With over two million books in print, award-winning author-illustrator JOYCE WAN is on a mission to help babies fall in love with books and build literacy for life.
Joyce Wan is the author and illustrator of several best-selling books for children including You Are My Cupcake, The Whale in My Swimming Pool, Peek-A-Boo Farm, and Sleepyheads. Her signature style—bold, joyful, and irresistibly cute—has reached millions, with over 30 published titles and more books on the way..
Her work has since been recognized with the Mills-Tannenbaum Award for Children’s Literacy from Reach Out and Read of Greater New York (2015). Her illustrations have been featured in the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, and her empowering book Dream Big was named to the Amelia Bloomer Book List by the American Library Association (2020), highlighting outstanding feminist books for young readers.
Originally from Massachusetts, Joyce now lives in northern New Jersey with her husband and daughter. She creates to spark joy, inspire wonder, and to make little readers (and big readers) smile.
Visit Joyce online at:
https://wanart.com
https://www.instagram.com/joycewanbooks/
https://linktr.ee/joycewanbooks
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzfDCjImNmZlUOM3qTB_7Zw
For more information, please contact Teresa Kietlinski at teresa(a)bookmarkliterary.com.
Joyce’s Bookshelf:
You Are My Cupcake
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2011 (board), 2016 (cloth), 2026 (shaped board book)
• a This Year’s Books Worth a Look by Atlanta Parent Magazine selection
• a New York Times 50 Great Board Books for Babies selection, 2025
“Let’s just say it’s absolutely delicious and I want to eat it up in a major way.” – Cool Mom Picks
“Embossed for a satisfying tactile effect, Wan’s digitized characters, reminiscent of Japanese animation, have chocolate-brown eyes and rosy cheeks. “Baby, I could just eat you up!” concludes the adoring final spread. All that’s left of the cupcake is its smiling, green liner. Presumably, no actual cupcakes were harmed in the making of this crowd-pleasing plum.” – Publishers Weekly
“These are vivid, densely-colored illustrations, many with pleasing patterns for the wee eye, and as you can see, there’s a lot of pizzazz here. These are short books with embossed illustrations, which baby will want to reach out and touch.” – Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
“Each page is a bright and bold spread with a whimsical foodie character and a relevant term of endearment. It’s quick, quirky, and yummy.” – Design of the Picture Book
“The art is bold and the color choices are reminiscent of actual bakery goods. This is a sturdy, board book that totz and babies will ask for again and again.” – readertotz
“Sweet, endearing words and edibles take center stage in this cloth book for the absolute youngest of readers. As babies first reach for this book they will be delighted by the touch and sound of the crinkly cover, which sports a puffy, smiling cupcake. The bright, bold, candy-colored illustrations on each page depict a gumdrop, a “sweet pea,” and a “cutie pie,” each accompanied by an equally colorful and appropriately sweet phrase of endearment: “My sticky little gumdrop / My mushy little Sweet Pea / My oven-baked Cutie Pie.” The words and images will be meaningless to babies, but the warmth in readers’ voices and the cuddles they will get from their grown-ups will not be. Wan sums up many a grown-up’s feeling with the statement on the back cover: “Baby, I could just eat you up!” Babies, too, will probably want to eat and munch on the book, and that is just what they should do. This cross between toy and book invites both sensory exploration and initiation into print awareness, with the added advantage that it can be thrown into the wash. A nice stand-in until little ones are ready for the real thing.“—Kirkus (cloth book edition, 2016)
Lucky New Year: Colors
by Joyce Wan | Hippo Park | 2025
“Wan’s (Be My Yummy ABC) signature brightly colored kawaii illustrations lend themselves to the fully saturated backgrounds. A basic introduction to the holiday that’s irresistibly cute enough to appeal to families who celebrate, as well as those who want to learn more… This delightful introduction to colors, Mandarin Chinese, and Lunar New Year traditions is recommended for general purchase.”— School Library Journal
