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ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: MOLE IS NOT ALONE
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://petitemayat.com
CITY: Boston
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Female.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer, illustrator, and children’s book designer. Penguin Random House, designer.
AWARDS:Theodore Seuss Geisel Award Honor, 2021, for The Bear in My Family.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
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Maya Tatsukawa is a children’s book author and illustrator. She got her start as a designer for publishers such as Dial Books for Young Readers, and she continues to work as a children’s book designer for Penguin Random House. She has also started writing and illustrating her own books as well as illustrating the works of others. She lives just outside of Boston, where she enjoys searching for the perfect scone.
Tatsukawa’s debut was her self-illustrated picture book The Bear in My Family. It is a book about a child who lives with a bear, a situation that is unpleasant given the bear’s teeth, “mean eyes,” and “bossy” demeanor. Things turn around, however, when the child encounters some bullies on the playground. Then the roaring bear comes to the rescue. The book ends with the twist that the bear is, in fact, the protagonist’s older sister. The book received a Theodore Seuss Geisel Award Honor in 2021.
“A thoroughly charming take on sibling relationships,” wrote a reviewer in Kirkus Reviews. They appreciated the illustrations’ “cute details” and described the text as “simple and straightforward.” The result is a “metaphorical but completely accessible tale.” Elissa Gershowitz, writing in Horn Book, agreed, writing that “younger sibs everywhere should relate” to the story. She pointed out that the illustrations’ “rounded edges and subdued hues” work to “defuse the anger and de-claw the danger.”
Sunday Pancakes is about the chaos and joy that come when three friends make the titular item. Cat realizes that they do not have all the ingredients, but Rabbit and Moonbear bring what they need. The trio set out to make breakfast, but ingredients are spilled on the floor, and some pancakes do not turn out the way they are supposed to. The three overcome those difficulties with real affection for each other and the treat of eating what they themselves have made. Tatsukawa has included a recipe for young readers (and their older relatives) who might want to make pancakes themselves.
A writer in Publishers Weekly described the characters as resembling “plush toys” and the story as embodying “the essence of home cooking’s joys.” They particularly enjoyed how the characters “make each other feel cozy and welcome.” A reviewer in Kirkus Reviews also enjoyed this outing, praising the illustrations for their “warm palette” and how they “exude softness.” Their verdict was that the book is a “delightful, delectable read.”
Mole Is Not Alone is another picture book about the joys of friendship. Mole is ambling through underground tunnels to reach a party. On the way, however, he starts to worry that he may not enjoy the party. It might be too loud, or maybe he will not know anyone there. He is also concerned he will not know what to say. Fortunately, along the way, he meets someone who is also not sure they want to attend the party. When the two arrive, the host affirms that the guests are loved even if they decide they would rather not stay. Tatsukawa’s illustrations of the tunnels mirror Mole’s emotional indecision.
“Tiny touches” in the illustrations “reward careful looking,” wrote a reviewer in Publishers Weekly. They appreciated that the story embraces “gentle camaraderie” rather than “forced revelry.” A writer in Kirkus Reviews called the book a “sensitive, funny, yet deeply thoughtful exploration of difficult feelings,” and they appreciated the “enchanting world” the illustrations convey. They also wrote that the book’s conclusion is one that “lets young introverts know that they can have fun on their own terms.” Julia Smith, in Booklist, agreed, calling the story a “comforting and reassuring” tale that will resonate with young readers who are “sensitive to large gatherings.” Smith described the illustrations as “adorable” and filled with “whimsical details.”
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BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, September 15, 2023, Julia Smith, review of Mole Is Not Alone, p. 54.
Horn Book, May-June, 2020, Elissa Gershowitz, review of The Bear in My Family, p. 111.
Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2020, review of The Bear in My Family; March 1, 2021, review of Dandelion Magic; April 15, 2022, review of Sunday Pancakes; August 15, 2023, review of Mole Is Not Alone.
Publishers Weekly, March 21, 2022, review of Sunday Pancakes, p. 75; August 21, 2023, review of Mole Is Not Alone, p. 57.
ONLINE
Caroline Kusin Pritchard, https://carolinekusinpritchard.com (April 19, 2020), author interview.
