
I’m ANNIE YU
About
Annie Yu is a physician and passionate advocate for health and wellness. Inspired by her own experiences and her personal journey as a mother, she has embarked on a writing journey to create books that help children learn about maintaining their well-being in a fun and engaging way. Through her writing, she also aims to instill an appreciation for nature in young readers. Annie resides in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and their beloved pet newt. When she's not busy caring for patients or working on rhymes, she enjoys spending time with her family, daydreaming, and being outdoors.


Nature's Creatures - Wellness Teachers
In Nature's Creatures - Wellness Teachers, Riley goes on a journey of self-discovery and well-being. After having a terrible day, Riley finds solace and guidance through an unexpected walk with his wise grandfather. As they explore the beauty of nature together, Riley encounters various animals who teach him meaningful lessons in wellness. With lyrical rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this enchanting children's book introduces young readers to mindful and healthy habits inspired by the behaviors of their favorite animals.
Winner of the 2024 Golden Wizard Book Prize
Winner of 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
Finalist for the 2025 Montaigne Medal
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Kid's Picture Book Reviews
Nature's Creatures" beautifully combines storytelling and vibrant illustrations to convey profound life lessons through the lens of nature. It encourages readers, both young and old, to embrace mindfulness, resilience, and the wisdom found in the natural world. Riley's transformative journey becomes a heartwarming tale that emphasizes the significance of learning from the creatures that surround us.
Reader's Favorite
Nature's Creatures - Wellness Teachers is an inspiring book that provides a fresh perspective on nature. I was pleasantly surprised by the profound lessons that can be learned by both children and adults. Annie Yu creatively draws life-changing lessons from the lives of creatures, big and small, and presents them in a way that children will understand and appreciate. The use of rhyming words adds a fun and engaging rhythm to the story. The book is beautifully illustrated, showcasing the animals and their habitats in a lush green environment. The artwork has a calming effect, thanks to the warm colors that perfectly complement the story. Overall, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn important lessons from a new perspective.
Literary Titan
I found this story exceptionally engaging because the lessons conveyed through the animals are universally applicable, regardless of age. The narrative encourages readers to reflect on each lesson and consider how to incorporate them into their own lives. The story emphasizes the importance of slowing down to appreciate our surroundings and the benefits of collaboration over solitary effort. These insights are especially valuable in today’s fast-paced world.
The illustrations, by Maggie Chen, complement the story beautifully, adding vibrancy and detail. Among my favorites are the bird illustrations, which are so intricately detailed they appear almost lifelike. What is particularly commendable about Annie Yu is her background as a physician and wellness advocate. Her passion for promoting health and well-being shines through in this book, making it not only an enjoyable read for children but also a resource for adults to derive meaningful lessons. The book adeptly encourages wellness and happiness for readers of all ages.
Nature’s Creatures – Wellness Teachers is a delightful and educational addition to any child’s library. Riley’s journey is heartwarming and thought-provoking, making it a highly recommended read. This book is sure to impart valuable life lessons while captivating readers with its charming story and illustrations.

Ocean's Creatures - Wellness Teachers
Ocean's Creatures - Wellness Teachers is a heartwarming story that takes young readers on a transformative journey with Riley, an impatient boy who is having a rough day. When his wise grandfather takes him on a walk by the ocean, Riley discovers the incredible power of mindfulness and wellness through the guidance of the ocean’s animals. From the resilient turtle to the calm and graceful whale, Riley learns how to navigate his emotions and cultivate healthy habits by observing the behaviors of these incredible creatures.
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Reader's Favorite
Annie Yu’s picture book, Ocean’s Creatures: Wellness Teachers, is a calming story in itself that teaches readers of all ages how to remain calm even when everything in life appears to be going wrong. Told in rhyming verse, the story follows Riley through his disastrous day at school, to the calming influence of his grandpa and their special visit to the seashore, and the valuable lessons he learns. The plot completes a full circle when Riley goes back to school the next day, totally mindful of all that surrounds him, both good and not-so-good. The illustrations are superb and add another dimension to the story development. A simple, yet powerful story – very calming and soothing as it teaches some valuable lessons.
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“Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale”