Illustration of child swimming with fish near reef.
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Saki Tanaka, Illustration for Between Words (Orchard Books). Collection of the artist. © 2024 Saki Tanaka. 

Virtual Storytime and Character Design Activity with Saki Tanaka

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Join Saki Tanaka for a special peek behind the curtains of how Between Words: A Friendship Tale and its magical pool-dwellers came to be. After reading the book, Saki will share the inspiration behind her art and world-building. This presentation will include a creative activity that demonstrates how we can draw on our sparks, our self, and what we want to see in the world to design the characters that inhabit our stories.

Who You'll Meet
Artist Saki Tanaka

Saki Tanaka

Saki Tanaka is a Mexican-Japanese author and illustrator who grew up moving around the world and now lives in Denver, Colorado. She likes to dream up enchanting stories that embrace young readers, empowering them find a sense of belonging and connection. Her picture books include Between Words: A Friendship Tale (Scholastic), and Nimbus Plays Alone (Macmillan). Her work has been exhibited at the New York Public Library, the Salmagundi Art Club, the Society of Illustrators, and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Artist website
Explore Further
Illustration of girl in two landscapes mirror-imaged.
Upcoming Exhibition

Sprites, Spells, and Splashes: Magical Beings in Picture Book Art

November 22, 2025 - April 26, 2026