picture book authors and illustrators N to Z

picture book authors and illustrators: N to Z

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“Na’s whimsical illustrations vibrantly convey the cacophony present in many Cage compositions. Employing a vocabulary of images (squiggles, slashes, lines) representing sounds and emotions identified on the endpapers, Na clearly represents the unique and experimental nature of Cage’s work. Many scenes portray cityscapes and crowded concert halls. Blues and grays predominate, although Na effectively uses explosions of intense color to represent some sounds.” (Booklist, starred review)

Il Sung Na
Il Sung Na

author-illustrator

“In this subtle, emotionally gratifying debut, Papa emerges as a distinctive personality whose preparations make it clear that his granddaughter’s happiness is just as important as his own.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Joowon Oh
Joowon Oh

author-illustrator

“This book is reassuring and respectful, and the art is terrific, with an ever-changing array of painted teacups as we go through the pages.” (The New York Times)

Jiyeon Pak
Jiyeon Pak

author-illustrator

NPR Best Book of 2020; Powell’s Best Children’s Book of 2020; Pacific Northwest Indie Bestseller; National Indie Bestseller

Kenard Pak
Kenard Pak

author-illustrator

“A quiet yet masterfully rendered reminder that decency is always worth the hassle.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) • “A marvelous English-language debut in an emotionally urgent story … a moving work about a small, essential act of kindness.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Aerin Park
Aerin Park

translator

“Celebrating the uniqueness of each boy and the “thousands of ways to be,” this colorful title breaks conventions and presents all kinds of possibilities. … Highly recommended.” (School Library Journal)

Christopher D. Park
Christopher D. Park

illustrator

Hoon’s baby sister Binna is about to turn one year old, which means it’s time to celebrate her doljabi—the Korean first birthday tradition where a child chooses an object that will determine their future. Each member of the family hopes for Binna to pick a different object. Can Hoon influence her to pick the right item? And what will happen if she chooses a different one instead?

Frances Park, Ginger Park

authors

“sparkles with the promise of imagination and friendship” (Booklist)

Jane Bahk
Jane Park

author

This funny story of a child’s journey to discover what it really means to be a big girl explores the traditions of Korean Lunar New Year and the value of family and helpfulness. 

Junghwa Park

illustrator

“A deeply personal note reveals the author-illustrator’s direct connections to Yumi’s experience and solidifies this emotional journey as an authentic and empathetic representation of chronic illness and disability for any childhood collection.” (Booklist, starred review)

Kam Redlawsk
Kam Redlawsk

author-illustrator

Winner, Little Brown New Voices, New World Multicultural Fiction Contest; Smithsonian Notable Book; Notable Children’s Trade Book in Social Studies; Horn Book Magazine Best Holiday Book

Jama Kim Rattigan

author

“In her grief, a child finds new meaning in a cherished activity … The illustrators deftly layer shadows and blur boundaries between colors, evoking the feeling of a warm memory … A tender tale of loss and love.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Helena Ku Rhee

author

“Four authors tell their stories, not just of the places they lived, but of the history, culture, and spirit of their beings: where they truly come from.” (Booklist)

Sun Yung Shin
Sun Yung Shin

author

Parents Choice Gold Award; “This is an important story, full of drama and emotion and it is here given its proper recognition and tribute in both words and glorious art. Perhaps it will encourage other grandparents to share their family history as well. Masterful.” (Kirkus Reviews

Chris Soentpiet

author-illustrator

“Wang has crafted a lyrical gem of a story. Adopting a child’s perspective, the author manages to make topics such as warfare and loss of one’s home comprehensible to a young audience, while Cha’s bold strokes and splashes of color convey movement and enhance the emotional weight of the subject.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review); Freeman Book Award winner, Jane Addams Book Award finalist,  The Horn Book starred review, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection; 2024 Best Lists: School Library Journal, The Horn Book, Junior Library Guild, National Public Radio’s LAist, and Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature

Two-List Thanksgiving celebrates the beauty of blending traditions of all family backgrounds to create a truly multicultural holiday celebration. “A must-have for libraries serving Korean American communities, and a heartfelt addition to any library seeking to broaden its Thanksgiving collection.” (School Library Journal)

Christine Whan
Christine Whan

author

Poems about things we love to eat from A to Z, by diverse, established and new voices: Gail Aldous, Rebecca Balcárcel, David Bowles, Sandy Brehl, Carol Bullman, Yangsook Choi, Kelly Conroy, Nicola Davies, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Linda A. Dryfhout, Theresa Gaughan, Mary Lee Hahn, Georgia Heard, George Ella Lyon, JoAnn Early Macken, Elisabeth Norton, Lisa Varchol Perron, Jama Kim Rattigan, Joan Riordan, Pamela Ross, Donna JT Smith, April Halprin Wayland, Vicki Wilke, Janet Wong, Jacqueline Woodson, and Sarah Ziman.

Janet Wong

author

“Each celebration has its own spread, with soft pencil drawings. The art, while following one family as they celebrate throughout the year, depicts characters of many races and skin tones.” (School Library Journal)

Dana Wulfekotte

author-illustrator

“A pleasingly uncomplicated introduction to yoga that can also simply be read as an invitation to play. A celebration of the ways that even young children can experience the wide world through their bodies as well as their minds.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Taeeun Yoo

author-illustrator

Spotlights Korean customs while celebrating great courage—to stupendous effect.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Crisp illustrations that capture a genuinely loving heart … a strong if whimsical choice for those separated from loved ones” (Kirkus Reviews)

Salina Yoon

photo by
Roxyanne Young

author-illustrator

Appa is coming home tomorrow after a long time away, and sisters Haejin and Hanna want to make something very special to greet his return. They spend the day preparing their favorite treat―hotteok, a brown-sugar-filled Korean pancake. But when their batter is ruined, how will they make something special for tomorrow?

Susan Yoon
Susan Yoon

author

Boston Globe Horn Book Honor  •  “Ode to a Bad Day is wholly relatable and highly engaging, with lively, rolling poetry and rich, charming illustrations. No matter what kind of day it has been, don’t be surprised if young readers want to read this book over and over.” (Book Page)

Hyewon Yum
Hyewon Yum

author-illustrator

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