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Year of the Dragon T-shirts Are Here! January 21, 2024 18:32

New for 2024, Year of the Dragon t-shirts created in honor of an auspicious symbol of prosperity, luck, and power. The Dragon is here to ignite your passion, fuel your ambitions, and remind you to chase your dreams fearlessly. Wear this tee to honor the spirit of this magnificent zodiac sign and seize the opportunities this year holds! 

The Lunar New Year starts this year on February 10th. It is one of my favorite holidays as it is such a festive time and I love the spirit of wishing yourself and others health, luck, and prosperity for the new year.

Shirts are available in adults and kids sizes and, brand new for this year, infant onesies! Find the shirts on my site here: https://wanart.com/collections/apparel

year of dragon tshirt
Our best-selling Lion Dance t-shirts are now available in this Golden Moon edition:

liondance tshirt

Keep an eye out for my newest book in the Piggyback Pals layered board book series Easter Cuties!

easter cuties joyce wan

May this upcoming year be filled with abundant blessings and opportunities.
xo-Joyce


New Release: Piggyback Pals - Halloween Cuties July 4, 2023 04:30

Introducing my latest board book published by Scholastic, Halloween Cuties, the first book in a new series called Piggyback Pals featuring a fun, layered die-cut format written and illustrated by me! A Halloween goody that will be enjoyed long after the treats are gone!

halloween cuties


Find it it at your local bookstore, request it at your local library, or purchase online here:

Bookshop (a % of sales support indie bookstores)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Keep an eye out for more fun books to come in this seriesEaster Cuties (2024), Christmas Cuties (2024), and Lovebug Cuties (2025). Follow me @joycewanbooks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news!

Happiest of Halloweens! 
xo Joyce





New Release: YOU ARE MY SPECIAL NARWHAL June 1, 2022 03:03

I'm happy to announce that YOU ARE MY SPECIAL NARWHAL, my latest board book celebrating the wonder and possibilities in every child featuring a super special narwhal friend and a sweet and enduring message of love and self-esteem is out today!

you are my special narwhal

This book launch has special meaning to me as I remember working on the art for it right after I broke my ankle last year. For those of you who don't know, one year ago this month I broke my ankle slipping on the stairs of my studio in my home. After 2 surgeries, 12 weeks of staying off my feet, and many more weeks of PT, I’m back to doing most of the things I’ve loved before. That combined with seeing this completed book out in the world now reminds me that I can get through anything even when things seem impossible.

A little peek inside:
special narwhal joyce wan

special narwhal interior image joyce wan


special narwhal interior joyce wan

Find it it at your local bookstore, request it at your local library, or purchase online here:

Bookshop (a % of sales support indie bookstores)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository (for free worldwide delivery)

What's next you may ask? There are some new board book formats in the works as well as an idea for something geared toward slightly older kids that's been percolating in my head for a long time and is ready to be put on paper I think. I feel like it's about time! It's been almost 11 years since YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE was released. The kids who loved that book when it first came out are entering high school now! Can you believe it? I'm also continuing to work on more t-shirt and sticker designs which has been a fun break from the book stuff, especially when I'm feeling stuck. Stay tuned for a giveaway over on my Twitter and Instagram soon.

Thank you for your support throughout the years. Happy reading, drawing, and dreaming!

~Joyce




Happy Book Birthday: WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER November 4, 2021 21:18

I'm excited to announce that WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER, my latest board book celebrating the magic and power of community, is available now where books are sold!

If this past year and a half has shown us anything, it’s the extraordinary power of community and how it creates hope in the darkest and most uncertain of times. On the toughest days, we have the power to create connections and draw strength from one another. WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER reminds us all that we need each other to thrive and it celebrates the magic that happens when we come together.

Sneak peek:


Find it it at your local bookstore, request it at your local library, or purchase online here:

Bookshop (a % of sales support indie bookstores)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository (for free worldwide delivery)

I'm offering chances to win a signed copy along with some cute goodies over on my Twitter and Instagram

Thank you to all of you who continue to support my work which allows me to keep doing what I love. I am beyond grateful.