Maya Tatsukawa website, https://petitemayat.com/ (April 9, 2024), author website.
MAYA TATSUKAWA
illustrator & book designer & translator
Hello, I'm Maya!
And yes, I am petite (which means small in french) but bigger than a pencil.
My life and work is a never-ending happy project, where I strive to add a small piece of happiness to a person's day with a smile or laugh in the picture books I illustrate and sometimes write. I also design children's books created by brilliant authors and illustrators during the day for Penguin Random House.
When I'm not designing, illustrating, or thinking about children's books,
you can find me baking desserts, eating ice cream, or searching for
the perfect scone just outside of Boston.
For book design or JP→EN translation inquiries,
please contact me at petitemayat(at)gmail.com
For book illustration inquiries,
please contact my lovely agent, Wendi Gu, at wgu(at)sjga.com
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絵本作家・児童書デザイナー・翻訳家
マサチューセッツ州で生まれ育ち、現在もボストン在住。
絵本作家、児童書デザイナー、日英翻訳家として活動。
日常生活での小さな幸せを忘れない事を心掛けながら、
チャーミングで笑顔になる作品を目標にしている。
連絡はこちらまでお願いします。
petitemayat(at)gmail.com
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BOOKS
The Bear in My Family (2020, Dial Books)
Dandelion Magic (2021, Dial Books)
Sunday Pancakes (2022, Dial Books)
Give This Book Away (2022, Knopf Books)
Mole is Not Alone (2023, Henry Holt)
Otter Carries On (2025, Henry Holt)
AWARDS
Theodore Seuss Geisel Award Honor 2021 - The Bear in My Family
Interview with Maya Tatsukawa— The Bear in My Family
Posted April 19, 2020
It was a privilege to interview author and illustrator Maya Tatsukawa about her debut book The Bear in My Family! This delightful release has received wide praise, including a starred review from Kirkus!
The Bear in My Family offers a welcome take on sibling dynamics, at once humorous and heartwarming in a way that feels deeply relatable for families.
If the story resonates with you, I hope you will:
Find your favorite indie bookstore online (mine are Books, Inc. and Keplers)
Order The Bear in My Family for yourself or someone you love
Spread the word! Share this post, write about the book on your own platforms, keep the buzz alive. It is a win : win : win for your community, the author, and for YOU. You will fall in love with this story!
My oldest cannot get over the surprise twist at the end of the story. He demands we read it over and over again— the ultimate sign of a beloved picture book! Where did the idea for The Bear in My Family first spark?
I enjoy books with a surprise or plot twist. And one day, I was walking back to my house when I suddenly thought, wouldn’t it be funny if a kid is living with a bear. But at the very end, we find out it’s an older sibling! I quickly wrote it down on my list of ideas in my phone.
What is your favorite line from the book?
“The bear sleeps there.”
Our two sons each take turns being like the bear in your story. It has become such a helpful metaphor for when one kid provokes the other, but also for the importance of protecting each other. What do you hope kids take away from this story?
There are so many take-aways that emerged in this story from when I first started this book. But my original intention was, even when we’re annoyed by family members, we love them and they love and care about us too!
What is a meaningful moment in your journey of bringing this book to life?
This is my first picture book, so there have been many meaningful moments throughout the whole journey. But the best part was probably when my editor surprised me with an offer for a contract. I used to work as a designer with the awesome Dial team before I moved abroad for a bit. It was almost 2 years since I had been back to the states, so I had to include a visit to the old Penguin offices. Until then, I occasionally shared dummies but never expected anything. I was just grateful that my former colleagues would take the time to read them and offer any feedback. I also became close friends to an editor (who became my editor for the Bear book) after I left Dial.
A couple of weeks before my visit, I sent her an email reminding her of the date but she never responded. I thought it was strange but later realized, it was the only way for her to keep the offer a secret until she could surprise me in person!
Plot or characters first?
Hmm… It depends. I feel like both are very intertwined when I get an idea.
Illustrator hero?
So many and I’m always discovering new ones! But my favorites as a kid were Gomi Taro, Tove Jansson, James Marshall. I still look to them for inspiration.
