I have something today that will spark joy in book-loving hearts—a picture book collaboration between de-clutter queen Marie Kondo and prolific author-illustrator Salina Yoon!
Introducing KIKI & JAX…
Salina, how did you feel when you were offered the co-writing and illustration gig on Marie Kondo’s first children’s book?
At first, it didn’t quite register. I’d heard of Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” because it was a bestseller for months on the NY Times list, but I had not read it. My agent was overjoyed with the idea of collaborating with her, so I knew it was something to be excited about! I started to research articles about Marie, and found that she was an international superstar—and this was BEFORE we knew anything about the upcoming series on Netflix, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo!” I happened to read about the Netflix series on the Washington Post while on vacation when our project was already in progress. My jaw dropped to the floor!
Mine would have dropped, too! (Until I realized I had to clean it up!)
How did you decide on the style of the illustrations?
I wanted to make this book extra special, so I actually tried many different styles before deciding to do the one I used. I even sketched out human girls as characters before deciding to do the animal ones in the style of Penguin and Pinecone. What ultimately made me choose this style is because I was told that Marie’s favorite book was PENGUIN AND PINECONE. If she loved that book, then I knew she also loved that art style, and my stylization of animal characters. So I reigned myself in and stayed with the Penguin art style for the Kiki and Jax book—and she loved it!
What do you hope young children (and their parents) will take away after reading this book?
I hope that both children and adults will reflect on what matters most to them in their lives-—and consider letting go of the things that get in the way of it. By letting go of the clutter that doesn’t spark joy for us, we’ll find a greater appreciation for the things we do have. Finding joy from what we already have is the best joy of all.
How adorable! The characters and colors really pop!
OK, confession time! Have you let some things go after working on this book?
You know, I’ve always been pretty tidy because my mom is EXTREMELY tidy. But it turns out I could be much tidier when I looked at my things with a different filter—the Marie Kondo filter! There was one week earlier this year that I thought Marie would be coming over to my house (this visit had to be cancelled), but the thought that Marie was going to see my home made me tidy in a hurry! I unshelved ALL of my books in my office, and filled many boxes for book donations. I kept about one third by using her method of holding each book and seeing if it sparks joy for me. Another motivation was that now, I have room to buy new books to spark even MORE joy!
I also let go of many pairs of shoes that never fit right, but felt too guilty to let go of because I hadn’t worn them enough. The KonMari method taught me that I shouldn’t hold on to things because of guilt. I should only hold on to things that spark joy! I thanked my old pairs of unfitting shoes, and donated them to Goodwill. If you’re a size 6, go look for some nearly-new pairs of shoes at Goodwill’s in San Diego! 🙂 Unfortunately, I’m a size 5.
So I do practice what I preach in this book with Marie Kondo. I wholeheartedly believe in her method of tidying!
Thank you, Salina! Happy tidying! (Will you come do my house next???)
OK, one thing I know folks will never part with is one of the 3 copies of KIKI & JAX signed by Marie Kondo and Salina Yoon that Salina is giving away!
Leave one comment below to enter. Three random winners will be chosen next Tuesday, November 20th.
And yes, all the winners of previous giveaways I haven’t yet announced will also be up next Tuesday.
So get your entry in now!
Good luck!
160 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 12, 2019 at 9:53 am
Cynthia Hawthorne
Thanks Tara for the interview. Salina this looks like another winner – and present for my grandson. Congratulations!
November 12, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Salina
Thanks, Cynthia! I hope your grandson enjoys it!
November 12, 2019 at 9:59 am
Laura Renauld
Congratulations on this stellar collaboration. Your book will certainly spark joy!
November 12, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Salina
Thanks Laura! And it was so great to see you in Hershey, PA! Best of luck on all of your great projects!
