September Featured Author| Kathryn Otoshi
I had a blast this last month looking at fractured fairy tales with August Featured Author Katie Pye! If you haven’t already, be sure and check out my reviews of “Ready for Rescue?” and “Jack’s Giant Problem”. You can find out more about Katie and the Fairytale Fraud Series at www.HeadStartThinking.com.
Our September Featured Author is Kathryn Otoshi.
I’m very excited to have Kathryn on the blog as she is a favorite children’s author of mine. Kathryn’s books cover a variety of social/emotional themes and have an overall message of kindness and acceptance.
I was very honored that I was able to interview Kathryn Otoshi. Here is what she had to say:
Who are you and what have you written?
KO: Hi, my name is Kathryn Otoshi. I am a children’s picture book author and illustrator. Some of my character-building books are ZERO, ONE, and TWO from my number book series. My latest books, Beautiful Hands and Draw the Line, are about reaching out and building community.
How did you first get started writing children’s books?
KO: I was read to a lot as a kid, so I’ve been always been fascinated by books, reading, and all kinds of stories. I remember feeling the thrill of writing my first story in elementary school. Later in junior high, I wrote my first chapter book on an old typewriter – a full 89 pages! As an adult, I wanted to get into the children’s picture book industry but didn’t know where to begin. Some years later I started working as a graphic designer at George Lucas’ company, Industrial Light & Magic. I was telling a fellow artist friend of mine of this dream I had of writing my own children’s picture book someday. He asked me, “What’s stopping you?”
So the short of it is, I finally took some children’s book classes and after a long deliberation, decided to self-publish my first book, What Emily Saw, against all professional recommendations. I called my publishing company ‘my ‘expensive hobby” while still doing freelance design work. I certainly didn’t quit my day job! It wasn’t until the book ONE came along that things started to take off! Since then, I’ve never looked back. I’m still doing books under KO Kids Books, and still learning how to navigate and adjust my sail to this ever evolving and wonderful industry.
What age of kids would you say your books are targeted at?
KO: Elementary school kids are my main audience; however, parents tell me the messages in my books are for adults too!
If you could teach a child one thing, what would it be?
KO: READ. Books are a wonderful way to experience new cultures and places, and explore new ideas and perspectives – all from the comfort of your armchair. A book is like a door: a new world awaits you through the power of a book!
Why do you write?
KO: I love telling stories, hearing other people’s stories, and sharing stories. Writing often helps work through challenging situations or problems because it brings clarity to my situation. While most of the time what I write just stays in my journal…other times my problem becomes the seed of a new story, which eventually becomes a children’s picture book!
What has been the most challenging aspect of your writing career?
KO: I find myself easily distracted and struggling to find time enough to write. I used to travel a lot and it took a lot out of me. Now, I’ve discovered that mornings are the best time for me to get my writing done. Writing takes discipline and it’s important to prioritize and make time for the things you love to do.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
KO: I love The Gardener by author Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small. To me this exemplifies the very essence of the perfect picture book, as the pictures say what the words do not, and visa versa. The pacing of the book is pure artistry! The last page gets me to tear up – every time.
Where can people buy your book?
KO: You can order any of the books through your local indie bookstore or online.
What’s next for you?
KO: My new book, Lunch Every Day, comes out next Fall 2021. It’s based on a true story of a boy named Jimmy who takes another kid’s lunch at school every day. But through an unexpected act of generosity and kindness, he is transformed into a compassionate human being.
For more information of Kathryn’s work, you can visit http://www.kokidsbooks.com.
Check back in all month for more reviews, interviews, and fun with Kathryn Otoshi!
