Author-Illustrator Spotlight: Gracey Zhang

© Gracey Zhang

 

June 11, 2021

We are pleased to feature author-illustrator Gracey Zhang and her debut picture book, LALA'S WORDS: A STORY OF PLANTING KINDNESS (Scholastic), coming out July 6. Enter to win a copy!

 

 

Tell us about yourself and how you came to write and illustrate for children.

Hello! I grew up on the west coast of Canada in a suburb of Vancouver called Coquitlam where you’re surrounded by forests, mountains, and ocean. I’ve always loved to live in different worlds and drawing was the most immediate extension of being able to make something for myself in that way.

© Gracey Zhang

After attending art school at the Rhode Island School of Design, I worked a bit in editorial illustration and animation until I was able to work on children’s books full-time.

© Gracey Zhang

 

Congratulations on your debut picture book, Lala's Words: A Story of Planting Kindness! Tell us about the book and what inspired you?

 

Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness was inspired by the relationship with my mother and how the way we communicated influenced how our words transformed all relationships I had in my life. It’s so easy to fall into patterns of being—being present and intentionality are things I’m always trying to work on.

 

© Gracey Zhang

 

Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?

 

The road to publication felt so quick once the ball was rolling but the steps to get there were very much winding with so many fun pit stops along the way. Being able to work with my agent, Hannah Mann is really such a blessing, I had reached out to her years ago and the response was so gracious and warm. I’m so glad we carried on our e-mail correspondences up until I signed with her, it’s been such a fun journey!

 

 

What projects are you working on now?

 

I just wrapped up a fun small project for Soho House which I’m excited to see, but currently working on some other children’s books I am very excited to share hopefully in the next year.

© Gracey Zhang

 

 

What advice would you give to aspiring author-illustrators?

 

To get your work out there, even if you don’t feel like it’s at the perfect stage yet! No one can know what you’re doing if you don’t show it. 

 

© Gracey Zhang

 

What is something most people don't know about you?

 

It might seem apparent from how the first words of Lala’s Words begins, but I love, love, love, the heat and humidity. The hotter and stickier it is outside—the happier my heart is. My relationship with New York winters is still something I’m working on. 

 

© Gracey Zhang

 

Where can people find you online?

 

I can be found on Instagram @graceyyz 

© Gracey Zhang

 

  

Gracey Zhang is an illustrator/animator, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, she received her BA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is currently based in New York where she works from her Brooklyn artist studio. Lala’s Words: A Story of Planting Kindness is her debut picture book. 

 

 

 

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