One final note, I am often asked how to go about getting something published and if I could offer any guidance. Whether you are an aspiring writer, illustrator, or both, or know someone who is, I have a "Publishing Tips & Resources" page on my website that I'm not sure many people know about. Hope that you may find it helpful!

Happy Reading!

~Joyce



Happy Book Birthday: PUG & PIG AND FRIENDS August 17, 2021 04:00

I'm happy to announce the release of PUG & PIG AND FRIENDS, the third book in the PUG & PIG series, written by Sue Lowell Gallion and illustrated by me.

The stars of the celebrated PUG MEETS PIG and PUG & PIG TRICK-OR-TREAT are back in this funny and timely tale about learning to get along. This is the cutest story yet, full of backyard shenanigans with Pug, Pig, Cat, Squirrel, and Robin.  

pug & pig and friends

Pug and Pig and their friends Robin and Squirrel love digging in the garden and zooming around the backyard together. But there’s another “friend” in the backyard who isn’t quite so friendly. That’s Cat. What does Cat love doing? Cat loves sneaking up on Pug and scaring him! Pug does not think this is funny. And he does not like it at all. But when thunderstorm comes and Cat gets scared up a tree, Pig, Robin, and Squirrel can’t get him to climb down. Only Pug can help. But will he?

Here's a sneak peek at some interior pages:

pug & pig and friends

pug & pig and friends

Pug & Pig and friends

PUG & PIG & FRIENDS is available wherever books are sold including:

Bookshop (a % of sales support indie bookstores)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)

A fun activity kit that goes with this book is available free for download here.

Other books in the series:
 pug meets pig pug pig trick or treat

In other exciting news, I have been adding some fun new products to my shop like vinyl stickers, enamel pins, mugs, and t-shirts. More designs to come! 

books happy place decal unicorn enamel pin

As always, thank you for supporting my work. I appreciate all the heartwarming pictures and encouraging messages you send me and post on social media. It reminds me how truly lucky I am to have a job like this–one that brings positivity and joy in people's lives. Happy reading! 

~Joyce


YOU ARE MY SPARKLY MERMAID is here! June 3, 2021 01:29

Sitting here with a broken ankle (more about that later) as I write to you with the exciting announcement that my latest board book (my 29th!), YOU ARE MY SPARKLY MERMAID, splashed into the world this week! A magical ode to believing in yourself, with a dazzling mermaid twist, follow two mermaids and a merboy as they "Swim and dive. Soar and thrive." The perfect book to kick off the start of a magical summer with all the special merbabies in your life.

you are my sparkly mermaid book

A sneak peek at a couple of my favorite spreads in the book:
sparkly mermaid1
sparkly mermaid 2

YOU ARE MY SPARKLY MERMAID is available wherever books are sold including:

Bookshop (a percentage of all sales on bookshop.org support indie bookstores)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)

If you are interested in signed copies of any of my books, feel free to reach out to my local bookstore The Curious Reader.

So, back to the less glamorous news about my ankle! About a week and a half ago, I slipped coming down the stairs from my studio, rolled my right ankle, and broke my fibula bone. 😩 After 3 hours of surgery, 1 metal plate, and 8 screws later--I'm one step closer to becoming a bionic woman! Recovery is going to take at least 6 weeks (no weight bearing on the broken ankle) 😭 and then physical therapy. Moral of the story: slow down. Those of you who already know about this through social media, I appreciate all of your your positive thoughts and well-wishes. 
broken ankle

Thank you all for continuing to support my work and helping me live my dream every day. I appreciate you all so much! As things start to open up again, hoping to see you in-person at a book festival or conference someday soon. 