Words of wisdom for aspiring illustrators?
I don’t know if I qualify to give words of wisdom since I’m always questioning myself as an illustrator. But I try to remind myself to not be so hard on my work or my pace. And to not compare myself with all of the talented artists around the world. If I start to feel lost, I remember what I hope to achieve through my art and stories — making the reader/viewer smile or laugh, and hopefully add a small piece of happiness to their day.
What is giving you hope today?
The acts of compassion and love I hear about, especially with everything that’s going on right now.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
It feels strange to be promoting my book with the current global situation. So I’ve been trying to find a way I can do that while also helping out the indie bookstores, libraries, and publishing industry. I’m hoping to draw some Instagram posts to create awareness and remind people of ways they can support the book industry, so all of the people behind the scenes can continue providing great books to readers! And maybe make some coloring pages for the kids (& adults!) cooped up inside.
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The Bear in My Family is published by Dial Books and launched on March 10, 2020
Tatsukawa, Maya THE BEAR IN MY FAMILY Dial (Children's Fiction) $17.99 3, 10 ISBN: 978-0-525-55582-7
A young boy describes the bear that lives with him.
The story opens on the face of an unhappy kid who lives with a bear. The protagonist goes on to show a diagram of the bear, who has "sharp teeth," "mean eyes," and "strong arms." The bear is loud, roaring when the narrator is trying to sleep. The bear is "messy," "bossy," and "always hungry," even stealing the narrator's food. The bear is "strong" and plays a little rough. The kid tries to tell Mom, but she dismisses the protagonist, suggesting some outside play in the park. At the park, three bigger kids start bullying the narrator, who suddenly wishes there were a bear to help out--and there's the bear! After this rescue, the kid realizes that sometimes having a bear can be pretty great. It seems having a bear in the family is a lot like having an older sibling. Tatsukawa writes and illustrates a metaphorical but completely accessible tale for any child who has an older sibling. Displayed in a combination of printed text and hand-lettered speech bubbles, the writing is simple and straightforward. The illustrations have a textured-paper look, with cute details, such as the protagonist's bee sweater and the lion, snake, and shark sweaters the bullies wear. Narrator and family present Asian, and the other kids have a variety of skin tones and hair colors.
A thoroughly charming take on sibling relationships. (Picture book. 3-7)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Tatsukawa, Maya: THE BEAR IN MY FAMILY." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Jan. 2020, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A611140254/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fa5ff8f2. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
The Bear in My Family
by Maya Tatsukawa; illus. by the author
Preschool, Primary Dial 32 pp. g
3/20 978-0-525-55582-7 $17.99
e-book ed. 978-0-525-55583-4 $10.99
A child asserts that there is a bear in his family, and indeed the illustrations show a little boy sharing space with a large gray creature. "Scary, right?" The bear is loud, bossy, and messy. Though the grownups don't see it, we do, as the bear roars the protagonist awake, hogs the chips, and effortlessly picks the boy up and dangles him upside down. Viewers may catch on early that the "bear" is in fact an older sibling. A clever family photo shows Mom holding a newborn (whose blanket matches the main character's sweater) and Dad with a cub on his shoulders; the text reads, "For some reason, my parents think the bear is family." One day, after being sent outside to play, the boy is sitting dejectedly on a swing. When some bullies arrive, he experiences the upside of having a bear (and big sister) in his corner. The digitally created art "with handmade textures" is spare, with rounded edges and subdued hues that defuse the anger and de-claw the danger. Younger sibs everywhere should relate to our protagonist's point of view--and to his eventual realization: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2020 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Sources, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.hbook.com/magazine/default.asp
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Gershowitz, Elissa. "The Bear in My Family." The Horn Book Magazine, vol. 96, no. 3, May-June 2020, p. 111. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A627391215/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=fa349ec3. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
Farrell, Darren DANDELION MAGIC Dial Books (Children's None) $17.99 4, 20 ISBN: 978-0-593-11290-8
A story of magic, sea voyages, and dandelions that isn’t all hot air.
