Sunny Seki’s new book “Hokusai’s Daughter” introduces a girl who will not give up
Hokusai’s Daughter, released in early October, is the fifth book written and illustrated by Sunny Seki. Awarded 2024 Book of the Year by Creative Child Magazine, the story features Eijo, who shows that a girl with grit, determination, passion and a paintbrush can achieve amazing things!
Eijo is the daughter of the famous artist Hokusai. She was his constant companion, and she always carried her own bag of brushes and the same artistic passion as her dad. Even though she was talented, people dismissed her skill because she was a girl. Not being discouraged, she was determined to prove them wrong, and to become the proverbial koi that swims to the top of a waterfall and becomes a mighty dragon.
Katsushika Oi, aka Eijo, created many beautiful pieces of art, and contributed to her father’s later works. In fact, it is believed that many pieces signed by the elderly Hokusai were actually created by the hand of Eijo. Sunny’s beautifully-illustrated bilingual story celebrates the power of grit and expression, and teaches children of all ages to believe in themselves and follow their passions.
Hokusai’s Daughter includes an appendix for parents and teachers to gain an increased understanding about this father and daughter, as well as traditions about koinobori and woodblock prints. It also features samples of work from both artists.
Sunny Seki is the author-illustrator of New Folktales from Old Japan – a series of bilingual books for children. His other titles include the award-winning Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll and The Tale of the Lucky Cat, as well as The Last Kappa of Old Japan and The Little Kokeshi Doll from Fukushima.
These stories highlight the values of courage, selflessness, loyalty, determination, and the value of art. Sunny performs his stories through shadow puppetry and audience-interactive readings at libraries, schools, and public events. He also teaches Japanese senryu poetry, and he formerly operated Sunny Seki Photography. He and his wife Judy live in San Gabriel, and they have nine children.
His books are available at Kinokuniya bookstores, Sunny Seki’s events, and online. More information is available at www.sunnyseki.com and www.tuttlepublishing.com