Be My Yummy ABC
by Joyce Wan | Hippo Park | 2025
• Named one of the Best New Children’s Books Coming in January — Book Riot
★ “This mouthwatering ABC book introduces children to the alphabet while also exposing them to a wide variety of foods and cultures. Essential.”—School Library Journal, starred review
“I could just eat you up!” With this tasty treat, Wan offers caregivers a litany of creative ways to convey that familiar message. A different anthropomorphized food takes center stage on each page, paired with loving affirmations addressed to little ones. A is for “my warm APPLE PIE, / just you and me,” while B is for “My BURRITO baby, / snug as can be.” Other dishes include a “swirly, whirly DOSA dream,” a “cutie-patootie / potatoey KNISH,” a “squishy MANDU,” and a “WONTON wonder.” This alphabetically arranged feast is followed up with backmatter that lists each food’s pronunciation, its country of origin, and a brief description. The eye-catching, apple-cheeked, emojilike foods beam up at readers, while details in the art occasionally reference the dishes’ ingredients or cultural origins. The empanada stands in front of a tomato, a hunk of cheese, and a pepper, while the gyoza is depicted with a pair of chopsticks. Though some may find the illustrations saccharine, with their abundance of hearts, rainbows, and sparkles, the sentiments expressed are lovely, conveyed in simple rhymes with some downright delicious wordplay. A foldout poster featuring all the letters and corresponding foods is included. A scrumptious, intensely adorable look at the ABCs.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A fun title for foodie families who want an early start for their little ones’ international food journeys.”—Youth Services Book Review
“The most delightfully delicious ABC book!” —@maistorybooklibrary
“A great gift for Valentine’s Day, Baby Showers, or just to tell anyone you love them in a cute way.” — Nicole Miller, Barbara’s Bookstore
“The cutest ABCedary you’ll have in your hands this month! A feast for the eyes and a lovely look at foods of different cultures. Do not miss.” —Mom Read It
PIGGYBACK PALS series
Love Bug Cuties
Christmas Cuties
Halloween Cuties
Easter Cuties
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2023-2024
”Rendering upbeat text and candy-colored critters, Wan’s visuals embrace a kawaii appeal in this layered Halloween-themed board book. On the first page, a “happy pumpkin/ smiles wide,” sitting among friendly faced acorns and mushrooms. A boxy black cat next peeks out with wide purple eyes, and an owl subsequently perches atop a branch, surrounded by fireflies. The overall effect is decidedly sweet—even as a “spooky bat” departs a gabled house cast in silhouette, clouds and shooting stars look on with smiles, and a pale purple spider that appears throughout provides welcoming accompaniment. When a final moment brings the friends together, “sharing goodies and giggles,” it’s for a simple, treat-filled declaration of holiday joy: “What a magical night!”” —Publisher’s Weekly (HALLOWEEN CUTIES)
Your Are My Special Narwhal
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2022
We Are Better Together
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2021
You Are My Sparkly Mermaid
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2921
Pug & Pig Are Friends
written by Sue Gallion
illus. by Joyce Wan | Beach Lane Books | 2021
Mighty Moms
by Joan Holub
illus. by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2021
Sleepy Farm
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2020
Dream Big
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2019
You Are My Magical Unicorn
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2018
• an Amazon Best Book of 2019 in Baby to Age 2 category
You Are My Sweetheart
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2018
The Bear in My Bed
by Joyce Wan | FSG | 2018
