These illustrations were originally created as entries for the 2026 Post Wave Prize for Illustration (Houlang Global Illustration Award), for which I am so happy to have been selected as the overall winner! The theme for the Prize was "Time for Tea," and my response was a generous mouse that invites her wild neighbors over for tea.
I am thrilled to share I am now developing this story to be published with Post Wave Children's Books Berlin Studio. Check back here for updates!
As part of the Prize, I also had the amazing opportunity to visit China, specifically the Shanghai Book Fair and Anxi County, a region of China deeply connected to tea. Pictures below!
Above: The cover illustration on my desk, and some close-ups. These illustrations were first drawn in black and white charcoal because I wanted to focus on the lighting, especially the shadow of the bird. Once I was happy with that, I spray-fixed the charcoal before adding color with washes of acrylic paint and colored pencil. Done on Arches watercolor paper.
Below: The real life Island House that inspired this story! Found while kayaking a lake in the Adirondacks, NY.
Below: Lots of new inspiration to be found in Anxi County, China. Oolong tea is grown and produced here. Tea is a way of life for many people in Anxi. Stories, meetings, reunions, even conflicts are all shared over cups of tea. The process of making the tea is arduous. I left this trip with a much greater appreciation for and understanding of tea. The Island House Mouse will certainly be infused with a greater reverence when she prepares her tea party.
