Keiko Kasza was born on a small Japanese island in the Inland Sea of Japan. She grew up in a typical Japanese extended family with her parents, two brothers, and grandparents. Uncles, aunts, and cousins also lived nearby. All the steps I took growing up were very normal, Ms. Kasza says. The only unusual thing I did was go to college in the United States. She graduated with a degree in graphic design from California State University at Northridge. Ms. Kasza married an American, and the United States has been her home ever since.
After publishing five children's books in Japan and working as a
graphic designer for fourteen years, Ms. Kasza decided in 1988 to
devote her time to picture books. She says, Having two small boys
and two professions was too much to handle.Ms. Kasza admires many
great picture-book creators, such as Leo Lionni and Maurice Sendak,
but says that the work of Arnold Lobel has influenced her the most.
The subtle humor and warmth he created in his books continues to
inspire me, she says. I often go back to his work when I get
discouraged or lose confidence.Ms. Kasza compares the process of
making a book to acting on stage under the lights:
I become the character that I'm working on at that moment. I
pretend that I'm a bird looking for a mother, or a pig trying to
impress his girlfriend. When I'm acting, I'm a child myself.Ms.
Kasza's ambition is not to create a hundred books, but to create
one really good book that will be kept on the family bookshelves
for generations, although a hundred really good books would be even
better, of course!Keiko Kasza lives in Indiana with her husband and
two sons.copyright (c) 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young
Readers. All rights reserved.
The message is warm and reassuring, particularly to adoptees, stepkids, and other children who for various reasons don't resemble their caretakers. --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Just right for the preschool group or beginning reader. --Kirkus Reviews, starred review Cheerful, energetic . . . An excellent choice for storytime. --School Library Journal, starred review A profound message, endearingly and subtly delivered. An ideal choice for adopted or foster children. --Publishers Weekly
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