“When our young protagonist finds a large brown bear in his bed, he takes it in stride, but then he comes back from dinner to find his unexpected guest has left the bedroom a mess. Using the cleaning up of toys as an impetus to start the bedtime routine, the boy easily slips into the parent role, walking the bear through the steps of brushing teeth, reading stories, etc., and finally giving goodnight kisses. Kids will no doubt be familiar with the steps, but the silent bear’s antics add giggles to the predictability as he parties when it’s potty time, dons underwear on his head as jammies, and attempts to eat the bedtime books. The plot is slight, however, and it takes a couple of strange turns that undermine the effectiveness of the ritual made comedic. There’s appeal in Wan’s eye-catching illustrations, though: boy and bear are rendered in thick, chunky lines, and a mere twist of the mouth or curve of the eye easily conveys joy, exasperation, and sleepiness; white space and full spreads are used strategically to move the story along, and the graphically bold backgrounds give this potential beyond a lapsit. The random bunnies that pop up at the end generate a strained and unnecessary pun, but fans familiar with Wan’s The Whale in My Swimming Pool may appreciate the kooky humor, especially when they catch said whale peeking in on the ursine evening routine.”—BCCB
Count My Cupcakes 123
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2018
Good Night, Sweetie
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2017
“Wan excels at creating board books that combine irresistibly adorable cartoon graphics with text that channels intimate, lovey-dovey conversations between parent and child.” —Publishers Weekly
Peep & Egg: I’m Not Taking a Bath
written by Laura Gehl, illus. by Joyce Wan | FSG | 2017
Pug Meets Pig: Trick-or-Treat
written by Sue Gallion
illus. by Joyce Wan | Beach Lane Books | 2017
★ “The stars of Pug Meets Pig are back, and while they’ve acclimated to sharing a home, they aren’t on the same page where Halloween is concerned. If possible, the pals are even more adorable this time around, thanks to their matching skeleton costumes. Pig adores everything about the outfit: its “snug fit,” glow-in-the-dark bones, and mask. “Will anyone know who she is?” wonders Pig with glee, mugging for readers with an expression that approaches ecstasy. But Pug is miserable in his costume, and after he tears it to bits, Gallion subtly explores how the two stay true to themselves, respect what the other needs, and find common ground (namely by getting really muddy and scarfing down Halloween candy). Wan’s art is almost impossibly cute, and the message about compromise is one for any time of year. ” —Publisher’s Weekly starred review
“October 31 is here, and Pug and Pig are decked out in matching skeleton costumes. Pig couldn’t be happier, but Pug can’t stand the tight outfit, and he’s afraid no one will recognize him in his mask. He rips apart the costume, deciding that this holiday isn’t for him, but Pig is crestfallen at the prospect of celebrating Halloween without her pal. So Pug discovers a way to enjoy the festivities on his own terms. Coating himself with mud and calling himself Pig’s shadow, Pug feels much more comfortable and readily joins in the fun. Softly rounded illustrations complement the concise, matter-of-fact text. Roly-poly Pig and Pug are utterly expressive. Despite the appropriately dark palette, there are no frightening ghouls or goblins here, and cozy details abound, such as the decorative scarecrow (a sweetly smiling sunflower dressed in overalls) and a wreath festooned with a cheery little ghost. Children, especially those a bit apprehensive about the holiday, will applaud Pug’s solution and appreciate his willingness to seek a compromise. VERDICT A lovely addition to most libraries, especially for Halloween storytimes or where there are fans of the duo’s first outing, Pug Meets Pig.“—School Library Journal
You Are My Cupcake: A Cloth Book
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2016
You Are My Merry Christmas
by Joyce Wan | Scholastic Cartwheel | 2016
“This board book helps little readers grasp that the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the ties that bind us.” —Kirkus Review
Peep & Egg: I’m Not Trick or Treating
written by Laura Gehl
illus. by Joyce Wan | FSG | 2017
• KidLit TV Ready Set Draw!: Peep & Egg
You Are My Pumpkin
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2016
Peep & Egg: I’m Not Hatching
written by Laura Gehl
illus. by Joyce Wan | FSG | 2016
• 2017 CBC Children’s Choice Book Award Finalist!
