Monica Mikai – illustratör

Gardens are glorious places blossoming with joy, wonder, and wisdom too. Whether it’s greeting the possibilities of each sunrise with the daylilies or appreciating what makes us as unique as the polkadot plant; whether it’s contemplating life’s thorns with the roses or standing as tall as a sunflower, spending time in nature can give us new ways of seeing. This flora-filled ode will inspire readers to observe the plants around them and appreciate the things that make each one - and each of us - special.

An endlessly charming picture book about how a Jamaican family living in Alaska keeps its culture alive.While it may be cold and snowy outside their window, for a Jamaican family living in Alaska, it is warm and cozy inside their kitchen. No matter the weather, Mama's Sunday cooking reminds them of Caribbean sunshine.Author Patrice Gopo, a Jamaican American raised in Alaska, guides young readers through the seasons and how one family keeps their culture present in their lives, even when home is very far away. Illustrator Monica Mikai stunningly brings the majestic landscape of Alaska to life. Complete with an author's note, glossary, and recipe, Beyond Alaska's Window celebrates two distinct places and cultures with adoration and wonder.

Bread, milk, wool, fruits and vegetables: things that fill our day to day lives. But where and who, do they come from? Across wheat fields and city rooftop gardens, mushroom beds and maple forests, Thank a Farmer traces the food and clothing that a family uses back to the people who harvested and created them.With Maria Gianferrari’s informed and poetic text and monumental artwork from Monica Mikai, Thank a Farmer gently emphasises the importance of agriculture in our day-to-day lives and reminds readers to give thanks to farmworkers around the world.

Mama and I are on our way to the Women’s March. I wish we were going somewhere else. Some place fun.Overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the protest, Hope is unsure of how she fits into this movement and how she can make her voice heard—after all, she didn’t seem to have any power when her teacher discriminated against her in class. But when she and Mama join a group of Black women protesters, Hope sees herself in them and discovers that one voice, no matter how small, can make powerful change.With propulsive writing and vibrant, accessible artwork, The March for Hope is an electrifying call to action and a heartfelt reminder of our own inherent strength.

Grammy Award-winner Rhiannon Giddens celebrates Black history and culture in her unflinching, uplifting and gorgeously illustrated picture book debut.Acclaimed musician, Rhiannon Giddens, has long used her art to mine America’s musical past and manifest its future, passionately recovering lost voices and reconstructing a nation’s musical heritage. Build a House tells the moving story of a people who would not be moved and the music that sustained them.Steeped in sorrow and joy, resilience and resolve, turmoil and transcendence, this dramatic debut offers a proud view of history and a vital message: honour your heritage, express your truth and let your voice soar, even, or perhaps especially, when your heart is heaviest.