November 12, 2019 at 10:03 am
writersideup
Tara, I am SO all over this one 😀 I had the pleasure of meeting you, Salina, in Princeton (came away with 2 signed copies of BE A FRIEND 😀 😀 :D) and love all your work ❤ And since I don't have Netflix, I hadn't heard of the "joy" of Marie Kondo till Lauri Meyers cracked me up with an anecdote related to that joy 🙂 Thanks for offering the giveaway!
November 12, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Salina
Oh my gosh… your blog featuring the Princeton Book Festival was fabulous! Thank you for including me in it!!! And I’m so glad you got copies of BE A FRIEND. That book means a lot to me, and I always feel a connection to people who love that book. XOXO Salina
November 13, 2019 at 8:50 pm
writersideup
Thrills me you took the time to look at the post and that you enjoyed it 😀 😀 😀 Thank you, Salina ❤ oxox
November 12, 2019 at 10:08 am
rgstones
Can’t wait to see this book! I’m hoping it will spark joy in my little packrat. 🙂
November 12, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Salina
Ha ha… thank you, rgstones! May your little packrat have an ah-ha moment while reading!
November 12, 2019 at 10:08 am
Danielle Hammelef
I love that this idea of sparking joy and tidying up is now available for kids in this adorable book. I have used this idea for certain categories in my closet, but still need to do so much more.
November 12, 2019 at 2:54 pm
Salina
Thank you, Danielle. While this story is certainly meant to inspire tidying, it’s also meant to inspire joy. I hope it does both for you and your littles in your life!
November 12, 2019 at 10:08 am
Krista Harrington
Terrific interview, Tara. Thanks!
This book looks adorable:)
November 12, 2019 at 2:57 pm
Salina
Thanks, Krista!
November 12, 2019 at 10:11 am
Lenora Biemans
This is adorable. Love both of the collaborators and I can’t wait to see the book!
November 12, 2019 at 2:58 pm
Salina
Thanks, Lenora!
November 12, 2019 at 10:12 am
rosecappelli
Looking forward to reading this book! Love Salina and her work.
November 12, 2019 at 10:16 am
Debbie Austin
Thank you for sharing your collaboration story. I can’t wait to read the book!
November 12, 2019 at 10:21 am
Carole Calladine
What a wonderful way to teach kids early about what gives them joy! Can’t wait to read it. The illustrations are eye popping!
November 12, 2019 at 10:21 am
Lisa Pavalon
I know so many families with small children that will benefit from this book; what a great practice for young children to learn! The illustrations are so lively and engaging! Can’t wait to read it!
November 12, 2019 at 10:22 am
Katie Giorgio
Love that this concept has been adapted for kids. Thanks for sharing!
November 12, 2019 at 10:23 am
Carole Calladine
Thanks for sharing your process. The art is eye-popping! Love the idea of introducing what gives you joy to young kids.
November 12, 2019 at 10:24 am
Juliana Lee
I know a few littles who could use a fun story about tidying up! Congrats on the wonderful collaboration!
November 12, 2019 at 10:25 am
Kim Larson
Your artwork is amazing, Salina! Congrats on another book! It has an important message!
November 12, 2019 at 10:25 am
Carole Calladine
This doesn’t seem to be posting. Maybe the third time it will.
Love the idea of teaching children the concept of what gives you joy!
The art is eye-popping!
November 12, 2019 at 10:25 am
annjex
What a thrilling opportunity to work with Marie Kondo to spread her message simply through children’s literature. It will help parents to practice and teach the practical and rewarding skill of releasing unnecessary possessions to their family.
November 12, 2019 at 10:26 am
Nadia Salomon
I loved reading this post. I so need to learn to let go of ‘guilt’. Something I’m trying to teach my munchkin. I ditto Katie Giorgio’s sentiment – this concept is being adapted for kids.
November 12, 2019 at 10:26 am
rachelleburk
This is the second time Marie Kondo’s name has come up in two days. And I love Salina’s work. That must mean something. I’ll need to read this book!