~Joyce


MIGHTY MOMS Launch April 14, 2021 01:10

Happy Spring! I was delighted to welcome my latest book, MIGHTY MOMS, into the world last month. The book is written by Joan Holub a children's book author who has written over 100 books for children. It celebrates the special and powerful love of moms and is a companion board book to the New York Times bestselling MIGHTY DADS (illustrated by James Dean).

Each colorful, energetic page reveals a new type of truck and a new way that moms show their love for their kids. Follow fire truck moms, school bus moms, ambulance moms, and more as they guide and teach their little truck children. Rhythmic, rhyming text and sturdy board book pages make this a perfect read-aloud for any time of day. 

Perfect for any time of year... but especially for Mother's Day (which is right around the corner)!

I was excited and, to be honest, a little nervous when I was presented with a manuscript about trucks but once I got started, I had so much fun with it! Here is a quick video I created showing my process for creating the book:

 

I've uploaded FREE coloring sheets featuring scenes from the book for you to download. Find them on the MIGHTY MOMS page on my website: https://wanart.com/pages/mighty-moms 

MIGHTY MOMS  is available wherever books are sold including:
Bookshop (a percentage of all sales on bookshop.org go to support indie bookstores)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)

Thank you so much for continuing to support my work. Stay well.

xo-Joyce


Stop Asian Hate March 22, 2021 04:09


The recent surge in hate crimes targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities is heartbreaking, sickening, and unacceptable. I am encouraging everyone to learn more, unite, amplify, donate, and play a role—everything counts—in stopping AAPI hate. 

If you're looking for ways to support the AAPI community, this article offers some good suggestions to start.

Here’s an article that addresses talking to kids about racism targeting Asian Americans.

Please donate to AAPI organizations, if you are able, to support the people at the front lines working to dismantle the systemic issues. Here are some to consider:

♥ AAPI Community Fund

 Womankind


 Asian Mental Health Collective

Let’s unite together to Stop Asian Hate. Sending love to my AAPI family. To all our allies speaking out, showing up, and donating, thank you. Your support means so much. ❤️

~Joyce

 

Happy New Year January 5, 2021 05:21

hope blooms joyce wan

Kicking off the new year with a tribute to hope. With new beginnings comes renewed hope in the possibilities that await. We made it and we’ll get through what’s next, together. ❤️

Just a quick update on four new books that will be coming out this year. All are available to pre-order now. More information about each book and where to pre-order/purchase provided in the links below:

mighty moms joan holub joyce wan
MIGHTY MOMS
written by Joan Holub and illustrated by Joyce Wan
Release Date: March 2, 2021 
Celebrate the special and powerful love of MOMS, in this companion board book to the New York Times bestselling Mighty Dads!

sparkly mermaid joyce wan
YOU ARE MY SPARKLY MERMAID
written and illustrated by Joyce Wan
Release Date:  June 1, 2021
A magical ode to believing in yourself and shining bright -- with a dazzling mermaid twist.

pug pig and friends
PUG & PIG AND FRIENDS
written by Sue Lowell Gallion and illustrated by Joyce Wan
Release Date: August 3, 2021
The stars of the celebrated Pug Meets Pig and Pug & Pig Trick-or-Treat are back in this funny and timely tale about learning to get along.

better together joyce wan
WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER
written and illustrated by Joyce Wan
Release Date: October 5, 2021
A touching ode to all the ways we are so much better when we come together! 

Love and gratitude to all of you for supporting my work and for being such an important part of my journey. Creating art and having it make its way into the hands of readers everywhere is one of my deepest honors and it is truly a dream come true. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!

xo-Joyce


Black Lives Matter June 23, 2020 03:33

The events of the past few weeks have been weighing heavily on my heart and mind. I have hope that our generation, as parents, educators, and caregivers, will teach our children to love everyone so that future generations may live in a world that’s filled with love, kindness, compassion, and unity. In the words of the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings: “Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see." Change begins with us. The following are links to a few resources that may help you talk to your child about race, racism, and resistance. Sending a hug out to anyone who needs one. ♥️


Image credit: Franzi Paetzold

♥ Children's Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance via The Conscious Kid 

♥ 
Children's Books for Talking About Racial Identity via Social Justice Books

♥ Curated Book Selections About Race and Racism via ADL

♥ Anti-Racism Reading List for Grades PreK thru 8 via Lee & Low Books (with links to corresponding lesson ideas and activities)

♥ Talking About Race, a free online portal developed by The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, designed to help individuals, families, and communities talk about racism, racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society, from the economy and politics to the broader American culture.

