On this episode, I’m joined by award-winning author Maggie Tokuda-Hall to talk about her new picture book Bathtime for Snow Monkeys, illustrated by Yas Imamura and published by Candlewick.

_ Bathtime for Snow Monkeys_ is a serene and playful picture book written entirely in haiku form. Set at the Jigokudani monkey park in Nagano, Japan, the story introduces young readers to the nihonzaru, or Japanese macaques, who gather in their own onsen — a hot spring “spa” — to keep warm, relax, snack, and huddle together in the snow.

When a playful baby monkey starts splashing, the other monkeys are not so sure they want to join in. But as the baby’s antics wind down, the story becomes a soothing invitation for parents and little ones to snuggle together like the macaques: warm, safe, and close.

Maggie and Yas previously collaborated on Love in the Library, and this new book pairs Maggie’s haiku narration with Yas Imamura’s illustrations. We talk about poetry for young readers, writing quiet books, Japanese macaques, nature, cultural specificity, and how picture books can help families slow down.

#MaggieTokudaHall #BathtimeForSnowMonkeys #YasImamura #Candlewick #PictureBooks #KidsBooks #Haiku #SnowMonkeys #JapaneseMacaques #Onsen #ReadAloud #ChildrensBooks #WeMakeChildrensBooks #Storycomic #AuthorInterview

The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid.

See more of Morgan’s Work at: https://morganquaid.com/

Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano

See more of Greg’s work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/

Want to start your own podcast? Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic

Follow us:

Are you curious to see the video version of this interview? It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com

www.patreon.com/storycomic

www.facebook.com/storycomic1

https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/

For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com

Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons,

Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devline, Benjamin Hunting, Samantha Kolber, Frank Walk, Mark Bell, Alexis E. Fajardo, and Matt & Therese.

Check out their fantastic work at:

https://marekbennett.com/

https://www.hexapus-ink.com/

https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/

https://www.vonallan.com/

https://higgins802.com/

https://shewstone.com/

https://www.simkikuznick.com/

https://www.dieboldcomics.com/

https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/

https://benjaminhunting.com/

https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/

https://www.pigmacast.com/

https://plaguedoctorpress.com/

https://kidbeowulf.com/