Background: From Ballet to Books
Momoko Abe is a Japanese children’s book author and illustrator. She has published 11 books so far with more in the pipeline. Momoko illustrates her authored picture books as well as collaborates with other authors such as John Agard and Jeanne Willis.
Momoko’s journey into the world of children’s books was far from conventional. Born and raised in Japan, she was a creative child with a love for making things – baking, knitting, sewing – but her biggest passion was ballet.
“I started doing ballet when I was five,” she told me, “and by my teenage years, my life was all about dancing. But unfortunately, I wasn’t good enough to be a professional dancer.”
This led her to pursue her second passion – films. Momoko moved to the UK to study filmmaking and film theory. She later found work in the TV and film industry, a world where she remains active part-time. But as she approached her 30s, she yearned for something more personal. “I wanted to make something that was truly mine,” she said. That desire led her to illustration and, ultimately, children’s books.
Getting Started in Children’s Books
Momoko’s formal journey into children’s books began when she decided to take evening illustration courses while working in film. Due to visa restrictions, she couldn’t enrol in full-time education, so she sought out alternative learning experiences, including workshops and masterclasses.
One pivotal moment was attending a week-long picture book retreat in Spain. It was there that she learned about the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, a major event for aspiring authors and illustrators.
“I went to Bologna for the first time in 2017,” she recalled. “Then again in 2018. The second time, I got more responses from publishers. Around the same time, I got an agent through a friend. That led to my first book deal.”
Navigating the UK Children’s Book Industry as a Japanese Illustrator
Moving from Japan to the UK at 20, Momoko was exposed to an entirely different creative industry. When asked how she found her way in, she noted that she followed the same steps as many British illustrators: taking courses, building her portfolio, and networking.
However, she acknowledged Japan’s cultural attitude toward creative careers. “In Japan, art is often seen as not a proper job. My mom didn’t stop me from becoming an illustrator, but she thought it was just a phase or a hobby. She was surprised when I got my first real book deal.”
She also pointed out a key difference between the UK and Japan’s work culture: in Japan, people often aim for secure, lifelong jobs, whereas in the UK, career shifts are more common. This flexibility was beneficial to her journey.
Japanese Cultural Influences in Her Work
Despite embracing the UK’s illustration scene, Momoko’s Japanese heritage remains a significant influence.
One of her favourite artistic inspirations is Ukiyo-e, a traditional Japanese woodblock print style from the 17th century.
“I love how Ukiyo-e uses color—very flat, but dynamic. The compositions are also unique because they don’t follow Western perspectives. That has influenced my art style a lot.”
She also mentioned Japan’s kawaii (cute) culture, which might be why people often describe her work as having a distinctly Japanese style, even though she hasn’t consciously tried to incorporate it.
Career Highlights and Impact
Momoko has enjoyed several career milestones, from getting an agent to signing her first book deal. But there are a few moments that stand out:
- Being Featured in The Bookseller’s Illustrators Showcase (2018) – As part of an Association of Illustrators partnership, Momoko was highlighted in a special Bologna Book Fair edition of The Bookseller magazine.
- Shortlisted for the AOI World Illustration Award (2019) – A significant validation of her talent.
- Winning the Spark Kingston & Richmond Book Award for Avocado Asks – What made this special was that the award was chosen by teachers and students, showing that her book resonated with children, her target audience.
Affiliations, Networking, and Growth
Momoko emphasized the importance of networking, particularly within the children’s book illustrator community.
“The children’s book world is so friendly,” she said. “If you meet one person, they introduce you to another, and soon you’re surrounded by fellow illustrators.”
While she was previously part of the Association of Illustrators (AOI), she left once she got an agent since they now handle business negotiations. However, she still believes AOI is an excellent resource for illustrators without agents.
She also participates in illustrator meetups, attends book fairs, and stays connected with industry peers.
Current and Future Projects
Momoko has a busy schedule lined up. She just completed a second collaboration with author Josh Lacey and is currently illustrating a picture book for an American publisher. Additionally, she has an upcoming book deal with another publisher.
Her long-term dream? She would love to collaborate with Beatrice Alemagna, an illustrator and author she deeply admires.
Business Offerings and Making a Living as a Creative
Beyond book deals, Momoko also earns from:
- School visits and festival talks
- Illustration workshops
- Market stalls, where she sells prints and greeting cards
Though she once had an Etsy shop, she closed it to simplify her life. She still sells artwork at seasonal markets, primarily for networking rather than income.
“Making a living from illustration alone is tough,” she admitted. “If I didn’t have a day job, I’d have to take on more projects.”
Work-Life Balance
Juggling a part-time TV job with book illustration requires discipline. Momoko works on her illustration projects in evenings and on weekends.
“I’m a fast worker, so I can focus intensely for a few hours and get a lot done. I make sure to take breaks, meet friends, and enjoy things like ballet and baking.”
Even though she watches films as part of her TV job, she still enjoys watching movies for fun.
Working with Momoko
For those hoping to collaborate with her, she clarified how the traditional publishing industry works.
- For Authors: Publishers, not authors, typically choose illustrators so her agents could be approached.
- For Self-Published Authors: While theoretically possible, she prioritizes traditional publishing due to better distribution and financial stability.
- For Schools & Festivals: She is open to invitations for school visits and events, and organizers can contact her through her website or Instagram.
Tips for Aspiring Creatives
Momoko shared two major pieces of advice:
- Network with fellow creatives.
“Some people think networking means meeting editors and publishers. I think it’s more about connecting with other illustrators. My agent came through a friend I met at a workshop.” - Say ‘yes’ now, panic later.
“I don’t like public speaking, but when I was asked to do an illustration workshop, I said yes—even though I was nervous. That led to other opportunities.”
She also warned about industry scams and emphasized the importance of doing research before accepting opportunities.
