Like most writers and illustrators, Kathryn is busier than busy. My curiosity got the best of me, and I swamped Kathryn with 25 detailed and probing questions. Otoshi has been a guest speaker at over 100 venues, including the San Francisco Writers Conference and a keynote speaker at the International Reading Association (Canada). Her newest book, “Zero”, is about finding value in ourselves and in others. White Read Aloud Honor Book and the Teacher’s Choice Award, is an anti-bullying book introducing colors, numbers, and counting while playing on larger themes of acceptance, tolerance, and the power of one voice. Her book “One”, winner of 16 awards, including the E.B. Marcello garnered the Writer’s Digest Award for Best Children’s Book, the DIY Best Children’s Book, the Hollywood Book Festival Award, and the Eric Hoffer Notable Award. She teamed up with author Liz Hockinson and created the illustrations for “Marcello the Movie Mouse”(2005). This was followed by “Simon & the Sock Monster”, short listed as a USA Book News Honoree, and “The Saddest Little Robot” (2004), a BookSense Pick. Otoshi’s first book as author and illustrator was “What Emily Saw”, a Borders Original New Voice Nominee.

Prior to this, Otoshi worked in the film industry at Disney’s ImageMovers Digital (Christmas Carol) as well as George Lucas’s Industrial Light & Magic (Star Wars) as the Graphic Design and Multimedia Art Director. Kathryn Otoshi is a children’s book author and illustrator living in the San Francisco Bay Area. And now, it is my honor to introduce this lovely woman to you. It has been my pleasure to get to know her. Kathryn was extremely responsive, very sweet and gracious. The more I observed, the more my curiosity about this award-winning author/illustrator grew until one day, I thought, Why not introduce yourself, and see if she would be willing to answer some questions. Otoshi’s amazing success as an independent publisher. Kathryn’s second picture book “Zero,” has been just as successful as “One.” During this interview, I was excited to learn that “Two,” the third book in the number series, will be released next year. I sure am proud to be in such excellent company.

My book, “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa,” won the silver, and I became curious about my competition, so I purchased a copy of “One.” It did not take me long to understand why “One” took the gold. I first became aware of Kathryn Otoshi’s talents when her book, “One,” was awarded the gold medal in the Independent Publisher Book Awards. Following is the interview as it appeared in 2013. I thought it might be fun to bring this oldie but goodie back for all you Kathryn fans. But one thing I know for sure is her success continues to grow. I’m sure a lot has changed for Kathryn since then. This two-part Q&A with Kathryn Otoshi was originally posted way back in 2013.

Zero by kathryn otoshi