Hi, I’m Yong Yam, the human behind Furtale Books—a world where dogs are the real experts, and I’m just here to take notes. Let me be upfront: I’m not a parent, a teacher, or child development expert—just your typical flawed human still learning how to be better (luckily, my dogs are patient teachers). I’m simply someone who’s learned valuable life lessons through tough experiences and from some extraordinary four-legged guides.
As a child, I immigrated from Cambodia with my family, fleeing the Khmer Rouge—a regime responsible for the loss of many lives. We left behind everything we knew, carrying only the clothes on our backs and the hope and determination to build a better future. That journey wasn’t easy, but it shaped the way I see the world—with hope, resilience, and an appreciation for life’s simplest joys. Over the years, I’ve learned that happiness doesn’t come from having it all—it comes from giving what you can, building authentic relationships and facing life with compassion and kindness.
Dogs, of course, have been my greatest teachers. They don’t need much to be happy—a wagging tail, a sloppy kiss, or a squeaky toy will do. They have this incredible ability to love without limits, live in the moment, and forgive faster than you can say, “Stop barking!” (spoken like a true dog parent) or “Stop whining!” (the anthem of every kid parent). Through their tail-wagging wisdom, they continue to remind me of what really matters: loyalty, love, and living fully in the moment.
So, while I may not have expertise in child development, I do know something about finding joy and purpose, even in tough times. Furtale Books is my way of sharing these stories—- tales and tails that inspire courage, kindness, and hope for kids and families everywhere. (And yes, I said stories, not lessons! Lessons are for school!)
Whether you’re a parent, a kid, or just someone who secretly believes dogs are better than humans (it’s okay, sometimes I do too), welcome to our Furtale family. Let’s learn, laugh, and follow those pawprints together.
Meet the talented humans who bring Furtale books and all its furry friends to life! From sketches to final illustrations, these artists help our stories leap off the page and into your imagination.
