The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/ Moni Ritchie Hadley, Mizuho Fujisawa, and Miso Magic
Moni Ritchie Hadley, a half-Japanese military brat, bounced back and forth from the USA to Japan. Daydreaming was a favorite pastime. She received a BA in Psychology at UCLA and later became a home/hospital teacher for the LAUSD, where she taught students unable to attend regular school due to medical needs.
An advocate for education, Moni develops lesson plans for California Educators Together and runs the annual Write Kidlit NOW! Scholarship fund to empower aspiring children’s book writers to pursue their dreams. Her work can be found in Highlights and High Five Magazine. Today, she lives in Los Angles, where she turns her sky-gazing daydreams into stories for children.
Moni is the author of Anzu and the Art of Friendship ,illustrated by Nathalia Takeyama (2023), and The Star Festival, illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa (2021), a 2022 Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year. And her short film, “MANiCUREd,” won “Best No-Budget Film” at the 2009 Broad Humor Film Festival.
Mizuho Fujisawa was born and raised in Japan near Mount Fuji. She’s lived in Germany, in Australia and some different regions in Japan.
After studying biology, she moved to France to study illustrations. Mizuho’s always been fascinated by picture books with plenty of colors. She lives in a small village in the Alsace region with her husband and two sons and continues to illustrate books.
Mizuho is the author/illustrator of Coffret livres Leporello des 4 Saisons (2023) and Mon imagier des animaux (2023), and the illustrator of The Star Festival, by Moni Ritchie (2021), Under My Tree by Muriel Tallandier (2020), and Jesus, I Love You by Augustine Gadient (2020).
Their newest picture book collaboration, Miso Magic, releases September 5th.
Welcome Moni and Mizuho, thank you so much for stopping by to talk about yourselves and your book.
Hi Maria, thank you for inviting us to your interview !
Why don't you both tell us a little about yourselves. (Where/when do you write or illustrate? How long have you been writing or illustrating? What is your favorite type of book to write or illustrate?)
MONI - Becoming a mother and reading to my daughter inspired me to write my own stories. During that time, I found a deep appreciation for picture books. We had some books around when I was a girl, but we moved often because my dad was in the military. Moving across continents was the time to downsize, and belongings would get left behind. So, rediscovering books as an adult was fun!
At first, my writing topics reflected motherhood and everyday life, stories about broccoli, cats, birds, and things my daughter would say. Many years later, when my mother came to live with me, I found new inspiration through our conversations. Revisiting memories of my youth and exploring my Japanese heritage brought new themes into my stories.
I'm at my best in the morning, but I usually write midday to prioritize an early walk. My primary writing spot is a table in the center of my office, but a window seat, bed, couch, dining room table, and chaise offer a nice change of scenery. (Especially when my office is cluttered)
MIZUHO - My name is Mizuho Fujisawa, and I am a Japanese illustrator living in France since 2005. I started by illustrating indie books after graduating Épinal Art school in France, in 2009. It took me several years to become a professional illustrator. I often run workshops as well in schools and libraries etc.
Besides the illustrations work, I keep a drawing journal of everyday life with my children, the funny phrases, the cute postures etc. and it feeds a lot my illustrations.
I also love observing living things and wondering why they have such forms. I feel like I understand a little bit better of what surrounds me by drawing.
It is so nice to meet you both. Who was your favorite author, illustrator, and/or your favorite book as a child?
MONI - I vividly remember reading Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town. I enjoyed exploring all the characters’ lives depicted in the illustrations. The portrayal of a close-knit neighborhood where everyone knows each other left me secretly longing to be in one place long enough to feel part of one.
MIZUHO - It’s hard to choose a book but I have one in my mind : Le petit géant (The Small Giant in English) by Philippe Dumas. It was translated as “The midnight adventure” in Japanese. It was a book that I borrowed repeatedly at my kindergarten library when I was 4. I remember the cover illustration: a girl holding a candle by the window looking outside of a brick walled house. The image was enigmatic and exotic, inviting me to far, far away ! I’m not sure if I remember precisely the story as I haven’t seen the book since then. Anyway, in the book, the girl secretly goes out for adventure when everyone else is asleep, with her enormous dog along, sneaking food from the fridge. The nighttime was a mystery for a 4-year-old child self, and it was a profound source of imagination.
