Hokusai's Daughter - by Sunny Seki (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

* Skipping Stones Book Award 2025 *
* Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year 2024 - Bilingual Story Books for Kids *
* Freeman Book Award Honorable Mention 2024 - Children's and Young Adult Literature on East and Southeast Asia *

A girl with grit, determination, passion and a paintbrush--can achieve amazing things!

Whether working in his studio or out in the field, Japanese artist Hokusai had a constant companion--his youngest daughter, Eijo. Wherever they went, Eijo brought along her own bag of brushes and the same artistic brilliance and passion as her dad. Hokusai's Daughter tells the story of a clever girl who refuses to believe that only men can create great works of art.

Told that she can't become an artist because she's a girl, Eijo sets out to prove everyone wrong. She's determined to become the proverbial koi that swims up the waterfall and becomes a mighty dragon--fighting against the current to be the person she is meant to be.

Katsushika Oi, called Eijo, created many remarkable artworks and had a hand in her illustrious father's later work. This beautifully illustrated bilingual story book celebrates the power of grit and artistic expression, as it introduces young readers to a trailblazing figure who, like her famous father, left a lasting impression in the world of art. Hokusai's Daughter is a timeless tale that teaches kids to believe in themselves and follow their passion.

Includes an appendix to help parents share information with their kids about Hokusai--his influence and style--and his daughter Eijo, as well as traditions about koi and how woodblock prints are made. Samples of Eijo's work will include images from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Menard Art Museum, and the Tokyo National Museum.

Review Quotes

Skipping Stones Book Award 2025
Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year 2024 - Bilingual Story Books for Kids
Freeman Book Award Honorable Mention 2024 - Children's and Young Adult Literature on East and Southeast Asia

"For those who are looking for an interesting story with illustrations to match, Seki more than delivers with Hokusai's Daughter. And for anyone whose interest is further piqued by the story, Hokusai's Daughter offers many additional opportunities for engagement, extending the story long after it ends." --Asian Review of Books

"I love how this book shares the strength and creativity of a young girl from a time where women were not really seen as capable...It is also an amazing book to read during Women's History Month (March) or Asian Pacific Island Heritage Month (May)." --Crafty Moms Share blog

"A beautifully illustrated and bilingual picture book story that celebrates the power of grit and artistic expression, as it introduces young readers to a trailblazing figure who, like her famous father, left a lasting impression in the world of art. A timeless tale that teaches kids to believe in themselves and follow their passion." -- Midwest Book Review

"Seki's lively and bright illustrations pay homage to Hokusai and his daughter's paintings and hide little surprises, such as Mt. Fuji tucked away in the background or the washi-like textures of the pages. Much of the abundant background detail in Seki's artwork takes on new meaning after reading the back matter. Highly recommended for elementary-schoolers fascinated by Japan." --Booklist Starred Review

About the Author

Sunny Seki is the author-illustrator of bilingual books on Japanese culture for children, highlighting the values of courage, selflessness, loyalty and determination as well as the value of art in the modern world. Specializing in traditional tales, he performs stories through puppetry, teaches Japanese poetry, and is a photographer as well as a writer and an illustrator. He lives with his wife Judy and their children in the Los Angeles area. He has authored several children's books including the award-winning Yuko-Chan and the Daruma Doll and The Last Kappa from Old Japan.