Miko Imai
School Visits
Miko visits elementary schools in the Greater Boston Area to read her books and talk about how she comes up with ideas for her stories. Miko also shows how she develops her illustrations and helps the children draw one of her characters.
Teacher Reviews
Miko Imai’s visit is wonderful on many levels. She shows and reads her lovely, lovely books. She discusses the author’s and artist’s crafts in terms that kindergarteners readily understand, from where her ideas come from, to putting a bit of herself into the stories, to the process of revising and reworking her art. She teaches us a few Japanese words and leads us through drawing a favorite character from one of her stories. All of this is delivered in a gentle and engaging manner; the students and the teachers alike are completely enthralled. Our hour with her is wonderful, and we refer to it often for the rest of the year…” When Miko Imai writes a story, she includes the feelings of the characters,” or “Remember, Miko Imai told us she also sometimes has to change her story or picture to make it better.” Her visit is a highlight of our year!
Lisa Seyferth
Kindergarten Teacher, Horace Mann School, Newton, MA
For 22 years and counting, Miko Imai has delighted kindergarteners at the Lincoln School in Lincoln, MA with an annual visit to help our emergent readers and writers learn more about what it is like to be an author/illustrator. As one of the teachers I could not ask for a more age appropriate, insightful, gracious and heartwarming presentation. Observing Miko work with my students and hearing her story of becoming an author/illustrator is inspiring….
…Miko Imai’s stories are heartfelt. The simplicity of her stories allow for very important life-lessons to ring out with charm and honesty. In Sebastian’s Trumpet, children learn the importance of never giving up. In Little Lumpty, they are presented with the tension between abiding by all the rules and following your dream. Finally, Lilly’s Secret tells the tale of being teased for being different while also celebrating the bonds of friendship through understanding and acceptance. Miko is a master of her craft. I know my students have cherished her work for many, many years. They are timeless tales offered by a treasure of an author/illustrator.
Becky Eston Salemi
Kindergarten Teacher, Lincoln School, Lincoln, MA