November 12, 2019 at 10:28 am
Terri
Great inspirational blog post not just about the creativity side of writhing Kiki and Jax but also the inner thoughts of writing Penguin and Pinecone. I too follow Marie Kondo and her organizational methods. I wished I had more time to follow all her guidelines and make my writhing area spectacular and Spark JOY. Maybe during the Christmas break from working at a high school I will get on board and not abandon ship. Again love your blog!
November 12, 2019 at 3:01 pm
Salina
I wish you luck, Terri! After the holidays is the perfect time of year to renew our spaces. I find decluttering my space declutters my mind and makes it easier to focus on the things I want to focus on! And thanks!
November 12, 2019 at 10:28 am
carolegerber
This sounds very kid-friendly and the illustrations are great! I love that Salina felt compelled to clear, donate some books, and organize her bookshelves. 🙂
November 12, 2019 at 10:32 am
evelynchristensen
Salina, I love your work and your enthusiasm for life! This new book looks great! Congratulations to you and Marie.
November 12, 2019 at 10:58 am
Rebecca Langston-George
Congratulations on the new book, Salina! How exciting to get to collaborate with Marie Kondo. Love the theme of the book.
November 12, 2019 at 10:59 am
Dee Goodman
I look forward to reading your book—wish it had been around when my grown children were young—I want to give it to my grand daughter—in the mean time you have inspired me to go clean a closet—
November 12, 2019 at 11:01 am
Kristin Crouch
This collaboration sparks joy within me! This book sounds amazing. I love the care and compassion that Kondo uses when helping people tidy up, and I’m sure that shines through in this book as well.
Excited to read it and thanks for the chance to win a copy.
November 12, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Salina
Thank you, Kristin! I agree. Kondo is very compassionate of others when helping them through this process. FUN FACT: I was watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix while doing the illustrations for this book as inspiration!
November 12, 2019 at 11:01 am
Kathy Mazurowski
This collaboration sparks joy with me!❤️
November 12, 2019 at 11:05 am
Cheryl Johnson
Looking forward to reading this! I love reading the journey of illustrators and writers.
November 12, 2019 at 11:07 am
allegore
I am so excited to gift this book this Christmas!
November 12, 2019 at 11:09 am
Karen Turner
What a great way to spread such an amazing message for students! I can’t wait to share this title with teachers!
November 12, 2019 at 11:10 am
Stan Yan
I need this book… not for my son, but for me. If you saw my studio, you’d know why.
November 12, 2019 at 11:11 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
I love the tiny Penguin in Kiki’s bedroom! How fantastic that this will introduce Marie’s *spark joy* idea to children as well as to their parents who may not yet have read Marie’s book or watched the Netflix show! Congrats!
November 12, 2019 at 11:16 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Great post! Congrats on your book! Thanks for he chance to win a copy.
November 12, 2019 at 11:20 am
supermario6
I would never part with this book!
November 12, 2019 at 11:21 am
June Sengpiehl
Charming and educational. Good topic for a children’s book.
November 12, 2019 at 11:21 am
Kathy Farr
I need this book!! 😄
November 12, 2019 at 11:25 am
Cheryl Kim
Thanks for this interview- I love Salina’s books and can’t wait to read this one!
November 12, 2019 at 11:26 am
CindyC
Great collaboration story! Can’t wait to read it.
Cindy
November 12, 2019 at 11:30 am
Kelly Bennett
Can’t wait to read this & find out how about the magic of friendship part! Now, I’m off to restock my Little Library!
November 12, 2019 at 11:31 am
Dee Leone
The illustrations are adorable and the message is so inspirational and life-changing. I can’t wait to read this!
November 12, 2019 at 11:37 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for sharing! I love the art and the message. I can think of a few grandkids who would love Kiki and Jax. The pictures would draw them in and hopefully spark some room clean up!😊
November 12, 2019 at 11:49 am
Zebo Ludvicek
Congratulations Salina. I am so excited and happy for you about this book. Can’t wait to read it! Penguin and Pinecone is MY favorite story too. Especially knowing your process! (That was a wonderful presentation in Miami!)