♥ 
Talking Race With Young Children via NPR 


“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ~C.S. Lewis


Home With the Kids March 15, 2020 01:23

With school, activities, and events cancelled to limit crowds and gatherings, a lot of you may be looking for things you can do with your kids while under self quarantine and social isolation.

To break up the madness and the boredom a little bit, starting Monday, March 16th, I will be sharing daily videos of me giving mini drawing tutorials, reading from some of my books, and talking about book and art stuff on Facebook and Instagram

Also, just a little reminder that a bunch of my picture books have free core curriculum aligned teacher's guides that you can download from my website that are filled with fun ideas, activities, and talking points related to the book. I also have free printable coloring pages!

Here are links to some of the book pages on my website that have corresponding teacher's guides. The guides are located on the left-hand side of each page under the picture of the book cover. Or, you can visit this page for all the guides, activity sheets, and coloring pages available for download in one place!

 DREAM BIG
PEEP AND EGG: I'M NOT HATCHING

WHALE IN MY SWIMMING POOL

THE BEAR IN MY BED
PUG MEETS PIG
SLEEPYHEADS


A bunch of fellow authors are also offering lots of fun stuff to check out on their websites and social media right now and in the coming days. Here are a few that I've seen:

♥ Author Kate Messner has compiled a ton of resources from fellow authors and illustrators including first-chapter and picture book read-alouds to drawing and writing mini-lessons on her website here.

♥ Author-Illustrator Debbie Ohi will be sharing a new series of YouTube videos featuring read-alouds, art demos, and book-related songs. Her first video can be found here.

♥ Author-Illustrator Grace Lin will be sharing a new series of videos of her talking about her latest book and giving drawing tutorials. The videos can be found on her website here or on YouTube here.

♥ Author-Illustrator Ben Clanton will be doing two Facebook Live drawing sessions on March 18th and 20th. More info here.

♥ Author-Illustrator Jarret Krosoczka will be hosting YouTube Live webcasts every weekday for the next two weeks. More info here.

♥ Author-Illustrator Oliver Jeffers will be offering daily read-alouds and discussions of his books. More info here.

I know these are challenging times for us all. No matter how bad things get, I know we all have it within ourselves to find the light and help those around us see it too. Be kind and support one another. Together, we will get through this. The human spirit always prevails. Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

xo-Joyce


New Book: SLEEPY FARM by Joyce Wan January 9, 2020 15:27

I'm happy to announce the release of my latest book SLEEPY FARM, a sweet bedtime lift-the-flap board book. A follow-up to the bestseller PEEK-A-BOO FARM, babies and toddlers will love to help tuck snuggly critters into bed by lifting large flaps to reveal tucked-in snoozing farm animals like a sheep, chick, frog, and more! 


Yes! The actual cover IS sparkly!

SLEEPY FARM is available wherever books are sold.
Indiebound (I encourage you to support your local independent bookstore whenever you can. Most book stores should be able to order you a copy if it's not in stock.)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)

Little peek inside the book:

Off to sleep, little sheep.

Thanks for supporting my work! Hope to see you at a book festival this year!

xo-Joyce


Happy New Year! January 1, 2020 00:43

A new decade filled with possibilities...

