🎨 From Ballet Shoes to Picture Books: The Creative Journey of Momoko Abe | Creatives Across Borders 🌍

In this inspiring episode of Creatives Across Borders, I sit down with the incredibly talented Momoko Abe—Japanese-born author, illustrator, and creative powerhouse behind the hit picture book Avocado Asks.

We explore Momoko’s unique path from aspiring ballerina in Tokyo to filmmaker in London, and ultimately, to becoming a rising star in the UK children's book scene. She opens up about:

• Her cultural transition from Japan to the UK
• Breaking into traditional publishing
• The influence of Ukiyo-e and kawaii culture on her work
• Winning awards and working with the likes of John Agard and Jeanne Willis
• The real talk on making a living as a creative—and why she still works a part-time job in TV 🎬

Whether you're an aspiring illustrator, a fellow creative, or just curious about the global journeys artists take, this conversation is packed with insight, warmth, and encouragement. 💫

Chitra Soundar is a celebrated children's book author with over 50 published books. Chitra's journey from a computer scientist in India to a full-time storyteller is filled with cultural richness and deep creative insight. She discusses her path from early scribbles to professional writing, her creative strategies, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers. Chitra elaborates on her multifaceted career, including writing picture books, educational stories, and TV scripts, particularly highlighting her recent work on the children's TV show Nikhil and Jay on CBeebies. Also mentioned are her experiences with industry connections and professional organizations like SCBWI and Colourful Connections, which have played pivotal roles in her career. With dedicated work habits derived from her tech background and a commitment to authentic storytelling, Chitra's narrative is both inspirational and educational for anyone intrigued by children's media.

A summary of the show including related links can be found in this post:
https://wafunkpublishing.com/creatives-across-borders-chitra-soundar/

Marissa Valdez is a talented Hispanic-American illustrator and #1 New York Times bestselling artist, about her incredible journey into the world of children's books.

Starting with a degree in animation, Marissa’s path was far from straightforward. From working as a graphic designer to a preschool teacher, a life-changing podcast finally inspired her to pursue children’s book illustration. Today, she creates magical stories from her home in Birmingham, UK, where she lives with her husband.

During our conversation, Marissa shared:

• Her insights on the differences between American and UK illustration styles.
• How her Hispanic heritage influences her vibrant, character-filled artwork.
• The business side of her arts including her teaching courses and art licensing
• Practical tips for aspiring illustrators.
• Sneak peeks into her current and upcoming projects!

If you’re an artist, writer, or just love children’s literature, you won’t want to miss her inspiring story!