I can’t believe we’re in the last stretch of summer. I’m still getting mosquito bites and craving ice-cold lemonade, so it doesn’t feel like summer’s over. Say it ain’t so!! A few months ago, my publisher sent me some Folded & Gathered (F&G) copies of my upcoming book, THE PAPER KINGDOM. Subscribers to my website… Read more »
I have some fun updates to share! THE TURTLE SHIP is currently undergoing the color correction process. That means Colleen (the talented illustrator), Lee & Low (the amazing publisher) and the printing company are collaborating to make sure the colors represented in the book’s images accurately reflect the colors in Colleen’s original artwork. Jessica (our… Read more »
Happy 2018! I don’t know about you, but I’m super excited about this year! Politics and other heavy concerns aside, there are some good things in store. For one, my debut picture book, THE TURTLE SHIP, will be released this year! Check out the gorgeous cover above, which is provided courtesy of brilliant artist Colleen… Read more »
Our puppy Sherwin is four months old today. During our first few days together, I seriously didn’t know if I had the chops to raise a pup. Rather than being overwhelmed by Sherwin’s cuteness, I was overwhelmed by a deep and strange depression. You see, I grew up with dogs and have always prided myself… Read more »
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Tomorrow (Fri, May 19 at 4 p.m. Pacific) will be my last public event for Sora’s Seashells 😊 Join me & the Los Angeles Public Library on their YouTube channel for a fun chat! Plus, they’re giving away dozens of free copies, thanks to the generous Library Foundation of L.A. More info at the link in my bio. See you online tomorrow!❤️ . . . #picturebook #kidlit #booklaunch #childrensbooks #childrensliterature #authorsofinstagram #book #childrensbook #aapiheritagemonth #aapi...
It’s finally here! Happy book birthday to Sora’s Seashells 🥳 The sweeping watercolor images by @stellalim_art & @ji_hyukkim are absolutely stunning. Thanks to the team @candlewickpress for a gorgeous book ❤️ And thanks to all of you for support & enthusiasm!
Book launch time is a bit tricky for me bc self-promotion always makes me feel a bit 🤢 But the bright side is that it allows me to connect with all of you, and I’m so grateful for your friendship!
I hope to see you in-person or online at the events for Sora’s Seashells. Get ready for some fun! 🙌 . . . #childrensbooks #kidlit #bookbirthday #picturebook #picturebookillustration #booklaunch #kidlitart #bookstagram #illustration #watercolor #kidsbooks...
To honor the release of Sora’s Seashells in a few days (Tues, May 9), I did a photoshoot of the book on a Hawaiian beach a few weeks ago 😁 The book is available for pre-order (see link in bio 🙏) Please join me for the in-person and/or online events! You’ll hear about the inspiration for the book, including some secrets about my name…😮 All info is on the second image + my website (link in bio)! Thanks to everyone for being with me on this rollercoaster journey—writing would be so much more difficult without your support & encouragement! ❤️ . . . #picturebook #childrensbooks #kidlit #newbook #picturebooks #picturebookstagram #bookevents #illustration #kidlitart #picturebookauthor #authorsofinstagram #watercolorillustration...
During this annual trek to the Big Island (aka “The Magical Island”), we’ve been trying to do “slow travel”—fully immersing in a small area, no to-do list, making earth-friendly choices (like buying reef-safe sunscreen, etc). I even helped a desperate caterpillar move off of a scorching sidewalk onto a tree 🙌 We already know this island quite well, so it’s pretty easy to pinpoint our area of focus—near Kua Bay, north of Kona. @eugene_rhee says that slow travel gels w/us, bc I’ve been making lots of sketches of the island and he’s been napping in every shady spot 😎 This place really feels like home…until my mom texts a photo of Sherwin moping on the sofa and then I can’t wait to leave!! 😂😭 . . . . #bigisland #hawaii #hualalai #slowtravel #kona #travelsketchbook #travelsketching #travelsketch #watercolor #watercolorsketch #bookresearch #researchtrip #authorsofinstagram...
While my muse takes a nap, I flip through my “meditation sketchbook.” I’ve been making quick, 10-min watercolor sketches of Sherwin to relax and let go of perfectionism. If you have any other de-stress techniques, let me know! (Regular meditation hasn’t worked for me bc my brain is too busy, but art meditation works 👍🙌—I feel so relaxed afterwards 😎 . . . #sherwinthedog #artmeditation #moleskinesketchbook #winsornewton #winsorandnewton #watercolorsketch #dogart #meditation #relax #frenchie #frenchiesofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #authorlife...