What’s That? Embracing Culture, Food, and Friendship with Karen Chan

In this new episode, Dr. Dan interviews Karen Chan, a UCLA-educated former food blogger, attorney, mom, and founder of the new Gloo Books, an LA-based independent book publisher. Gloo Books creates children’s books and was founded on a simple concept -- to increase representation of characters of color in the books children read.

As a new mother, Karen Chan was always searching for more children's books. While reading with her son Karen realized that almost none of the characters in those books looked like him. Karen had to seek out books that featured people of color and so she decided to write her own book. What started as an idea for a children’s book quickly turned into a larger vision to publish books that feature subjects and voices that have been underrepresented. Karen started Gloo Books to empower children through storytelling that is inclusive, just, and compassionate. Gloo Books believes that diversity in stories (whether about BIPOC, immigrant or LGBTQ+ characters) is necessary in children’s literature as a way to accurately reflect the world around us today.

This fall, Gloo Books releases its first title, What’s That?  -- written by Karen herself - a story about a child who brings a lunch box filled with his favorite Chinese dishes to school only to discover his lunch looks very different from his classmates. What follows is a heartwarming story about how food reflects who we are and how the diverse meals we eat can bring us all together.  What’s That? can be ordered online today. Gloo Books donates a portion of its proceeds to nonprofits working to advance justice and equity. 

For more information about Karen Chan and Gloo Books visit www.gloobooks.com.