In the enchanting realm of children’s literature, where imagination knows no bounds and storytelling takes flight, there exists a vibrant community of artists whose brush strokes breathe life into tales of wonder and whimsy. Among these creative artists stands Julia Kuo, a storyteller extraordinaire whose journey into the world of illustration is as colourful and diverse as the characters that come to life from the pages of her books.

Born out of a fusion of artistic talents and personal experiences, Julia’s background serves as a wellspring of inspiration for their work. As a second-generation Taiwanese American who has traversed immigrant-heavy cities like Los Angeles and spent years immersed in the heartland of the Midwest, her multicultural upbringing infuses her illustrations with a rich tapestry of diversity and inclusivity.

“I’ve experienced a huge range of wonderful and terrible experiences all around the US because of how I look,” shares Julia. “It feels only natural to draw characters who look like me and to share stories from my own life experiences.” Through her art, she seeks to normalise the lives and motivations of others, inviting readers to explore worlds different from their own and fostering empathy and understanding along the way.

While some artists may find their calling in children’s literature from the outset, Julia stumbled upon this path through a combination of freelancing and serendipity. “I gradually realised it was a good fit for many reasons,” she explained. “Picture books seem to be accommodating of a wide range in-between, and I have really enjoyed exploring that spectrum.”

From illustrating author’s stories to crafting her own narratives, Julia Kuo embraces the multifaceted nature of their craft with open arms. “I love creating an entire body of work and really fleshing out the visual language and structure that I’ll apply across 32 pages rather than just 1 editorial article,” Julia reflects. With each project, she weaves a tapestry of artistry and storytelling, inviting readers on a journey of discovery and delight.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, Julia fondly recalls one particularly memorable experience—the opportunity to attend a screening of a TV series at the White House. “Thanks to this new connection, I got to sit in the White House, watch Ke Huy Quan introduce President Biden, meet Biden’s chief speechwriter Vinay Reddy, and chat with Kelvin Yu (producer and writer of Bob’s Burgers)!” she exclaimed.

Among her myriad creations, Let’s Do Everything and Nothing holds a special place in Julia’s heart. “I wrote it for my then-to-be husband; we had just climbed a mountain together and got engaged not too long after,” she shared. “I was looking forward to a future together where we would relish the peaceful, mundane days at home as much as the thrilling adventures!”

Navigating the delicate balance between maintaining artistic style and meeting the expectations of authors and publishers, Julia Kuo emphasises the importance of trust and collaboration. “I think the best books come out of relationships where publishers can fully cultivate an illustrator’s style and ideas,” she noted.

In an ever-evolving landscape of children’s literature, Kuo remains committed to representing diverse voices and experiences. “Thankfully, children’s publishing has been shifting to show that our picture book readers are people of colour, they are the children of immigrants, they are of mixed ethnicity,” she affirmed.

As they embark on new projects and collaborations, Julia continues to draw inspiration from their surroundings, their experiences, and the ever-expanding tapestry of human stories. “Success can mean maintaining artistic style, but it can also mean a fruitful collaboration with a publisher that took a project in an unexpected direction,” she reflects.

With each stroke of her brush, Julia Kuo invites readers young and old to embark on a journey of imagination and discovery, where every page turns and unveils a new adventure, a new perspective, and a new opportunity to celebrate the beauty of diversity.

As we eagerly anticipate their next masterpiece, let us revel in the boundless creativity and unwavering passion that define Julia Kuo’s illustrious career, inspiring readers of all ages to embrace the magic of storytelling and the power of diverse voices in shaping our collective narrative.

Learn more about Julia and her stunning artwork at: www.juliakuo.com 

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

‘Frequently Asked Questions – Illustrator Julia Kuo’. Julia Kuo – Editorial & Childrens Book Illustrator, https://www.juliakuo.com/faq. Accessed 2 May 2024.

Kuo, Julia. Personal interview with the author. 18 April 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.