Welcome to
The Official Site of Irene Ishihara
About the Author
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Irene Ishihara
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Books shaped my life early on. My father was a keen reader and my mother often read stories from The Rupert Annual to me as a young child. As I listened the characters came alive and set my imagination on fire. Later as I learned to read on my own I would spend my Sundays curled up in my favourite chair lost in the mysteries of Hercule Poirot and Nancy Drew or consumed by the fantastical worlds of Madeleine L'Engle.
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I shared my love of stories with my own children, reading my old favourites and adding more recent gems like the works of Robert Munsch.
Reading has brought laughter and adventure into my life. It has inspired me to develop my own stories. Raising four children has provided me with a wealth of materials to write from. Writing and publishing my first book with my daughter Marika has been it's own adventure. How wonderful to see my characters brought to life. I look forward to more fun in the future!
About the Illustrator
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Marika Ishihara
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I am a fine artist and illustrator based in London, Ontario. Art has always been a big part of my life. Growing up I loved drawing and painting and eventually I went to study visual arts and art history at Western University. My illustrations take a lot of inspiration from the works of Hayao Miyazaki. Ghibli films were a large part of my childhood and I have always loved the style of art they used. I have sold several commissioned paintings, but this book is my first venture into the professional illustration world. It is my first collaboration on a children’s book and I look forward to more in the future.
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A Messy Meeting is now available for purchase at the following links.
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Review
"This gentle, uplifting story will capture the imagination of children and parents as it chronicles how a bad experience becomes a plus!"
Kristine L., Reedsy Discovery.
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Launch Date
December 19, 2022.
reedydiscovery.com
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It was a beautiful spring day in Poppy's yard until...PLOP!
Poppy's day takes a sudden turn when she must find a creative solution to a sticky problem. Along the way, Poppy discovers that good things can and do blossom from messy challenges!
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