May all your dreams come true. Let's do this! Happy new year, everyone! XO


Merry Monday Sale 25% Off Entire Order December 2, 2019 15:16

In the spirit of the holidays, enjoy 25% off on your order in my shop today December 2nd on wanart.com plus free shipping for orders over $30 (free shipping applies to U.S. orders only). Goodies just added include new signed art prints for your little one's room or reading nook, sticker set featuring 15 female trailblazers, DREAM BIG enamel pin, and more.


Use code: merrymonday25
Sale ends December 3rd at 3am EST

Also, if you have purchased any of my books for the holidays and would like them personalized I will be happy to send you bookplates (that you can stick on the book) with a personal inscription. Just email hello[at]wanart.com and I will be happy to help you with that.

In other news, was excited to see my latest book DREAM BIG on Today Show’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide for babies. 



Wishing you warmth and wonder this holiday season and beyond! ~Joyce


New Book: DREAM BIG by Joyce Wan July 9, 2019 03:55

I'm happy to announce the release of my latest book, DREAM BIG, written and illustrated by me and published by Scholastic. This book is about all the ways one can dream, achieve, and succeed and it features 15 heartfelt tributes to female icons and trailblazers throughout history such as Rosa Parks, Jane Goodall, Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, and more. With an inspiring message of encouragement and hope, this book is a wonderful gift to be treasured and shared for years to come. 

I was inspired to write this book shortly after the 2016 elections, when listening to Hillary Clinton’s concession speech, I was struck by this line: “And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.” I was also a new mom to a 6 month old baby girl at the time. I started thinking about dreams, the power of dreams, and how many of the world’s greatest accomplishments started with a dream and how I might want to convey that in book format. 

Book Trailer:








DREAM BIG is available wherever books are sold.
Indiebound (I encourage you to support your local independent bookstore whenever you can. Most book stores should be able to order you a copy if it's not in stock.)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)

Teacher's Guides and Activity Kits for this book are available and free to download from my website here:  https://wanart.com/pages/dream-big

Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook as I'll be offering giveaways in the days to come! I also post reminders of upcoming events where I will be doing readings and/or signings. I hope to see you at an event this coming year!

xo-Joyce


DREAM BIG Preorder Giveaway! June 11, 2019 15:47

This week marks the one month to publication of my next book DREAM BIG that will be out July 9th. If you've been following me on social media, I've been sharing sneak peeks (such as these here, here, and here ). I can’t believe that this book is so close to being in the world. I’m so excited to share this book with you all and I want to to do something fun this time by giving away goodies to everyone who preorders a copy. And yes, I mean EVERYONE. Well, at least while supplies last!

If you preorder DREAM BIG before or by July 8, 2019 (or have already preordered - thank you!), and provide proof of purchase, you will receive a signed/personalized book plate and a holographic 'Dream Big' sticker as shown below. See this fab (and weatherproof!) sticker in action here

dream big stickers

Preorder DREAM BIG from anywhere you want. Some suggestions:
♥ Your local indie bookstore. Find one near you on Indiebound.org. You can also order directly from Indiebound. Sales from Indiebound support the network of indie bookstores as well.
♥ Amazon
♥ Barnes & Noble
♥ Book Depository (International)
 Any library. Did you know that you can make a request at your local library to purchase a book? I'm always thrilled to see my books at the library where even more readers can find it, so if you prefer to make a library request, that also counts in the giveaway too.

To receive your goodies, send the following to joycewanbooks@gmail.com:
♥ full name
♥ mailing address
♥ proof of your preorder (can be a photo/scan/screenshot of your receipt or library request)
♥ the name for the inscription (if you'd like your bookplate personalized)

Each copy of DREAM BIG preordered qualifies for a bookplate and sticker (i.e. order two books, get two sets of goodies). This giveaway is open internationally.

Once the campaign is over…

THREE randomly selected preorder entries will ALSO receive one signed print of their favorite page from the book, one set of stickers featuring each trailblazer featured in the book and one DREAM BIG enamel pin (both pictured below)! 

trailerblazers stickers dream big


Entries will be accepted until 11:59pm EST on July 8, 2019. 


