picture book authors and illustrators: K to M
To contact the kiBooka creators or to order their books, please click through to their websites.
So-Hee is lonely. She doesn’t have a brother or sister, nor does she have many friends. More than anything, she longs for a pet she can hold and love. The trouble is, she’s allergic to just about everything. When So-Hee meets a snake named Lowy, all at once, her life starts to change in unexpected ways.
“Kim’s exquisite artwork renders distinct personalities and characters represented by diverse skin colors and hairstyles, priceless expressions, and irrepressible energy. An endearing and hopeful expression of spontaneous fun and togetherness.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)
“An enchanting look at a child’s quest for belonging. … Kim’s mixed-media art is dynamic, subtly blending realism with touches of whimsy and lush naturalistic detail. This understated and creative picture book takes on the theme of being true to oneself and ends with the realization that ‘there’s no place like home.’” (Horn Book Magazine)
“Lovingly rendered chalky illustrations bring to life this tale in a well-paced balance of spot art and spreads … Shy human children—especially those who feel more outgoing in a familiar environment—will be reassured that they will most certainly not be the only ones nervous about their first day of school. … Encouragement for those who are exuberant, loud, and full of energy … but only at home. (Kirkus Reviews)
“Brilliantly conveys the joy and beauty found in an autumn morning, making every small moment relatable and wonderful.” (School Library Journal, starred review); “The feeling of a lovely morning, captured perfectly.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review); “Glorious …. a gentle reminder to appreciate and enjoy the simple, quotidian aspects of every day.” (Shelf Awareness, starred review)
“A Where’s Waldo? for lovers of trains and travel, this look-and-find by Brooklyn-based illustrator Kim takes readers into bustling subway systems in 10 of the world’s great metropolises. At each “stop,” we first see the subway station platform and train, with facts and figures about the transportation system. Children will love searching for these beautiful foreign items while indulging in the common kid obsession over locomotives” (Booklist)
Most people either can or cannot hear sound … but some people can do both! Meet a deaf boy with cochlear implants as he moves about his day. Sometimes he prefers not to hear, but when he wants to connect with the hearing world, he puts on his cochlear implants. How could he explain to his hearing parents what the absence of sound is like? Suddenly he has an idea—the best way he knows how to share this part of him with those he loves. With whimsical, bright illustrations and lyrical words, Sound Switch Wonder is a sweet and gentle story about sharing and embracing differences.
“A master class in apologies and in storytelling through words and art.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) • NPR Books We Love 2024 pick •
Kirkus Best Books of the Year • SLJ Best Books of the Year • New York Public Library Best Books of 2024 • Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection 2024 • ALSC 2025 Children’s Notable List Book
“Kaylee’s desire to be aware of the world around her, and to empathize with the suffering of others, is a beautiful model for young readers … Children from many disparate places affected by both tragedy and joy are shown, giving a sense of how big and diverse the world is. An affecting story that will resonate with the faithful.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“In this thoughtful, introspective picture book, a child strikes up a tentative friendship with a neighbor at her window. When the window becomes vacant, the child is inspired to open their own window to new experiences and perspectives.” • ALSC Notable Children’s Book 2026 • A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection • The Society of Illustrators Original Art 2025 selection
“Eye-catching illustrations feature expansive double-page spreads of the neighborhood shops, drawing readers in to explore each tiny detail. The pictures resonate with love, complementing the predominant theme of family closeness and the book’s casual diversity.” (The Horn Book, starred review)
More kiBooka picture book authors and illustrators