I loved Richard Scary books, too. Thank you Mizuho for the introduction to a book I am unfamiliar with, but definitely curious about now. Moni, what was the inspiration for Miso Magic?
MONI - Curious about my mother's mean dislike for beans, I asked her why. With the exception of miso and daifuku, a Japanese dessert made with rice and sweet red beans, she won't touch them.
After WWII and finishing middle school, she had to quit school to work long hours on her parent's farm and in their miso-making business smashing beans. This part of her life, which I had not known about, profoundly impacted her, and resulted in her aversion to beans. She resented being unable to attend school and do what other teens did.
This story lingered in my head for some time. I knew there was a story there, and eventually, it became Miso Magic.
It is amazing how profoundly a childhood experience can affect us. My grandfather hated peanut butter due to a horrible week-long storm. Mizuho, what about the Miso Magic manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator?
MIZUHO - When I first read the story, an old barn in a snowy Japanese countryside immediately appeared and I thought that atmosphere will be fantastic to illustrate ! What is magic about Moni’s stories is that we can perceive the images and scenery between the lines!
Then I found that fermentation was a great theme! First, I was already interested in preserving vegetables from my garden. But moreover, it is a traditional knowledge, often each family has their own recipes of miso, pickled vegetables, and fruits etc. It’s not a one-day recipe as you can see Dad takes care of the miso for nights and days. And I thought it’s a beautiful analogy of transmission, taking time and care… There are many story lines to read in Miso Magic!
It’s the second time that I’ve illustrated an entire book where the story takes place in Japan. The first book was The Star Festival also written by Moni. And what I’ve loved about illustrating these two stories is that it reminds me of my childhood memories. I needed to do a lot of research for miso making, but for the everyday details like the meal, the house, and the clothing, I’ve counted on my memories which make the illustrations much more personal.
I love the character of Chiyo-chan and Dad too. I love that she is not excited to participate in Dad’s miso making at first, which made me and my kids giggle, and then it becomes little by little part of her own story as Dad tells her their family history, showing her every step of his work and the loving care he takes with it.
Sounds like a wonderful connection for you. What is a (or the most) fun or unusual place where you’ve written a manuscript or created an illustration?
MONI - Inspiration hit as I was listening to a speaker at a SCBWI conference. I once banged out an entire story during one talk. I wish I could remember the specific talk and the speaker, but I do remember the urgency of capturing the idea on paper before it slipped away.
MIZUHO - I had a secret place when I was a student in biology. It was an old coffee shop where there was a little table by the window above the dead-end of a small alley. The window was covered by an old ivy vine and you get a glimpse of the white snowy street in the winter. It was an ideal place to let the imagination wonder and I drew the first book there. I hope this place still exists…
Moni , I am sure you are not the first one to do that. And Mizuho, that coffee shop sounds magical. Moni, what was the toughest part of writing Miso Magic? How long did it take from the first draft to publication?
MONI - My first draft is dated 12/15/20, and I conducted considerable research before writing it, so it took me about four years.
One of the trickiest parts was getting the ending right because of the time element. In miso making, there are two fermentation stages. The first involves rice fermentation to make koji, and the second is soybean fermentation. The entire process takes between one to three years from start to finish. I wanted the conclusion to be a culmination of the characters enjoying the miso they made together. But that was difficult to pull off because having a time-lapse of a year in a picture book requires abstract thought and slightly older readers. We experimented with several endings and finally decided on one that keeps the story in the present day.
It was also important to me to accurately depict the historical processes and authenticity of the older methods of miso-making. Research was important, as were discussions with my mother about her experience and even trips to miso houses. After the pandemic, when travel restrictions were lifted, Mizuho visited a miso house in Japan to aid with the illustrations, and I visited one later when travel opened up even wider.
I love the ending and I am always amazed at the amount of research which goes into fiction picture books! Mizuho, what’s the hardest part of illustrating picture books?