November 12, 2019 at 11:51 am
danielledufayet
This book looks so sweet -congrats on such a fabulous opportunity -very happy for you! 🙂
November 12, 2019 at 11:56 am
Sheri Radovich
Good ideas and tidying up is hard when you have files and files of rewrites of manuscripts everywhere but I started tidying files since my closets have been tidied. Congratulations on your new book collaboration and I am sure it will be better with the animal characters in it. Love the simple story about not having so many things but only the things that make you happy.
November 12, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Anitha Kuppuswamy
Looking forward to reading this book!
November 12, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Liz Mc
I love the illustrative style of Penguin and Pinecone and of course, the new book. I have Marie Kondo’s book and this new book would sit right next to it … after being read copious times. ~ Liz Mc
November 12, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Gabriele
What a wonderful way to spark a life-long habit! I look forward to sharing this joyful book with the littles in my life.
November 12, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Kathy Halsey
These characters and their story are delightful. Salina. I need to tidy up. Maybe this book will hope. (Hint-Hint.)
November 12, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Dawn Young
❤️Thank you for sharing your writing journey. So excited to read, Salina. ❤️
November 12, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Linda Mitchell
This is wonderful! I really look forward to seeing this book in the hands of children. We all could benefit from simplicity and joy! Thank you for this interview!
November 12, 2019 at 12:34 pm
caroliverson
Wonderful! This book is needed in so many homes. Mine included.
November 12, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Brenda Huante
I’ve read Marie Kondo’s book twice and have implemented her ideas. And I love Salina’s illustrations. This book will be a winner for sure! I can’t wait to read it!
November 12, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Wendy Wahman
I NEED this book :-p. Love Salina’s work, always. And Salina! Tweeting, pinning, FB shared already.
November 12, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Marlene Rohr
What a wonderful collaboration! Looking forward to sharing this book with my grandchildren.
November 12, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for the tips!
November 12, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Ali Earle Pichardo
I would love to win the Kiki and Jax books to read to my four grandsons. Parting with toys is so hard for them. It would be great for me to stop looking at my things as collections and see them for what they are. Clutter to part with. Thank you Marie and Salina for this book.
November 12, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Anita Banks
Congratulations, what fun!
November 12, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great post! This book looks adorable! Happy Book Birthday to Salina and Marie! 😊
November 12, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Arlene Schenker
Wow! this book looks adorable–and important. Thanks for the post, Tara, and the book, Marie/
November 12, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Sheila Wipperman
What a delightful idea and charming illustrations! I need to take this to heart and do some parting! The grandkids would love this book, especially since their Mom recently took part in a group study on the subject of decluttering.
November 12, 2019 at 1:25 pm
Alvina Kwong
Congrats on this wonderful book! Sparks of joy for sure! Thanks for the interview Tara!
November 12, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Lori Alexander
What an amazing partnership. Can’t wait to read this one!
November 12, 2019 at 1:35 pm
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
This book looks adorable! Thanks for sharing its journey.
November 12, 2019 at 1:37 pm
mariagianferrari
This looks adorable, Salina–congrats! I’ll be doing a lot of tidying in preparation for our move to a smaller home. I know it will be cathartic (once it’s actually done!) Congrats!!
November 12, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Kathy Crable
What a sweet way to get kids thinking about LESS stuff!
November 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Hélène Sabourin
This book looks amazing! It gives an important life lesson in a cute and simple way. I can’t wait to read it. That’s exactly what I need to remind me how important it is to get rid of the clutter.
November 12, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Writer on the run
The book looks amazing! Marie’s book about tidying up was my bible when I sold my house of 32 years and decided to travel and be house free. Couldn’t have done it without her help. What a great collaboration and opportunity Salina!
November 12, 2019 at 2:29 pm
Salina
Wow… that’s amazing! Good for you! It’s hard to let go of things–esp after 32 yrs, I’m sure. And thanks!
