Chen's works have been published in the United States, Japan, France, and Israel. Both the Washington Post and the New York Times have praised Chen's work as having "beautifully drawn scenes" and with "vivid characters...rendered with wit and warmth". Chen's Guji Guji, a humorous story about a crocodile raised as a duck, was a New York Times Bestseller and was awarded the American Library Association's Notable Children's Book. On My Way to Buy Eggs was named a Best Children's Book by Publishers Weekly. In 2015, he was the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Peter Pan Prize winner.
Chen's latest Guai Guai the Pig Series are written for preschool children. The main character, Guai Guai, is a big girl who is eager to become independent on her own. Her relatable attempts at mastering self care skills are valuable lessons for toddlers who are also preparing for these life skills.
