Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) Showcases High School Student Zijing Chu’s Work The Little Healer at Multiple Exhibitions

Washington, D.C. — The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) is proud to highlight one of the most captivating entries from its Second ACAESUSA Art Competition: The Little Healer: A Journey Through Sick Planets, created by high school student Zijing Chu. This imaginative and intricately crafted pop-up storybook has gained significant attention for its unique blend of artistry, educational themes, and interactive design.

To bring Chu’s inspiring vision to a wider audience, ACAESUSA has showcased The Little Healer at several prominent venues, including exhibitions on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the 2025 AAPI Youth Mental Health Conference, and the Denton Martin Luther King Library during the Mexican-American Heritage Festival.

Spanning 14 pages, each engineered with detailed three-dimensional pop-ups, the story follows Ayo, a small luminous healer from a distant star. Troubled by the declining health of plants across faraway planets, Ayo packs a healing kit, boards his foldable leaf-ship, and sets out across the galaxy. He visits worlds shrouded in sorrow, silent streets, and forests swept by red winds—offering compassion, clean water, health education, and hope. In the end, Ayo returns not with magic potions, but with stories—seeds of wisdom that grow into a whispering tree, symbolizing resilience and renewal.

Beyond its moving narrative, The Little Healer shines through its interactive design, inviting children to explore each page while learning about hygiene, environmental stewardship, and emotional courage. The layered visual storytelling also appeals to teens and adults, offering a reflective and enriching experience.

High school artist Zijing Chu demonstrates exceptional creativity and insight, weaving complex themes into an accessible, enchanting visual format. Her work reflects both technical mastery and profound social awareness.

“As President of ACAESUSA, I am thrilled to support young artists like Zijing, whose work embodies creativity with purpose,” said Jan Xie, President of ACAESUSA. “The Little Healer is more than a book—it is a bridge between art and education, and we hope it inspires more youth to express themselves creatively.”

About ACAESUSA

The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) is dedicated to nurturing young artistic talent and promoting cultural exchange through exhibitions, competitions, and educational programs.

About The Little Healer

• Format: 14-page interactive pop-up book

• Themes: Empathy, environmental care, health, courage

• Creator: Zijing Chu, high school student

• Exhibition Venues:

  • Capitol Hill (Washington, D.C.)

  • North Carolina Youth Mental Health Conference

  • Denton MLK Library (Mexican-American Heritage Festival)