November 12, 2019 at 2:30 pm
curryelizabeth
Great interview! Congratulations. I look forward to reading it.
November 12, 2019 at 2:41 pm
Gloria Amescua
What a delight! I can see how this will help kids be able to let go of some things and keep the ones they really treasure.
November 12, 2019 at 2:46 pm
Colleen Kelley
It’s so rich to hear about how an artist decides on an approach for her characters. I also enjoyed hearing about you collaborative journey. Thank you for sharing this.
November 12, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Salina
Thank you, Colleen. And why we decided to go with a squirrel for the messy character was that squirrels are natural hoarders of nuts. And I chose an owl for the “Marie Kondo” like character, because owls are wise, and have knowledge to pass on. I identify more with Jax, the owl, so I used parts of my house to inspire some of Jax’s house! 🙂 Thanks for reading!
November 12, 2019 at 2:59 pm
claireannette1
This interview certainly sparked joy for me! Thanks for the photos of your book tidying. I have such a hard time letting them go.
November 12, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Salina
What helped me, Claire, was to think about the joy that my books would bring to others who would read them! My books on my bookshelf collecting dust is not sparking joy for anyone. Books need to be read, not just loved and kept… so that thought helped me move them along. Now, I get to buy MORE books… and when I do, I’ll share more of my other books with others.
November 12, 2019 at 3:10 pm
srburnett
My daughter loves Salina Yoon’s books and I also like the idea of my kids tidying up! What a great collaboration!
November 12, 2019 at 3:29 pm
Janet F.
I have been so eager for this book! I follow the amazing Salina. I have been working on the whole decluttering thing, however…..I MuST have a library (all over in) my house! I am so impressed at her decluttering for Marie’s (canceled) visit.
November 12, 2019 at 4:45 pm
Alicia
I have always loved your books, but when I saw you present at the Children’s Book Festival in Hattiesburg, MS, I was blown away by your creativity. I have had so much JOY watching this book come together for you on Facebook. I am trying to use the Konmari method in my home as well, but I still wasn’t able to give away my old toe shoes from my youth! Perhaps if I win a copy of Kiki and Jax, I will have to make room!
November 12, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Darshana
Great interview!! Congratulations Salina! I wish I had this book when my kids were little. My younger one is a pack rat. Though in her case she’d probably feel that everything sparks joy. Would love to win a copy.
November 12, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Salina
Thanks, Darshana! With your kids, you can share the concept of space. Space limits our ability to keep everything, even if it sparks joy! And displaying their favorite things (on a shelf vs. a bin) will help them see what they have— and maximize their joy from it! But this story is also about making friendship/relationships a priority— over things! Hope you enjoy!!
November 12, 2019 at 5:22 pm
kathydoherty1
There is a lot to love here! I’m looking forward to reading it.
November 12, 2019 at 6:13 pm
phyllisharris50
I LOVE this collaboration! Can’t wait to see this book!
November 12, 2019 at 6:15 pm
Angie
What a fun book! Perfect for young readers (and even the older ones). 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
November 12, 2019 at 6:24 pm
marty
Love the illustration style you chose, Salina!
And we’re never too young or too old to have a book detailing how to eliminate clutter and share what doesn’t get used, worn, etc.
Excited to see and read this one 🙂
November 12, 2019 at 6:36 pm
Laurie Young
Lovely book! I think it’s one that will help me, too . . . 😉
November 12, 2019 at 7:03 pm
Cynthia Harmony
I read about this book coming out, but with this sneak peak I know it is a book we need at home! Clean up awaits. Congrats!
November 12, 2019 at 7:05 pm
Cynthia Harmony
I’ve heard about this book coming soon, but with this sneak peak I can tell it’s a book we need at home. We’ve got some tidying up to do. Looks wonderful. Congratulations!!!