Thank you!
Joyce

 


Happy 10 Year Book-iversary! January 29, 2019 14:42

{Note: Originally posted on Twitter here.}

The #10YearChallenge (where people have been posting pictures of themselves 10 years ago and today side-by-side) made me reflect not so much about the differences in the way I look, but about how much my life has changed since then and all that I’ve learned. 


(Headshot on the right: City Headshots

Ten years ago this week my first children's book "Greetings from Kiwi and Pear" was published. I was also drowning deep in credit card debt that was spiraling out of control. 

 

Most of it accumulated after launching a stationery and gift business in 2003 and quitting my day job shortly after. By 2009, my products were sold in hundreds of stores nationwide, I rented office space to house inventory and hire help, and I was doing trade shows all over the country.

But I was burning money faster than I was making it and I just couldn't figure out how to make it all work. It was one of the most stressful periods of my life and I was ready to give up completely. After my 1st book came out, I made a commitment to change my life and pivot my focus.

I submitted an idea that had been sitting untouched for a whole year (later to be YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE) to a bunch of publishers. Got a bunch of rejections but one editor at Scholastic was interested. And it only takes one. The rest is history.

Today, I have published over 24 children’s books, that I’ve authored and/or illustrated, and those books have sold a combined total of over one million copies worldwide. I have been debt-free for over 5 years now.

Here are 10 life and work lessons I’ve learned in the past 10 years:

  1. I’m currently working on my 27th book yet I still feel like an imposter at times. I don’t think that feeling ever goes away. It keeps me on my toes and makes me want to keep doing better. #JustKeepSwimming

  2. Don’t pay attention to what other people are doing or what the “trends” are. Find your niche, keep doing what you do best, and do it well. If your heart is in it, you can never go wrong. #YouDoYou

  3. Focus on less in order to accomplish more. Try to devote your time and best efforts to your most important goals. Say no to opportunities that don’t align with those goals.

  4. Most people do just enough, don’t be like most people. Go the extra mile in everything you do. Combined with a little ingenuity, it can help you really stand out.

  5. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and never stop learning. Adopt a student-for-life mentality and develop a growth mindset where you’re always working on becoming better at your craft.

  6. Find ways to enjoy the journey toward your goals. It will make it easier to show up everyday. #HaveFun

  7. Surround yourself with people who support your ambitions, believe in your dreams, and inspire you. **Special shout-out to my family & friends for always believing in me and cheering me on and to my hardworking friends in the industry who inspire me every day with their amazing work. ❤️

  8. Find meaning in your work. It will keep you motivated to press on when things are tough or you feel discouraged. For me, adding joy to this world and inspiring kids to read, write, and draw gets me out of bed in the morning and has been one of the greatest rewards.

  9. Never be afraid to fail or make mistakes. You will learn something new and that knowledge will lead you closer to your goals.

  10. Never give up. Rest when you need to. Pivot if you must. Just keep going. #YouCanDoIt

Huge thanks to my agent Teresa Kietlinski of Bookmark Literary for her help and support all these years, my first editor at Scholastic, Cecily Kaiser, for acquiring my breakout book YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE, and most of all to my beloved readers for helping me make my dreams come true. Now onward to the next 10 years!

For those looking for specific information on how to get started in children’s books, I put together some tips and resources on my website here.

Now your turn, if you're willing to share! What were you doing 10 years ago and how did it all turn out?


New Book: You Are My Magical Unicorn by Joyce Wan December 26, 2018 00:36

The magic of the holidays continues as I am delighted to announce the publication of my latest board book, You Are My Magical Unicorn, which is officially out today! A sparkly ode to believing in yourself and perseverance—with a unicorn twist. Not only is this book great for all the little unicorn lovers in your life but also for anyone who might need a loving message of hope, persistence, and encouragement. 