Pug Meets Pig
written by Sue Gallion
illus. by Joyce Wan | Beach Lane Books | 2017
• a Society of Illustrators Original Art Show selection
• a Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award, 2018, Grades PreK
The Whale in My Swimming Pool
by Joyce Wan | FSG | 2015 (hardcover), 2016 (board)
• a Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center ‘s top 25 book pick for 2015
• a Junior Library Guild (JLG) selection, 2015
• an ALSC summer reading list selection for Birth to Preschool
• an Iowa Bridge to Reading Award selection, 2017
• a Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award, 2016, Grades PreK
• The New York Times: Gary Clement’s ‘Swimming, Swimming,’ and More
• a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, 2017
“(Joyce Wan’s) curvilinear and comforting style recalls Hello Kitty and other Japanese pop art in its fat dark lines and squat characters, but the hero has an antic physicality and a wide range of emotional expressions. Her world feels safe and joyful, even as the hero experiences anger and frustration.” – The New York Times”
“A little boy of pleasingly indeterminate ethnicity goes out to his little backyard inflatable pool to find a whale in it. It’s a very large, round, blue whale, which is kind of squished on top of the pool. It is way, way too big for it. Mom is reading and does not see the whale. The boy tries persuasion, counting to 10, enticing the whale into a game of fetch, even offering his allowance, but the whale does not budge. He even offers his neighbor’s much larger in-ground swimming pool (alert young readers will note the dorsal fin visible in the neighbor’s clear blue waters). Finally, he puts his floatie on top of the whale’s spout, just in time to hear Mom call naptime. That presents its own set of problems: not the toys and socks that are strewn about the bedroom floor, but the snoring occupant of his bed—a large bear with its own teddy. The front endpapers show the blue whale in various positions on the wading pool, the back endpapers show the bear tossing and turning and snoring, all the while clinging to that teddy. All the art is drawn in thick strong line and flat color, simple and accessible. The text comprises the boy’s play-by-play narration of the events, including an endearingly believable whine to his oblivious mother. Both very silly and very appealing.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Wan’s cuddly, candid world is the sort that readers will want to step into again and again.” – Publisher’s Weekly
“Large, colorful illustrations set against ample space make this appropriate for group sharing.” – School Library Journal
Peek-A-Boo Zoo
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | Scholastic | 2015
“The warm, round illustrations provide a soothing tone, making this a perfect late-afternoon read right before naptime.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Working in her characteristic aesthetic of rounded, chunky shapes, Wan assembles a cute-as-can-be cast that includes a penguin, hippo, and more . . . A fun addition to the book-as-game category.” —Publishers Weekly
Peek-A-Boo Farm
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | Scholastic | 2015
Are You My Mommy?
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | Scholastic | 2014
Sleepyheads
written by Sandra Howatt
illus. by Joyce Wan | Beach Lane Books | 2014
• a CCBC Choices Best Book of the Year selection, 2015
• a Kirkus Award nominee
• an Amazon.com Editor’s Pick Best Books Baby-Age 2
★ “Sleepyhead readers explore a hushed woodland at dusk, where they discover animals nestled in their cozy places at bedtime. Yawning little listeners will fall immediately and effortlessly into the rhetorical rhythms of this surefire good-night book. Gentle narration, soft exclamations and soothing “s” sounds surface again and again, streaming together sweetly. The earthy, mellow artwork, with its dusky greens and browns and thick linework, comforts too. . . . A superb execution of soporific shapes and sounds perfect for the bedside table.”— Kirkus starred review
SLEEPYHEADS trailer
SLEEPY HEADS teacher’s guide
My Lucky Little Dragon
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2014
“The bold, friendly animals pop off the page with energy.”—Kirkus Reviews
Hug You, Kiss You, Love You
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2013
“The book maintains the chunky digital graphics of Wan’s previous titles, and clever visual details are everywhere, from thematically patterned backgrounds of bones, waves, and leaves to the recurring heart elements incorporated into the animals.” —Publishers Weekly