November 12, 2019 at 7:16 pm
Beth Raff
What an exciting joint venture! Friendship can be life-changing. I would love to share this book with my library students.
November 12, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Emily Wayne (@heyemilywayne)
So excited for this book!!
November 12, 2019 at 7:57 pm
Lynne Marie
What a fun post and a triple the fun give-away! Thanks for sharing and bringing joy, Tara, Salina and Marie!
November 12, 2019 at 8:26 pm
Linda Schueler
Cool! I am looking forward to reading this book.
November 12, 2019 at 8:53 pm
David McMullin
What a fun project! I can’t wait to see this collaboration.
November 12, 2019 at 9:21 pm
Salina
Thanks, ALL, for your lovely comments you’re leaving me! I’m reading them all, and appreciate them so much (even if I can’t respond to them all). I can’t wait to share my copies with you! (And thank you, Tara!)
November 12, 2019 at 10:49 pm
Mirka
Im so excited to meet Salina in person at our upcoming Hawaii SCBWI Conference. 🙂
November 13, 2019 at 2:28 am
Salina
I’m MORE excited!!!! HAWAII!!!!!! WOOOOOOOT!!! Can we have my workshop on the beach drinking mai tais???
November 14, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Akiko White
Sure! We can have ukulele and hula dancers too! ❤ I'm so thrilled that you will be coming to Hawaii and even more thrilled for you and your successful books!
November 12, 2019 at 10:54 pm
kaziemann
I am excited to read this book! I love Salina Yoon’s artwork and her illustrations will wonderfully complement Marie Kondo’s wisdom.
November 13, 2019 at 2:32 am
Salina
Thank you! That is such a nice compliment! Marie chose me as her collaborator not only for my writing style, but I think my illustrations spoke to her. My art style is very much like her philosophy about tidying. Less is more… or… keep only items that spark joy. My art is very minimalistic, and I only include details that are essential to the story. I think she sensed this in her own way, and it was clear how aligned we were after we met!
November 12, 2019 at 11:55 pm
seschipper
Can’t wait to read this book…amazing combination of talents!!! I am very tidy (or at least I think I am ) but I often find it difficult to part with things…clothing, shoes, hmm just about everything! I am gong to remember to “hold on” to the things that spark joy! Thank you ,thank you! 🙂
PS my husband thanks you 🙂
November 13, 2019 at 2:36 am
Salina
I thought I was tidy, too,… until I read Marie’s Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,… and I realized I really do hold on to much more than I should. Decluttering my things help me to declutter my mind,… and allow it room for much more important things,… like creativity to grow! It really is a gift to ourselves to purge and to tidy!
November 13, 2019 at 1:41 am
authorlaurablog
Salina, I’ve enjoyed reading so many of your books and watching you share this project over the past several months has sparked joy for me. I really need to embrace the idea of not hanging on to things out of guilt.
November 13, 2019 at 2:27 am
Salina
Thank you, Laura, for following my journey! About not hanging on to things out of guilt: If you DO hold onto things out of guilt,… guess what. You’ll live with guilt forever! That guilt will camp out in your headspace indefinitely. When you shed those things, it’s surprising that the guilt sheds too! I’ve realized this after reading Kondo’s Life-Changing book for adults. There’s a lot of wisdom there. But children don’t feel guilty about holding onto things. They just want to hold onto them–without guilt! Ha! But letting go of things is an important life lesson for them, too.
November 13, 2019 at 8:59 pm
writersideup
wow, you’re really selling me on Marie Kondo, Salina! 🙂
November 13, 2019 at 4:26 am
lillyarts
I love your illustrations, and the two characters!!!! Such a cute useful book!
November 13, 2019 at 4:49 am
tinamcho
Great interview! I like how you applied Marie’s method to your own home. I’ll have to try it.
November 13, 2019 at 4:57 am
Suzanne Lewis
What a lovely story with precious illustrations to bring the the meaning of friendship to life! Looking forward to reading this!
