On Family, Love, and Creating: Jocelyn Chung & Julia Kuo (When Love is More Than Words) in conversation with Jasmine Fang

Jasmine: Hi Jocelyn and Julia! Congratulations Jocelyn on your debut picture book, and thank you both for creating WHEN LOVE IS MORE THAN WORDS. I was immediately intrigued by the title and thrilled to see this Taiwanese American pairing. What a beautiful story that will resonate deeply with young readers. This book is a mirror for me, as I felt transported back to my Taiwanese childhood.  I love that you’ve captured the magic of intergenerational love in WHEN LOVE IS MORE THAN WORDS. What…

I DREAM OF POPO is the Taiwanese American story of all generations

"When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong." "I Dream of Popo," published in January of 2021, was shaped by a triumvirate of Taiwanese American women: author Livia Blackburne, illustrator Julia Kuo, and editor Connie Hsu (Roaring Brook Press). In an editor's note, Hsu writes that signing Kuo imbued the picture…

Taipei Guide: An Illustrated Exploration

Welcome to Taipei, Taiwan / Every year, I pick a month or two between November and February to spend in Taipei. These long trips are made possible by working remotely as a freelance illustrator. But once each day’s work is done, I’m free to grab my sketchbook and explore. This annual trip is my chance to conveniently miss a chunk of Chicago winter and to enjoy daily life in Asia, surrounded by mochi and savory buns. It’s an eating paradise. With vendors hawking sweet and savory treats…

Julia Kuo with Author of “The Sound of Silence”

The Japanese Tea Garden welcomes San Francisco author Katrina Goldsaito and Taiwanese American artist Julia Kuo (who we have interviewed before) for an interactive reading with live illustrations. Their new book, THE SOUND OF SILENCE, follows a little boy through the hustle and bustle of Tokyo as he searches for the elusive sound. The reading is for all ages, and author and artist will stay for a Q&A and book signing. With koto performance by Yoshio Saito 9:45 a.m. Monday October 3rd (entrance…