I’m so lucky to be part of the Rocky Mountain chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) which means I’ve met and become friendly with some of the most talented and kindest authors and illustrators. Dow Phumiruk is definitely the embodiment of all of that description. The first book of hers that I read was MELA AND THE ELEPHANT, written by Dow and illustrated by Ziyue Chen. I attended her launch party in 2018 and then she attended my launch party for ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON in 2019 where we also read excerpts from the award-winning book COUNTING ON KATHERINE, written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Dow. During Covid, I bought a few more of her books, including HUGSBY, which she both wrote and illustrated. This summer we were together at a wonderful literacy fundraiser, and I can’t wait to see her again! If you’re not familiar with Dow and her extraordinary talent, go get a refreshing beverage and get ready to be dazzled!
Dow is generously offering a winner’s choice giveaway of one of her books. HELLO, TREE written by Ana Crespo and illustrated by Dow is her latest picture book (releasing September 14.)
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
I was an agreeable and busy child. My mom (aka supermom) enrolled me in classes for what seemed like my every free moment. So many lessons. I’ll name some: gymnastics, ballet, piano, ice skating, swimming, tap dancing, guitar/electric guitar, judo, and art. And of course, art classes were my favorite!
What inspires you?
My number one inspiration has always been my children. Nature comes next! My Thai heritage has been a focus more recently.
What’s something you hope readers take away from your books?
Wonder, imagination, adventure, inspiration, and compassion. I wish all of these for my readers! If readers can grow to be their best selves, then our world can be a better place, filled with kind hearts and rich in diversity. I think this applies to all of my projects!
What’s next for you?
Next month (September 14), a book written by Ana Crespo and illustrated by me releases. It is called HELLO, TREE, with a story that Ana wrote after the Black Forest fire in Colorado Springs, where she lives. It is a tale of regrowth, and I can’t wait to share it!
In January 2022, my book with Ella Schwarz launches: HER NAME WAS MARY KATHARINE: THE ONLY WOMAN WHOSE NAME IS ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, from Christy Ottaviano Books. Mary Katharine was a printer, postmaster, and patriot. She should have been in our history books!
I am currently working on final art for a book about the amazing Senator Tammy Duckworth, written by Newbery Honor winner Christina Soontornvat. I’ve just about finished dummies for three other manuscripts and look forward to seeing them become books, too. It seems I stay busy, just like when I was young!
You’re going to want to learn more about Dow and her beautiful art and inspiring books: I am especially looking forward to her book about Tammy Duckworth!
Twitter and instagram @dowphumiruk. Facebook: artbydow
Portfolio artbydow.com. Blog happydow.blogspot.com
Laura Roettiger Books 
Thank you so much for having me on your blog!! 😀
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Thank YOU for being such a wonderful, talented person!
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So cute! Would be a great addition to my new little library I am running for my village
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How fun to have a Little Library! I’m guessing you’ll get a lot of donations. There’s one around the block from me and we stop all the time to leave books and borrow others! Good luck in the giveaway.
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I love Dow and I love her books and I loved learning more about here here!
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Thanks for reading, Claudia! Yes, so much fun to learn more about Dow and hear what we have to look forward to next! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Ahh! Love you, too, Claudia! ❤
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My students have LOVED reading Titan and the Wild Boars and Counting on Katherine. Both books are in our classroom library. I look forward to reading and adding more of her books to our library in the future.
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Jennifer, thank you for stopping by the blog. I am happy to hear you have 2 of Dow’s books in your classroom library and I’m sure she will be too. I have been impressed with everything she does and if you’re not following her social media accounts, she shares a lot of wonderful art! Good luck in the giveaway.
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These are all such important and beautiful books!! Thank you for being such an inspiration Dow! 💜
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Anna, thanks for reading and I completely agree that Dow is an inspiration. Good luck in the giveaway and with your students as the new school year begins.
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Thank you so much, Anna! ❤
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Thanks for a great interview! Love Dow and her work. Can’t wait to see the new book. And Dow is still young!
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Thank you so much, Nancy! <3<3<3 Love you, too!
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Thanks for reading. Yes, Dow has so many wonderful books and I’m looking forward to all of the ones coming out soon! Good luck in the giveaway!
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As always, such a great interview. With so many wildfires in the west—and around the world—this story of rebirth after devastation feels incredibly important.
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Thanks for reading, Susan. Yes, I have a manuscript I’m going to revise again, maybe even start over completely, about rebirth after devastation. Thanks for all your support of the blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Susan! There are so many fires every year. I wish it weren’t so.
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This artist is so talented! I can’t wait to read her books and will check my library for copies. Thank you for the chance to win one of them to read and review.
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Dow is an amazing talent, both as a writer and an illustrator. Thank you for reading, Danielle and good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you so much, Danielle!
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Dow, your illustrations are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing some tidbits from your childhood!
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Thank you for reading and I agree, her illustrations are fabulous! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you so much!
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Thanks for the wonderful giveaway opportunity! Dow’s illustrations are so beautiful, and I can’t wait for her new books!
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Thank you for reading and supporting the authors and illustrators on the blog. Dow is one of the most impressive people I’ve been lucky to know. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I’m looking forward to reading Hello, Tree. Living in California has made us (and many kids) quite concerned about fire. I think kids need to see that nature finds its way back.
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Thanks for reading, Jilanne. Yes, it’s been scary in so many western states over the past few years. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I am sorry there are so many fires. I hope our book will help serve to discuss them with children.
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Such beautiful books and a wonderful interview!
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Thanks for reading, Sara. If you haven’t seen any of the other interviews (now weekly on Tuesdays) check them out, so much talent and inspiration! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you so much, Sara!
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Dow- Your books definitely inspire “wonder, imagination, adventure, inspiration, and compassion.” You are inspiring and one of the kindest people I know.
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Lauren, you and Dow are two of the kindest, most inspiring people I know! So happy to share this writing journey in the company of both of you.
Good luck in the giveaway.
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Lauren, thank you so much. ❤ I am so grateful for your friendship!!
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