November 13, 2019 at 5:36 am
Dee Knabb
What an opportunity for collaboration, Salina. This new PB looks wonderful too. Congratulations.
November 13, 2019 at 8:00 am
kaleegwarjanski
Ever since reading the book and watching the netflix special I have been wishing for this book to read my kids!
November 13, 2019 at 8:19 am
lmconnors
So cute! I love Penguin and Pinecone and I have read Marie Kondo’s book and try to minimize at least once a year. What a special combination of talent with Salina’s new book!
November 13, 2019 at 8:53 am
Sylvia Liu
I’m so excited for you, Salina, and I am the biggest clutter-bug. Even though I’ve read Marie Kondo’s book, the only thing that stuck was her method of folding t-shirts. Maybe with your book, I’ll be inspired to really tidy up.
November 13, 2019 at 9:31 am
Kristal Kelly
What a great story to share with kids and adults alike. So often, we become consumed with “all the things” instead of the moments we have with each other. Thank you for bringing this story to life.
November 13, 2019 at 9:58 am
Nancy Furstinger
Congrats–such a great match with your artwork…love those animal characters! Now to tidy up….
November 13, 2019 at 10:19 am
58chilihed13
As a notoriously UN-organized person, it is fun to see the humor and chance that I may not be a lost cause on my journey to tidiness! I will be adding this to my library’s shelf!
November 13, 2019 at 10:35 am
Margaret
This is adorable. I think my writing could probably use this philosophy. And my kids definitely need of this book!
November 13, 2019 at 11:05 am
Gail Hedrick
Such a fun, charming book to nudge kids to help make their lives joyful, and yet tidy. I appreciated the interview so much, the artwork is lovely, and thanks to Salina, Marie, and Tara for helping us find our joy in a book-imagine that!!!
November 13, 2019 at 11:08 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I’d love to read this book. I love watching Marie Kondo on NetFlix. I am never as organized as I want to be. Your artwork is perfect for the book.
November 13, 2019 at 11:10 am
Wendy Greenley
This is a dream come true pairing! Watch out NYT Bestseller list, here they come! Such vibrant artwork and a good message (I can use it in my office).
November 13, 2019 at 12:05 pm
mginsberg10
I can’t wait to read this book! Thanks for your post.
November 13, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Lydia Lukidis
I love this theme!!! I’m super organized and trying to pass on that trait to my 8 yr old…
November 13, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Darcee Freier
Thank you Salina, for sharing your illustration journey with us. Being a writer only, I always appreciate a glimpse across the great picture book divide into the illustrator’s imagination. I love that you tried all sorts of styles before coming back to the one that (probably) helped bring Marie Kondo to you in the first place.
November 13, 2019 at 3:20 pm
Christina Shawn
What a great skill for children to learn!
November 13, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Susan Uhlig
What an interesting experience!
November 13, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
WANT for my grand-daughters!! ❤
November 13, 2019 at 5:21 pm
Sandra Ekstrom
Can’t wait to get this book as we are downsizing our home right now! Thanks you.
November 13, 2019 at 6:10 pm
ptnozell
I’m a serial mover, minimalist & reader of anything & everything about being & staying organized. Can’t wait to read this picture book for the littlest organizers in our lives (and those who could use some encouragement).
November 13, 2019 at 8:12 pm
aliciaminor
If only I have a magic wand to organize my stuff (or junk) but this book could be all what I need. I want to win the prize.
November 13, 2019 at 9:54 pm
Laurie Goodluck
Brilliant idea for a kiddo book! Love MC!
November 14, 2019 at 2:21 pm
rosie8192
What fun books! Thank you for much for sharing these with us today. I can’t wait to read them.
November 14, 2019 at 2:46 pm
Lauri Meyers
So cool Salina!!
November 14, 2019 at 5:40 pm
Liz Healey
I am a huge Kondo fan. The idea of these books for children’s and their caregivers alike is brilliant!
