Jimmy Liao is possibly Taiwan’s most internationally known author and illustrator of picture books for both children and adults. He stands as one of the leading figures in the realm of picture book creators, captivating readers worldwide with his enchanting storytelling and kaleidoscopic illustrations. With a career spanning over two decades, Jimmy has become a global literary icon. After earning an art degree from Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, he worked in advertising for twelve years until a battle with leukemia inspired him to change careers and pursue his passion for picture books.

Jimmy began creating illustrated books in 1998, expanding the readers of picture books beyond children to general audiences. From his debut in 1998 with Secrets in the Woods and A Fish that Smiles at Me, to classics like A Chance of Sunshine, The Moon Forgets, and The Sound of Colors, Jimmy has crafted a rich tapestry of literary works that resonate with readers of all ages. Since he began to devote himself to picture books, he has published 80 (still counting) works in all. His books have been translated into numerous languages, including English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Greek, German, Korean, Thai, Russian, Polish, Estonian, Swedish, and Turkish, spreading his enchanting tales to readers worldwide. He has also created original works for British, American, and Japanese publishers.

Jimmy’s creative brilliance has earned him numerous accolades both locally and internationally. Awards such as the Peter Pan’s Silver Stars Prize by IBBY Sweden, the Special Mention in the Bologna Ragazzi Award, several Golden Tripod Awards in Taiwan, the Belgian literary prize “Le Prix Versele,” the First Prize for artistic illustration from Spain’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, and the “Prix Sorcières” in France underscore the global impact of his storytelling talent.

Studio Voice magazine in Japan recognized Jimmy as one of Asia’s “most creative 55 people,” and the Discovery Channel featured him as one of six outstanding Taiwanese on its show “Portraits Taiwan.” Many of Jimmy’s works have been made into musicals, television dramas, and films. Notably, the animation of A Fish that Smiled at Me received the award for best short film at the 56th Berlin International Film Festival (Ocula, 2024).

What sets Jimmy Liao apart is not just his impressive list of awards but his ability to infuse his illustrations with a profound sense of emotion and depth. His gentle yet refreshing creativity draws viewers into a world of smooth and poetic scenes, offering a source of comfort for all who encounter his work. One of the hallmarks of Jimmy’s work is his innovative use of mixed media, from watercolour and ink to acrylic paint, creating illustrations that are not only visually striking but also integral to the storytelling process. His illustrations serve as a conduit for complex emotions and ideas, enriching the narrative experience for readers. Beyond his success as an author and illustrator, Liao’s transition into oil painting and sculpture shows his unwavering passion for creativity and exploration. His multidimensional approach to creativity reflects his unending drive to push boundaries and challenge norms.

Moreover, Liao’s work goes beyond cultural boundaries, addressing universal themes of love, loss, friendship, and the quest for meaning. While rooted in Taiwanese culture and traditions, his stories possess a universal appeal that resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds.

In essence, Jimmy Liao’s body of work is a celebration of life’s beauty and wonder, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Through his enchanting tales and evocative illustrations, he invites readers to embrace the magic of life and rediscover the joy of seeing the world through fresh eyes. In a world filled with challenges, his stories serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the small wonders that make life truly extraordinary. 

Jimmy Liao’s journey and his works are a testament to the power of art in overcoming challenges and connecting with others on a deeply human level. His books and beautiful art work continue to inspire and enchant, imprinting on the world of picture books and beyond.

Learn more about Jimmy at: Jimmy S.P.A.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Books From Taiwan | Authors. https://booksfromtaiwan.tw/authors_info.php?id=36. Accessed 31 May 2024.

‘Deepest Gratitude’. Taiwan Today, 8 July 2021, https://www.taiwantoday.tw/print.php?unit=36&post=203721.

Duggan, Eleanor. ALMA 2024 Nomination. 24 Apr. 2023.

‘JIMMY S.P.A. OFFICIAL SITE’. Jimmy S.P.A. https://www.jimmyspa.com/en/About/award/ALL. Accessed 7 May 2024.

Jimmy S.P.A. ‘幾米S.P.A. ’. 幾米S.P.A. , https://www.facebook.com/jmy.spa/photos_by. Accessed 31 May 2024.

Ocula. Jimmy Liao, Ocula, 2024, https://ocula.com/artists/jimmy-liao/.

Openbook. Openbook閱讀誌, 23 Oct. 2023, https://www.facebook.com/login/.

‘Under the Same Moon’. Locus International, https://www.locus-international.com/new-gallery-83. Accessed 30 May 2024.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.