Where to purchase:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Indiebound (I encourage you to support your local independent bookstore whenever you can. 
Most book stores should be able to order you a copy if it's not in stock.)
Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)

Hope your holiday season has been joyous and best wishes for a New Year filled with magic and wonder!

xo-Joyce


New Book: You Are My Sweetheart by Joyce Wan October 30, 2018 15:04

I'm happy to welcome my newest board book, You Are My Sweetheart, into the world today! With this latest cutest creation, every day is a chance to say “I love you” to your dearest...and sweetest. Of course, no book of mine is complete without a cast of chubby, lovable characters, such as candy hearts, a sweetie pie, and a honey bun. At the end of the book, you can’t help but snuggle up with your own little sweetheart with “kisses and hugs” to remind them that you love them. Available now where books are sold!

you are my sweetheart coveryou are my sweetheart apple of my eyeyou are my sweetheart sticky honeybunyou are my sweetheart sweetie pie


New Book: The Bear In My Bed by Joyce Wan June 17, 2018 03:05

I’m excited to announce the launch of The Bear In My Bed, written and illustrated by me and published by FSG/Macmillan.

Our little friend from The Whale In My Swimming Pool is back, but this time with a bear (who’s not his teddy bear) in his bed! The bear makes a mess with toys, splashes water around the bathtub, and eats books instead of reading them. Not to mention that he doesn’t know how to brush his teeth or wear pajamas! And how is anyone supposed to get any sleep with a bear taking up the whole bed? A silly take on the struggles of bedtime routines.

It's not easy to write a picture book but I found it even harder to write a sequel. I actually had a whole other version of this book (completely sketched out!) that I had to shelve because my amazing editor, Janine O'Malley, felt that we needed to go in a different direction with this book and she was absolutely correct. I hope you have as much fun reading this book as I had creating it!

bear in my bed

I will be joining the Scholastic Summer Reading Road Trip this summer where I will be meeting readers and signing books at two awesome bookstores in my home state of New Jersey (Watchung Booksellers in Montclair and WORD Bookstore in Jersey City) to help cheer on a summer-long celebration of reading. If you are in the area, I hope to see you there! Please visit my Events page for more detail and also information about where I will be this Fall. HAPPY SUMMER!

xo-Joyce


New Book: Count My Cupcakes 123 by Joyce Wan April 24, 2018 15:13

I’m excited to announce the launch of Count My Cupcakes 123, the latest board book that I wrote and illustrated published by Cartwheel/Scholastic. Little ones will have fun learning to count from one to five in this rhyming board book featuring colorful disappearing touch-and-feel cupcakes! Filled with a bunch of irresistibly, chubby yummy characters including a sliding milkshake, a rolling donut, a twirling ice cream cone, and lots and lots of cupcakes. A scrumptious, interactive first counting story to share with the littlest cupcake in your life!

I really had fun with this one and I hope you enjoy it too! I'm running giveaways on both Twitter and Facebook. Click on those links for details. As always, thanks for supporting my work! 

XO-Joyce

"Wan’s distinctively cute artwork and the irresistible tactile element hit a sweet spot." –Publisher's Weekly

count my cupcakes 123 joyce wan

count my cupcakes 123 joyce wan

count my cupcakes 123 joyce wan

count my cupcakes 123 joyce wan

count my cupcakes 123 joyce wan


The Joyce Wan Board Book Boxed Set is Here! March 18, 2018 14:21

Hi Everyone! I wanted you all to get a first look at the Joyce Wan You Are the Sweetest 8 Board Book Collection Box Set that will be available exclusively at Costco really soon, if not already. I had known about this since last year but did not believe it (or maybe I didn't want to jinx it!) so I didn't say say a word. The samples just arrived on my doorstep over the weekend and even holding the box set in my hand, a collection of board books that I've published over the last 7 years, it still feels surreal. BUT IT'S HERE! 