November 14, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Lindsay Bonilla (@LindsayBonilla)
I would LOVE this book! I adore the Kondo method and would love to pass it along to my kiddos! :).
November 15, 2019 at 12:34 am
Daynah
Thanks so much for this interview, Tara. I loved it! Salina is so talented. I’m super excited about reading this new book. It definitely belongs on my kids’ bookshelf between “7 ate 9” and “Penguin and Pinecone.” 🙂
November 15, 2019 at 3:34 am
ingridboydston
First of all, I your art style is adorable! Secondly, my daughter picked up a Marie Kondo book to tease me with… and ended up asking if we could buy it! We did and spent a whole weekend sparking joy in our closets. That was a year ago and she’s still using the Marie Kondo method (my habits die harder apparently). But I LOVE picture books and this would be an incredible addition to my collection which I share with my Kindergartners…and my daughter. Fingers crossed.
November 15, 2019 at 8:41 am
Rachel Erickson
One of my favorite pictures is of a fall tree full of colorful orange, red and yellow leaves . Under the tree is the quote- “ The trees are showing us how beautiful it is to let go.” I believe in the simple beauty of just having enough. I live that way and am raising my children that way. We have lived overseas in Indonesia for ten years and we don’t have much. But the people around us have even less. Our lives feel full because of our blessings, not our possessions. I can’t wait to read this book. It looks amazing!
November 15, 2019 at 2:03 pm
rythmicrhyme
I enjoyed the interview and comments above. What a great concept for children and families to read about and work on together at this time in our lives when we need to be sharing our wealth and stuff with others.
November 15, 2019 at 4:19 pm
Judy Carey Nevin
I would love to somehow convince my almost-7-year old hoarder daughter to sort her things in order to give some away. Maybe the book would help…
Great interview!
November 16, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Viviane Elbee
I’m looking forward to reading this book! It sounds delightful.
November 16, 2019 at 9:01 pm
Wehaf
I loved “The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up” and it did change my life, or at least my house; I think a version for children is a wonderful thing.
November 17, 2019 at 10:42 pm
Hank Dallago
I just tidied my office and left only the things I wanted to help provide inspiration and excitement to my writing. It works wonders!!!
November 18, 2019 at 1:28 am
Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews
Wow, I really need to learn how to shed books, but alas, no Netflix . . . yet. Love Salina Yoon’s illustrations in any book, but have always loved Penguin. Teaching kids to let go of anything may be a difficult road. Marie Kondo just might be a genius!
November 18, 2019 at 11:12 am
Wendy Wahman
Looking forward to holding this little gem in my hands. Oh, and I did some book thinning myself last week. Shoes next.
November 18, 2019 at 11:31 am
Mary Worley
Happy to see a picture book about collecting and sorting…can’t wait to get this one.
November 18, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you Tara. This interview made me smile…sparked JOY! Thanks.
November 18, 2019 at 7:53 pm
wyszguy
What a great premise! Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
November 18, 2019 at 9:31 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
This book looks amazing! Kuddos to you, Salina. And, Tara, thanks for sharing so much wonderful #kidlit news on your blog.
November 19, 2019 at 1:09 am
jenniemacdonald
As a huge Marie Kondo fan, I’m so looking forward to this wonderful book!
November 19, 2019 at 1:22 pm
Linda
What a beautiful friendship book.
November 19, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Jon
I just watch my first Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Very cool!
November 20, 2019 at 1:32 am
tdjw
Can’t wait to read this one!
November 20, 2019 at 11:48 pm
Shauntrell Leaks
Nice, I don’t know if the giveaway is on Tuesday or the 20th. I’m hoping for the latter 😀. I have clutter in my home and classroom, this book will inspire me and my students.
November 24, 2019 at 11:45 am
Ashley Bankhead
This looks adorable! What a fun book for kids and adults.
February 11, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Kim Larson
Sounds like a wonderful book! I can’t wait to read it. Congrats, Marie and Salina!