Trung Le Nguyen was born in a Vietnamese refugee camp somewhere in the Philippines Province of Palawan and moved to the United States as a child in 1992.

[2][3] He began drawing comics in middle school but gave up the pastime in college, stating, "I never really thought to make it a career.

[4] Trung's art is noted for its use of traditional inking and penciling and references to Vietnamese imagery,[8] shōjo manga, and classic children's literature.

[9] He cites Rose O'Neill, Heinrich Lefler, and Harry Clarke among his influences.

It was also named a top book on the American Library Association's Rainbow List in 2021,[26] and was selected as one of the best books of 2020 by The Globe and Mail,[27] the New York Public Library,[28] and Nerdist.