Yesterday, I took the bus into NYC-headed to Queens to pick up my friend Yuko and then rode the G train (in a hideous 96 degree heatwave) out to Greenpoint, Brooklyn to finally land at “Word” bookstore. We got ready for her event at noon and soon the room was crowded to hear her read. I remember my first book event and how nervous i was, so i tried to be the literary equivalent of a bridesmaid and be at her beck and call. :) I filmed her reading and she was such a natural! Taught us some Japanese words, read her book through a wooden theater-type contraption with boards (Kamishibai) that pulled out and gave us all these adorable little bear snacks.
“Let’s Scare Bear” (Holiday House) is her first picture book and the illustrations are so cute! I remember when she first got this deal and how exciting it was. And of course, getting all the ladies together is always a blast. We all met at The School of Visual Arts years ago. (taking a course on-you guess it—picture books!) Since then, we broke off and formed our own little critique group called YAKA. We have a hard time meeting these last few years as everyone is super busy-and luckily a bit more successful. But they are salt of the earth and I wish i could see them more. Cheers Yuko!