Tama and Baby

Born in Tokyo, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start with picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku workshop, a Tokyo bookshop specializing in picture books. Since then, she has produced numerous picture books featuring her softly styled color-pencil drawings. She now lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues. Since the earthquake of March 2011, she has been active in recovery and shelter efforts for abandoned pets. David Boyd teaches translation at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies. He won the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission Prize for the Translation of Japanese Literature in 2018 for Slow Boat by Hideo Furukawa, in 2022 for The Hole by Hiroko Oyamada, and in 2024 for Takaoka’s Travels by Tatsuhiko Shibusawa. Asa Yoneda has translated books by Yukiko Motoya, Rin Usami, and Banana Yoshimoto, among others. Asa’s translation of Under the Eye of the Big Bird (Hiromi Kawakami) was shortlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize.

“Pencil-like linework, minimal but evocative details, and spot colors [lend] warmth and intimacy as the youth, and the relationship, mature… It’s a clear-eyed take on adjustment and a reassuring model that honors the challenges and rewards of welcoming a new family member with open paws.”