260 Melquea Smith, Illustrator

Hi Everyone! I interview Brandi, a kidlit author in Hawaii. We met as mutual Holiday House authors! Here is more about Brandi:Brandi-Ann Uyemura is a gosei, a fifth-generation Japanese American writer, born and raised onthe island of Oahu. She holds a BA in English/Ethnic Studies, a MA in Counseling Psychology, and recently completed a fellowship for Climatebase. For over 18 years, she’s written for various publications on everything from spirituality and health to finance and parenting. She is currently working on several picture books about her culture and a middle-grade mystery.Visit Brandi's website for more information!Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I had return guest Ali Terese, MG author chat about her new book and how she infuses humor, heart, and disability into her writing.Here is more about Ali:Ali Terese writes funny and heartfelt middle grade and YA stories like FREE PERIOD (Scholastic 2024) and VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. (Aladdin / Simon & Schuster 2025). Her work has been honored on the National Book Award longlist, Kid’s Indie Next list, starred reviews in School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, state and ALA reading lists.Visit her site:https://aliterese.com/Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! I'm going to be sharing my book marketing and publicity efforts at this time for Sun, Moon, and Star, published by Holiday House today!!!Here is more about me:Nancy So Miller is a Korean American children's book author/illustrator and art teacher based in Savannah, Georgia. She creates handmade, dimensional paper worlds that capture the magic and joy of childhood, inviting viewers to feel part of the moment. Her work conveys subtle narratives and emotions brought to life through photography. When she's not teaching or creating art, she enjoys watching K-dramas, cooking Korean food, reading, podcasting, and crocheting. She shares her home with her husband and son.​ Her debut author/illustrator picture book is Sun, Moon, and Star published by Holiday House (Spring 2026).Visit my website:https://www.nmillerillustration.com/Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I'm going to be sharing some behind the scenes about my children's book Sun, Moon, and Star that will be published in the next week with Holiday House.Here's more about me:Nancy So Miller is a Korean American children's book author/illustrator and art teacher based in Savannah, Georgia. She creates handmade, dimensional paper worlds that capture the magic and joy of childhood, inviting viewers to feel part of the moment. Her work conveys subtle narratives and emotions brought to life through photography. When she's not teaching or creating art, she enjoys watching K-dramas, cooking Korean food, reading, podcasting, and crocheting. She shares her home with her husband and son.​ Her debut author/illustrator picture book is Sun, Moon, and Star published by Holiday House (Spring 2026).Visit my website:https://www.nmillerillustration.com/Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today, my guest is Melquea Smith, kidlit illustrator! Melquea has been a previous guest, and it was great to catch up with her! Here is more about Melquea: My name is Melquea Smith, and I'm a Black, multi-award-winning, published children's book illustrator based in New York.Melquea's website:https://www.prettykittypaintings.com/Join Brown Sugar Graphics, Melquea's clip art membership: prettykittypaintings.com/bsgFollow Melquea on her email list: https://www.prettykittypaintings.com/podcastThe book she mentioned. "Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network and Increase Your Influence" by Molly Beck.Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I interviewed Cat Ward, art teacher and artist based in Savannah, GA. Here is more about Cat.Cat Ward is an art educator and fine artist. She combines that with a lifelong love of animals, and the hobby of scuba diving she began nearly a decade ago. Her work has been shown at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and she often collaborates with the Gray's Reef Ocean Discovery Center.Visit her website:https://www.catwardart.com/Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today, my guest is Jackie Morera, kidlit author, and a return guest. We had a heartfelt conversation about her powerful book Together We Remember, her experience attending ALA, and the lasting impact our books can have on young readers.Always inspiring to connect with fellow creatives who are making a difference through storytelling.Here is Jackie's website!https://www.jmorerabooks.com/Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, in this episode, I talk about where I'm at in the course of my art business. That includes updates on writing and illustrating. I think the end of year is a great time to reflect on life and what's going on. I hope everyone has a happy holidays! Pre-order a copy of Sun, Moon, and Star: A Folktale from Korea here! Coming Feb. 24, 2026, published by Holiday House Books.Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest is Anne Sibley O'Brien, children's book author and illustrator! More about Anne:Anne Sibley O’Brien is a celebrated children’s book creator, author, and illustrator of over 35 titles. Raised in Korea, her work centers on multicultural themes. She co-founded I’m Your Neighbor Books and Diverse BookFinder and received the Katahdin Award for lifetime achievement from the Maine Library Association.Visit Anne's website:http://www.annesibleyobrien.com/

Hi Everyone! I had the honor of interviewing NYT Bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller—author of the beloved picture books Sophie’s Squash, Be Kind, When You Are Brave, and many more! We talked about her creative journey from journalism to children's books, her approach to storytelling, and Pat's perspective on the role of the illustrators for her books.Visit Pat's website: https://www.patzietlowmiller.com/