There is definitely some watercolor in there! I have to be a bit secretive about the technique for now, but once the book is underway I'll share more about the process
13.02.2026 17:48
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There is definitely some watercolor in there! I have to be a bit secretive about the technique for now, but once the book is underway I'll share more about the process
The experiments continue. Choosing the best paper for the job is tough, but I like this one. #kidlitart
7 Umami draw-alongs for 7 schools - another WRAD complete! The day is always a bit of a marathon, but it brings me so much joy to read and draw with the students. Thank you everyone for being such kind hosts! #wrad26 #worldreadaloudday
The easel has squeezed back into the tiny studio and all is set for World Read Aloud Day! 📚🖍️✨ #wrad26 #worldreadaloudday
(I have 3 reviews available, please message me to secure yours. Once your spot is saved, I just require proof of donation receipt.)
Join the auction to support communities impacted by ICE in Minnesota! www.32auctions.com/publishingfo...
We have our own struggles with ICE in Illinois, and I'm offering manuscript reviews for $50 donations to the IL Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights: www.icirr.org
We stand together ❤️
2025 was tough from start to finish, but here's to a better year ahead, from our team to yours
Wherever you celebrate the holidays, here's hoping the whole village can make it.
The Choose To Read Ohio Booklist has some hot ones for 2026 🔥 Honored to have Umami on the list among some of our favorites!
Necessary repost! Wishing you a holiday surrounded by all of the hungry 🐧 you can fit at the table
The first experiment for something new 🦝 #kidlit
Details!
🐧 Find me this Friday at the Art Academy of Concinnati & Saturday at Books By The Banks 🐧
Fri 10:30 am: Panel talk at AAC with 6 other book illustrators
Fri 5-8pm: Gallery opening at AAC with many book illustrators from the region
Sat 10-4pm: Meeting readers and signing books at Books By The Banks
Celebrate #nationaldonutday with the kids 😉
🎂 Happy book birthday, Umami! 🎂 What is your favorite food on your birthday? Comment on my Insta post for a chance to win your own Umami washi tape! 3 winners to be announced - (shipping limited to US)
Baby's first book birthday! 🎂 This Wednesday, Oct 29, I'll be celebrating my favorite penguin's birthday with some special Umami washi tape giveaways. Let's party!
A little Reading Rainbow magic at Louisville Book Festival with @mychal3ts.bsky.social 🌈📚🐧
#kidlit
Saturday, join me for an Umami story time and draw-along in Louisville! Be ready to draw some 🐧🐧🐧
Gma had a knack for drawing, and as a child I was always impressed that when she drew a cat, it looked like a cat! Her encouragement of creativity way back then has had a profound effect on my life, and I know how lucky I am to have had her around for so much of it.
My Grandma passed away recently at the impressive age of 96, and I've been thinking about the many warm memories I have from a childhood visiting her home. These doodles are a sort of archive for me to record that place and time. ❤️
Back coaching my daughter's 2nd grade ⚽ team all while making a story about a ⚽ team. The kids are slightly easier to coach this season - at least there are less shoes that need tying, but I'll never figure out how to keep them from throwing grass everywhere.
I had many fine years with my previous agent, Steven Chudney, and I wish him the very best as he transitions into retirement. I'm forever grateful for all he's done.
Here's to the books in the past, and the books to come!
I'm pleased to announce that I've officially teamed up with Andrea Morrison at Writers House! It feels good to join the talented crew, and I'm excited for what's ahead.
Many thanks to everyone who celebrated Umami with me at the Secretary of State's tent this past Friday. It was a joy to read, draw, and talk about things to eat at the fair!
Find me this Friday at the Secretary of State's Tent from 10am-12pm, giving away 100 copies of Umami! Many thanks to Alexi Giannoulias and the IL State Library for making it all possible 📚🎉 #ilstatefair
The result!
My Virtual Saturday Stories with The Society of Illustrators is now on youtube, so grab your oil pastels and follow along as we make a monoprint! www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JHF...
@soi128.bsky.social #kidlitart
There was lake time, and street art, and timbits, and book friends, and dim sum, and mahjong, and breweries, and poutine, and kpop demon hunters, and I even pulled a nail out of a sideshow lady's nose! Time well spent.
Doodles from 🇨🇦 - We were lucky enough to spend the first couple weeks of July visiting family and friends in Kitchener, Toronto, and Muskoka - which meant lots of sketching!
Chicago friends! Join me @ 10am this Sunday for a free Umami storytime, draw-along, and hands-on art project at BASH Kids Club 🐧🖍️🎉