“Simple, boldly outlined art, rests atop bright, patterned backgrounds, and the type is large and playful. An affectionate little book for preschoolers—with glitter on the cover!” —Booklist
“Round and friendly cartoon animal parents demonstrate how they take care of and show affection for their babies. A bear, dog, elephant and more hug, tickle and bathe, respectively, a cub, puppy and calf. The loving critters are drawn with bold, brown lines, and muted swaths of blue, brown, aqua and cream fill them out. Many of the details on the animals, such as the interiors of the cats’ ears and the seals’ and whales’ tails, are heart-shaped. Hearts also appear in the background patterns that subtly emulate the creatures’ environs, such as heart-shaped leaves that appear behind the koala duo . . . . the friendly art makes it worth a look-see.”—Kirkus
We Belong Together
by Joyce Wan | Cartwheel | 2011
• A Society of Illustrators Original Art Show selection
• The Star’s Santa Claus foundation gift box selection
“Manga-like characterizations and a chunky, hip design deliver the cuddly sentiment with panache.” —Publisher’s Weekly
“The perfect board book for baby’s first Valentine. If you’re looking for a ridiculously adorable Valentine for your baby too young for sweets, we’ve got just the thing. And it’s not edible. But that doesn’t mean your baby won’t try to eat it. Created by Joyce Wan, the artist behind Kiwi and Pear, We Belong Together a board book with a simple message: sometimes love is as simple as peanut butter and jelly–it’s just meant to be. It’s a soothing message that the youngest children (and their parents) will appreciate. The board book features sweetly illustrated pairs that go perfectly together like cookies and milk or marshmallows and cocoa, and each page features different textures and bright colors that will keep your baby interested. Even if she’s too young for half of that stuff.” –coolmompicks.com
What Am I? Frog & Friends
by Joyce Wan | PRH Price Stern Sloan | 2013
What Am I? Owl & Friends
by Joyce Wan | PRH Price Stern Sloan | 2013
Greeting from Kiwi and Pear
by Joyce Wan | Blue Apple Books | 2009
“A great gift for budding geographers!” – National Geographic
“Complete with a fold-out map to track their progress and stickers that resemble stamps, this compact book follows two cute, affectionate monkeys (rendered in a vaguely manga style with chunky outlines) named Kiwi and Pear as they jet around the world. Postcards with rhyming text explain how the pair have spent their time, followed by fold-out illustrations of their activities: “We paddle down the Amazon,/ then hike the Andes with backpacks on” (the fold-out shows Kiwi and Pear leading a friendly llama). In Paris, sporting red berets, they “bike for an hour,” then “climb the Eiffel Tower.” Their final voyage blasts them into outer space on a rocket before they return home. A sweet and rather cuddly introduction to some noteworthy global locations.”—Publishers Weekly
“I thought this was a great way to open up a discussion about geography on a very basic level, and it appealed to both my 4-year-old and 7-year-old” – 5 Minutes for Books
“I can’t say enough about the importance of books like Greetings from Kiwi and Pear. This book introduces children to travel and geography in a fun and educational way. Parents and grandparents will thoroughly enjoy sharing it with their loved ones. It’s never too early to teach your kids about the world, and Greetings from Kiwi and Pear is a great place to start!” – L.A. Parent Magazine
Reviews + other fun stuff:
Interviews with Joyce:
• Joanna Marple’s blog
• Why Picture Books are Important by Joyce Wan
• Brandy New Day Designs
• Brianna’s Book Stop blog
• Santa Claus Fund: Author Joyce Wan moved by her book included in gift boxes
• Reach Out and Read: The “Believe in Books” Series with Joyce Wan
• Wanart: My Writing Process blog tour
• https://www.kidlit411.com/2015/12/Kidlit411-Author-Illustrator-Spotlight-Joyce-Wan.html
• Barnard College Magazine: Dreaming Big Joyce Wan ‘0
• TAPintoLivingston: Livingston Children Offered a Peek into Creative Side of the Literary World
• The Star: Author Moved by Her Book Being Included in Gift Boxes
• The Pitch Podcast (Audio)
• Mile High Reading
• The Little Crooked Cottage
• Writing for Kids (While Raising Them)
• Kidlit 411
• Inkygirl
• Let’s Get Busy Podcast (Audio)
• Miss Marple’s Musings
• Cakespy
• Asia in the Heart, World on the Mind
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