Author and illustrator Kim T.S. loves creating books that help children learn to cope with big emotions. After reviewing ‘Feeling All My Feelings Book’ and seeing that Kim had some other projects on the horizon, I wanted to find out a little more about her writing and artwork.

Kim is a mom to a six-year-old boy named Kyle. She tells us about how motherhood has shaped her writing and how her son inspires her illustrations. Author Kim T.S. also reveals details of an exciting new collaboration she’s working on!

Here’s the full interview:

Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

A: “I’m Chinese, born and raised in the Philippines (we have the most beautiful beaches here!). I’m a mom to a very sweet and creative 6 year-old boy, who helps me come up with my stories and characters. I love to cook, bake, and dabble in creative projects. I love to travel— but ever since the pandemic, I’ve learned to be perfectly content with the comforts of home and the simplest, everyday moments.”

Q: What other books have you authored and/or illustrated?

A: “I’m working on a series of books about feelings. The second one is about anger— why it’s okay to feel angry sometimes, and how we can find healthy ways to express and manage that anger. We’ll also have books about fear, joy, sadness, pride, grief, awe, and more.”

“My style is silly, bright, endearing— all the things that kids remind me of. Children can easily relate with my illustrations, and I hope my art will inspire them to create their own.”

Kim T.S., author and illustrator

Q: Tell me about your illustration technique/style. How would you describe them and what do you think sets them apart?

A: “I’ve always enjoyed writing and occasionally drawing and painting, but I never imagined that I could ever illustrate my own books! My style is silly, bright, endearing— all the things that kids remind me of. Children can easily relate with my illustrations, and I hope my art will inspire them to create their own. I’d also like to think that my art can bring out the child in every adult!”

Q: What was your inspiration for ‘Feeling All My Feelings Book’?

A: “My son, Kyle, has always had the biggest feelings. I write my books for him, and for every child who has ever struggled with emotions. Anger has always been our main challenge— he used to have the most intense tantrums! But with a lot of time, patience, and practice, the outbursts have gotten sparser and milder. Our books have helped him a lot. First, because he finds a sense of pride in helping me write them, and so he feels he needs to set a good example. And second, because reading the books and reciting the rhymes helps him calm down during or after his episodes.”

Q: What’s the hardest part about writing a picture book?

A: “The hardest part is struggling to fight my own impostor syndrome. Both my art and writing are works in progress, and I know I have much to improve on. At the same time, I really feel that my books can help so many kids and parents out there, just as they are. So I choose to share them with the world, imperfections and all, and I brace myself for whatever criticisms may come my way. It’s always a challenge to put yourself out there. But every piece of feedback, good or bad, is a chance to improve myself and my craft. So i’ll just keep creating and improving!”

“It’s always a challenge to put yourself out there. But every piece of feedback, good or bad, is a chance to improve myself and my craft.”

Kim T.S., author and illustrator

Q:. What advice would you give to someone just starting out and looking to write or illustrate their own picture book?

A: “Just go for it! Don’t overthink it. Give it your best, and put yourself out there. Otherwise, you’ll never know how your work may touch or change someone’s life.”

Q: What’s your favourite picture book of all time?

A: “Do I really have to pick just one? We have different favorites for each stage of growing up. We love The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler- that’s a classic that we’ll read over and over again. When Kyle was a toddler, Tracey Corderoy’s Archie the Rhino series illustrated by Tim Warnes (“No!”, “Why?”, “More!”, and “Now!”) was God sent! The books helped us avert many tantrums, especially since those were Kyle’s favorite words when he was 2-3 years old. We still read them from time to time, and they never fail to make us smile.”

Q: What’s next for you as an author and illustrator? Any projects on the horizon?

A: “Aside from completing the Feeling All My Feelings series, I’m also collaborating with kids to bring their stories and illustrations to life. Many kids dream of becoming authors, and I’d like to help make that happen sooner rather than later. Part or all of the profits from this series will go towards a good cause, depending on which advocacies are close to the child’s or parents’ heart. I’m currently working on a pirate book by a 9 year-old Filipino author named Manolo, and we’ll be donating the profits to Angat Buhay Foundation, which is dedicated to uplifting the lives of marginalized communities in the Philippines. “

Kim T.S.’s books can be purchased here on Amazon:`

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.