How picture book illustrator Hoang Giang’s career is blossoming

The world could certainly benefit from a touch of Flower Block right now. Hoang Giang, an artist based in Ho Chi Minh City, beautifully illustrates Lanisha Butterfield’s story about a young boy named Jeremiah. In the tale, Jeremiah’s sunflower seeds grow uncontrollably, reaching up through his apartment block. However, instead of causing chaos and discord, the magical plant unites the community.

Giang’s artwork, characterized by a gentle, organic palette and whimsical characters marveling at the towering stalk, perfectly complements the narrative. Flower Block, with Giang’s illustrations, has secured the Derby Children’s Picture Book Award 2025 and earned a spot on the longlist for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration. The book is also a finalist for the Jhalak Prize and has been included in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Seen as a modern take on Jack and the Beanstalk, Flower Block has garnered increasing acclaim. Despite her growing success, Giang remains humble, attributing much of the book’s achievements to Butterfield’s story, which highlights the importance of community harmony in today’s world marked by global divisions and polarization.

Originally from Dalat in Vietnam’s highlands, Giang initially studied economics in Ho Chi Minh City before pursuing her passion for illustration. After teaching herself the craft for years, she further honed her skills by obtaining a master’s degree in Illustration and Book Arts from Angela Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK.

Now back in Vietnam, Giang is represented by Illo agency and is actively engaged in various projects with UK publishers. One of her upcoming works is Bear Heart by Louise Greig, set to be released by Flying Eye Books in September.

Giang is drawn to stories she can personally connect with and values collaborations where the author, publisher, and illustrator share a common vision for visualizing the narrative. Rather than adhering to a fixed style, she adapts her artwork to suit each story’s tone and emotion.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Giang is involved in personal projects, such as her comic series Xóm Om Xòm, which offers a satirical take on traditional Vietnamese life amidst the country’s modernization. She also envisions a backup plan of selling onigiri rice balls if the illustration scene changes due to AI advancements, ensuring she can continue creating comics and picture books on the side.

Her Xom Om series, now spanning five volumes in Vietnam, humorously depicts the lives of animals in a rural Southern Vietnamese village, serving as a playful commentary on societal changes and modern influences. Through her versatile and insightful artwork, Giang continues to captivate audiences and offer unique perspectives on contemporary issues.