The box set contains my last 8 non-seasonal board books I did with Cartwheel/Scholastic: You Are My Cupcake, We Belong Together, Hug You Kiss You Love You, My Lucky Little Dragon, Peek-a-Boo Farm, Peek-a-Boo Zoo, Are You My Mommy?, and Good Night Sweetie. All bundled together in this cute, glittery, sturdy package, perfect for gift-giving or a special keepsake for your little one!

I've been keeping an eye out for them but I have not spotted these in the wild yet. Let me know if you see any at your Costco and share a pic with me @joycewanbooks on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and I will randomly pick one winner* to receive one of these boxed sets! HAPPY SPRING!

xo-Joyce

* US addresses only, please.


Happy Year of the Dog February 16, 2018 16:01

Happy Lunar New Year! February 16th marks the start of the Lunar New Year as well as the Year of the Dog. For the Chinese in particular, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with big family dinners, the exchange of "lucky money" contained in red envelopes, and vibrant, lively festivals with lion dancing and firecrackers. The lunar calendar is based upon the cycles of the moon and has 12 animals signs, one to represent each year of the cycle. The Dog is the 11th sign of the Chinese Zodiac with the others being the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, and Pig. 



According to Chinese tradition, a person’s birth sign has a profound influence on personality and destiny. People born in the Year of the Dog are brave, independent, loyal, and decisive. Once they decide on something, no one can persuade them against it. On the negative side, Dogs can be overly critical, self-righteous, and stubborn.

Notable people born in the Year of the Dog include Prince William, Kate Middleton, Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, Prince, Elvis Presley, Donald Trump, Madonna, Dolly Parton, Angela Bassett, Benjamin Franklin, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Kevin Bacon, Stephen Shaskan, Liza Minelli, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Susan Sarandon, Giorgio Armani, and Tommy Lee Jones.

Don't know what zodiac sign you are? Look it up on this guide I created here: 

Please note that if you were born in the month of January or February you may actually be the previous year's sign as the start of the Lunar New Year falls on a different day every year. Refer to the chart at this link to confirm which sign you are if you are a January birthday: http://bit.ly/2BxnDug

For the wee ones, download a printable zodiac coloring sheet/placemat that I created here.  Another fun and simple way to introduce young children to the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac is with my board book, My Lucky Little Dragon.

my lucky little dragon

Just some quick updates:

Peep and Egg: I’m Not Using the Potty, the fourth book in the Peep and Egg series is now available! In this book, Egg does not want to use the potty, however, when things start to get a little uncomfortable, Egg realizes that when nature calls, sometimes you can't say no. The perfect book for all your potty-goers in training. Be sure to check out the other books in the Peep and Egg series if you haven't already.

peep and egg potty    

Count My Cupcakes 123 will be out April 24th. Featuring touch-and-feel cupcakes and a host of other yummy characters like a twirling ice cream cone and a rolling donut, readers learn to count from one to five!
count my cupcakes

The Bear In My Bed will be out in June 5th and it picks right up where The Whale In My Swimming Pool left off. This story follows a young boy as he tackles his bedtime routine with an unexpected visitor. 
bear in my bed

Wishing you happiness, prosperity, and good fortune! CHEERS! 

xo-Joyce

 


Personalized Picture Books Now Available December 6, 2017 22:57

Children's books can be enjoyed again and again making them the perfect gift! Even better when the books are personalized. I'm now working with my wonderful local indie bookstore The Curious Reader to offer you personalized copies of Peep and Egg: I'm Not Hatching, Peep and Egg: I'm Not Taking a Bath, The Whale In My Swimming Pool, and Pug Meets Pig. Simply provide the name of the person you want the book signed to in the space provided when you place your order. The really nice folks at The Curious Reader will let me know when they have your order, I will inscribe and sign the books, and they will ship them right to you. Find these books along with a bunch of other really great books on their website here: https://www.thecuriousreaderbooks.com/shop

 

Not only will you be supporting an amazing indie children's book store but a signed edition makes a special keepsake for the little book lovers in your life.

May your holiday season be filled with good cheer!

xo-Joyce