Analene Go is a force to be reckoned with. Although Naning is Here (Kids Can, 2026) is her first published picture book, she is already a knowledgable and respected member of community of Canadian picture book writers. She’s a writer who shows up for others, attending events, shouting other creators out on social media, and creating some of the best Instagram reels around! I’m incredibly lucky to be in a critique group with with Analene, and she can always be counted on for thoughtful suggestions and support. The fun, warmth, and humour of her writing are natural extensions of the positivity she is exudes in real life.

While have not (yet!) had the privilege of meeting Alexis Young IRL, her artwork feels like a perfect match for Analene’s writing style—a warm palate, organic shapes, and expressive faces make this story feel cozy and welcoming. I particularly love the way the imaginary world inhabited by the protagonist and her Naning blends and flows into the more grounded world of her home and family.

While this book is a beautiful celebration of Filipino family life, it’s also an ode to all those adults willing to step out of the boring bubble of adult conversation and into the world of imagination and play. Not briefly, or half heartedly, in order to be polite, but because they really want to be part of that kid’s inner world. It brings me back to the family parties and holiday dinners of my own childhood, playing with older cousins in the basement while the grown-ups gabbed and did the the dishes, and to bittersweet feeling of not wanting the fun to end.

ANALENE: If you could go on any adventure, either real or imaginary, where would you go?

ALEXIS: I would love to go to an enchanted forest! It’d be so wonderful to meet some forest sprites and share stories with them over tea and treats. Afterwards, we could take a stroll and they could show me all of their favourite spots. I think that'd be so magical… and also incredibly cute.

Other than that, I’d most likely head into the city for an adventure. Sounds almost like the opposite of an enchanted forest, but I think I would enjoy it just the same! I would set a start and end point, and everything in between would be totally unplanned! There is something refreshing and exhilarating about exploring a new and/or familiar place, and getting a bit lost. Stumbling upon a new cafe, a weekend festival or a green space would all be great surprises, and if I’m lucky, finding a friendly stranger to chat with would also make for a wholesome experience.

No matter where the adventure takes me, I feel that there’s always something fulfilling to discover, and when I make it back home I feel so inspired!

ALEXIS: Growing up, what was your favourite thing to do with your ninang?

ANALENE: This may sound silly, but one of my favourite things to do with my ninang was go grocery shopping.

At my house, my parents were very cost conscious and would always be clipping coupons and looking for sales at the grocery store. They were very practical and particular about what we bought, and it had to be part of the deals in the weekly flyer.

But when I would go to the store with my Ninang – it was special. She would let me pick out anything I wanted. Exotic fruit, name brand chips, cereal with prizes inside! Ninangs are known for spoiling their inaanaks and mine did not disappoint. She made an ordinary trip to the grocery store an adventure!

Mississauga Literary Festival - Alexis and Analene.JPG

Above: Analene and Alexis presenting at the Mississauga Literary Festival.

ABOUT ANALENE:

Analene Go is a Filipino-Canadian Children's Author living in Guelph, Ontario. Her favorite book as a child was ‘Red is Best,’ and to this day, her favorite color is still Red. She learned first-hand, how a book can have a lasting impact, and so, became an author.

Her stories are heart-felt and humorous - celebrating culture, family and friendship. She hopes that her books will help readers to create lots of new memories and connect with the people they love.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

CONNECT WITH ANALENE ONLINE:

Website: analene.com

Instagram: @analenego

ABOUT ALEXIS:

Alexis Young is a Chinese Filipino designer and illustrator from Mississauga, Ontario, who aims to capture moments of discovery and tell coming-of-age stories with a bit of magic and a whimsical nature. Ninang’s Here! is her first picture book.