Did you know that each year there’s one dandelion that’s full of magic? At least that’s what Jonah’s nana believes. She knows that it must be true because once she found one, blew away the fluffy seeds, and Jonah appeared. Today is a lucky day because Jonah has found this year’s magical dandelion! He’s going to need readers to help, though, to blow away the seeds and unlock the wonder. Readers blow, conjuring pirate ships, dragons, and pizza as Jonah sails for adventure. Thankfully, Super-Nana is nearby to help solve the spiraling problems that magic can sometimes create. Readers will blow, roar, and (best of all) make rude noises to help activate the magic and guide the fun. The interactive invitations are hardly new, but the story is both amusing and guided by convincingly childlike logic, and the right storyteller will have listeners laughing with anticipation for the next gag. Although the text is perfect for group sharing, the low contrast in the soft pastel illustrations suggests a relatively small group for best results. Readers close enough to take in Tatsukawa’s textured details will be beguiled. Jonah and his nana both have pale skin. His hair is shaggy and brown; hers is worn in a neat white bun. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.5-by-19-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)
Lighter-than-air fun. (Picture book. 4-6)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Farrell, Darren: DANDELION MAGIC." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2021, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A653125501/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=b47d5589. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
Maya Tatsukawa. Dial, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-593-40663-2
The goal is to eat pancakes for Sunday breakfast--but to do that, a lavender cat and its friends, a teal rabbit and pink bear, have to actually make them. First, Cat realizes that the fridge lacks both eggs and milk. Rabbit has eggs, though, and also arrives bringing fresh-picked blueberries and carrots; Moonbear brings milk and some special honey. Chaos quickly follows when Rabbit spills ingredients on the floor, Moonbear slips on a carrot, and the freshly opened flour covers everyone ("POOF!") in a cloud of white. But the trio's affection for one another runs deep; they quickly recover from the mishaps (flour-covered Bear embraces a polar bear mien, letting out a jokey "GRRRR!" as the others giggle). And when Rabbit makes a misshapen pancake, the friends immediately realize that it resembles Moonbear's head, and intentionally make two more pancake portraits with blueberry eyes: "TA-DA! It's us!" With characters who resemble plush toys, a cheery pastel palette, and off-thecuff-sounding dialogue, Tatsukawa (The Bear in My Family) creates a hanging-outin-the-kitchen mood that embodies the essence of home cooking's joys. The pancakes are conveyed as indeed delicious (the characters make more for dinner), but for readers, they're really just icing on the cake of witnessing characters who make each other feel cozy and welcome. A pancake recipe concludes. Ages 4--8. Agent: Wendi Gu, Sanford J. Greenburger & Assoc. (May)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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"Sunday Pancakes." Publishers Weekly, vol. 269, no. 12, 21 Mar. 2022, p. 75. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A698558526/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=d829f910. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
Tatsukawa, Maya SUNDAY PANCAKES Dial Books (Children's None) $17.99 5, 17 ISBN: 978-0-593-40663-2
A furry trio go on a breakfast adventure.
A striped purple kitty wants pancakes for breakfast. Dialogue serves as the narrative as Cat goes through the ingredients list and quickly realizes that milk and eggs are needed. Cat uses a string telephone to ask a blue rabbit and a red moon bear for the items and their company. Surrounded by simply textured whimsical trees, the friends each set out for the house, with Rabbit singing about pancakes along the way. The friends' attempts to make pancakes yield comic results. Rabbit trips, spilling ingredients, which leads to more slips and nearly ruins the honey and eggs. After creating a poof of flour that envelops the group, Rabbit decides to stick to cleanup duty. Cat flips the pancakes while Moonbear looks on. Modeling creativity and patience, the friends eventually enjoy their pancakes, making the best of mishaps along the way. After a group nap, the friends wake up to a new surprise. With each page divided into panels, the simple colored cartoons, rendered in a warm palette, exude softness. Japanese culture is incorporated through a few ingredients and household objects, and a pancake recipe is included.
