for kids.
At first, I was unsure. Writing for children felt like a leap; crafting imaginative worlds seemed daunting. But once I drafted my first story, I was hooked. I discovered that writing for young readers was not so different from crafting short stories—both require precision and emotional resonance. What truly captivated me, though, was the opportunity to introduce meaningful themes to children in ways they could understand. This blend of purpose and creativity became my new passion, and it has shaped my journey as a writer ever since.
Your debut picture book, A Roof!, explores the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—community and cooperation in the face of adversity. What inspired you to write A Roof!?
Your debut picture book, A Roof!, explores the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—community and cooperation in the face of adversity. What inspired you to write A Roof!?
I wrote A Roof! on January 1, 2022—a day etched in my memory. I was bedridden after receiving my COVID booster shot, scrolling through news reports of the devastation caused by a typhoon in the Philippines. One recurring image stuck with me: torn rooftops. It was a sight I recognized all too well. Whenever typhoons hit, I’d hear Filipino friends say things like, “I need to send money home to fix our roof,” or “Our roof flew off; we have to replace it.” These stories reflected the shared experience of so many Filipinos—both those enduring the storms and those supporting them from afar. I wanted to depict this universal struggle, capturing both the destruction and the resilience that follows. The story centres on a girl and her father, but it’s also inspired by the children left behind when parents work overseas. At its heart, it’s a celebration of bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of collective effort and healing.
In A Roof!, a young girl and her father help their neighbours rebuild after a typhoon. What do you hope young readers take away from A Roof!?
Although the story revolves around a typhoon, its true focus is bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of neighbours coming together to help one another through hardship. Historically, bayanihan referred to the community effort of physically moving a house, but today it manifests in acts of solidarity during natural disasters. With the Philippines facing an average of 20 to 30 typhoons a year, this spirit of cooperation is what allows communities to rebuild time and again. Through this story, I hope to show children that kindness, generosity, and teamwork can transform even the toughest situations into something hopeful. While disasters may be inevitable, so is our ability to rebuild—together. If my book can spark conversations about being better neighbours or inspire small, meaningful acts of care, I’ll feel I’ve accomplished something truly worthwhile.
You were born in the Philippines, grew up in Hong Kong, and now live in Vancouver, BC. You also hold a degree in International Relations and Asian Studies from Tufts University. How does thinking globally shape your writing?Growing up in an international and multilingual community, I’ve always been drawn to the intersections of cultures. Navigating these spaces gave me a unique lens through which to view the world—a deep curiosity about identity, belonging, and the connections we forge across boundaries. These themes are central to my writing. I’m particularly interested in exploring the “in-between” spaces where people redefine themselves, challenge expectations, and build bridges. My stories seek to dismantle stereotypes and celebrate the power of community. I believe that storytelling is a profound way to nurture empathy and understanding, and I strive to create narratives that reflect both the richness and complexity of our shared humanity.
What can you tell us about your next book, You Can't Tame a Tiger?
This story holds special meaning as the first children's story I ever wrote—born from that moment when interview fatigue led my sister and cousin to push me toward children's writing! The story follows a boy who insists a tiger can’t be a tiger simply because it doesn’t look the part. Through a playful narrative, the book explores identity, stereotypes, and the importance of self-acceptance. It’s a story about seeing beyond appearances and embracing the beauty of what makes us unique. My hope is that it resonates with children and adults alike, encouraging readers to question their assumptions and celebrate diversity. Ultimately, I write to remind people, young and old, that there is beauty in our differences and strength in understanding one another.