A delightful, delectable read. (Picture book. 3-5)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Tatsukawa, Maya: SUNDAY PANCAKES." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A700219991/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=5b82efd2. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
Mole Is Not Alone
Maya Tatsukawa. Holt, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-250-86964-7
An invitation to a party at Rabbit's sets off an agony of indecision for Mole that will be familiar to any reader acquainted with social anxiety. Soft colors and ample speech bubbles by Tatasukawa (Sunday Pancakes) follow Mole's ruminations. "Maybe I will have fun," thinks Mole, lying in bed. A plan to make cream puffs takes shape, and Mole soon sets off along underground tunnels for Rabbit's, box in paw. Then worry takes over: "I never know what to say... it's always so awkward." The closer Mole gets to Rabbit's house, the more tension mounts as the twists and turns of Mole's path mirror the back and forth of the animal's resolve ("AHHHH! This was a terrible idea!"). Mole is not the only one who's reluctant to brave the gathering, however, and readers will share Mole's relief as another guest also acknowledges preferring a quieter time. Tiny touches in the spreads reward careful looking, from the neatly stored blueprints in Mole's cozy underground refuge to cutaways that reveal other animals' preparations--it's a story about anticipatory worry that ends not with forced revelry, but with a "Maybe... next time?" and gentle camaraderie found. Ages 4--8. Agent: Wendi Gu. Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Oct.)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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"Mole Is Not Alone." Publishers Weekly, vol. 270, no. 34, 21 Aug. 2023, p. 57. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A763459967/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=cba31de1. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
Tatsukawa, Maya MOLE IS NOT ALONE Henry Holt (Children's None) $18.99 10, 3 ISBN: 9781250869647
A mole struggles with social anxiety.
"Should I actually go this time?" asks shy Mole upon receiving an invitation to Rabbit's Moon Harvest Party. Mole tries different tactics in an attempt to feel brave: envisioning a positive outcome, preparing a sweet treat to delight the other guests, and even bargaining. Still, Mole is consumed with doubt, and the little creature travels to the party through a series of underground tunnels that become increasingly twisty and complex--a lovely visual touch that reflects Mole's own emotions. Once aboveground, Mole finds a kindred spirit in Skunk, who's also ambivalent about attending the soiree. When Rabbit lets the two of them in, they both decide not to enter. Rabbit lets the pair know they are loved and appreciated no matter what, and Mole and Skunk find themselves having a good time on their own. After all, a party for two is still a party. Soft, muted artwork depicts an utterly cozy and enchanting world. The illustrations are filled with a trove of delightful details, from the books in Mole's chambers to hidden gems in the dirt surrounding the tunnels. Mole's self-talk ("I never know what to say " "It's always so awkward") is endearing and all too relatable. Ultimately, Tatsukawa brings this tale to a satisfying conclusion that lets young introverts know that they can have fun on their own terms. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A sensitive, funny, yet deeply thoughtful exploration of difficult feelings. (Picture book. 3-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Tatsukawa, Maya: MOLE IS NOT ALONE." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Aug. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A760508294/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=43623e27. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
Mole Is Not Alone. By Maya Tatsukawa. Illus. by the author. Oct. 2023.40p. Holt, $18.99 (9781250869647). PreS-Gr. 2.
A party: it's an introvert's nightmare, and Mole has just received an invitation to Rabbit's harvest moon party. Tucked in their cozy burrow that's filled with books and other creature comforts, Mole ponders, "Hmm ... should I actually go this time?" And so the inner debate and self-talk begins. As Mole mentally runs through a list of scenarios well known to those with social anxiety ("But what if I only know Rabbit?"; "But what am I going to say?"), they get ready and begin the journey to Rabbit's, which takes them through tunnels that reveal cutaway glimpses of other animals' homes. A sweet plot twist results in a satisfying resolution and a new friend. Tatsukawa's adorable illustrations employ rubber stamps, handmade textures, and a muted palette, and her rounded figures and whimsical details would be at home on any nursery blanket, making the story's handling of social anxiety feel comforting and reassuring. Little ones sensitive to large gatherings will readily identify with Mole and appreciate Rabbit's understanding of their friend's disposition. A charming SEL offering.--Julia Smith
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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Smith, Julia. "Mole Is Not Alone." Booklist, vol. 120, no. 2, 15 Sept. 2023, p. 54. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A767773168/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=13b5518d. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.