MIZUHO - I think that the hardest part of illustrating picture books is mostly by the end…! I spend a lot of time adjusting the small details of the color on every page to find a good balance throughout the book. It demands of me a lot of patience and concentration but it’s a fun part too! I love working on the color.
Not being an illustrator, I've always marvelled at how an artist keeps everything the same throughout a picture book - patience is a great answer for this book in particular. Moni, did anything surprise or amaze you when you first got to see Mizuho’s illustrations? What is your favorite spread?
MONI - This is our second book together, so I clearly knew what to expect from Mizuho. I am always amazed by her illustrations. I have a deep appreciation for Mizuho's practice, her detailed sketches, her exploration of ideas, her digital aesthetics, and her quick pace.
Text © Moni Ritchie Hadley, 2024. Image © Mizuho Fujisawa. 2024.
My favorite spread beautifully captures Papa's love and respect for Chiyoko and his job. The left page shows the father and daughter covering the rice with a blanket, and the right page shows Papa covering Chiyoko at bedtime.
I also love Chiyoko's expressions throughout the book. Mizuho is excellent at showing children's emotions through art, expressive yet comforting and familiar.
This is such a touching spread! Mizuho, is there a spread of which you are especially proud? Which is your favorite spread?
Text © Moni Ritchie Hadley, 2024. Image © Mizuho Fujisawa. 2024.
MIZUHO - Maybe the scene where Chiyoko tastes her miso soup near the end. As a child, I particularly loved the scenes with the food in the book, so I wanted to make sure it looks warm and tasty and I hope that the details in the background make young readers feel welcome to stay on this page.
You absolutely succeeded! It is gorgeous. As your second picture book collaboration, did you still work individually or was their more interaction with Miso Magic?
MONI - We don’t directly interact at all during the process. All communication took place through our editors. I was sent rough sketches and offered my input. Some of my suggestions were taken into consideration, and sometimes I changed the text. An email with Mizuho’s work was always a good day, first the cover, then initial sketches, and finally full color!
MIZUHO - We worked individually. When I had a question, I asked the editors Erin and Rick from Albert Whitman & Co. (Many thanks to both of you !) I think it’s good that we have our own interlocutor. I feel a little vulnerable when I receive a review, but I don’t want that to prevent Moni saying what she wishes to modify or if there are any errors in the illustrations, etc. We have communicated through our editors with each other.
And then once the work has finished, we exchange the news! Working in my studio in a small village, I’m always wondering how the book will live in the outside world, and it always makes me happy to receive news about the book. And it’s always special to receive the news from Moni! 😊
Then I am so grateful to be able to interview both of you! Moni, I can imagine how that email would brighten an entire day! What's something both of you want your readers to know about Miso Magic?
MONI - Miso Magic is a book for children and adults, celebrating family relationships, ancestry, and the preservation of a craft. In my research, I discovered that there was more to miso than soybeans, a secret ingredient. Fermented rice, called koji, was responsible for miso's umami flavor. This information sparked my curiosity and led to more research and conversations with my mother. This personal connection to miso made the writing of this book even more rewarding. Today, older methods are being phased out and miso is made with machines. Where there is something lost, another gained. The culmination of writing this book has connected me to my family and gifted me an understanding of myself and the world around me.
MIZUHO - I spent a lot of time researching the miso making process. You can find a lot of traditional utensils (that I find beautiful!) in the illustrations. The details are quite accurate, and you can enjoy the documentary aspect too. The atmosphere and the environment are inspired by my childhood in Japan, I hope you feel like you are visiting Chiyoko and Dad’s place, as if you are their precious guests. 😊
Moni and Mizuho, I am so glad that you have preserved a record of the traditional way to make miso and gave us a little piece of Japan. Mizuho, many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in Miso Magic? If so, could you share one or more with us?
MIZUHO - Actually, Dad’s appearance and attitude resemble my husband’s. I wanted a Dad that looks loving and gentle just as my husband is! [You and your children are very lucky!]
Otherwise, there are plenty of small details from my childhood memories, like the bed my grandmother used to prepare for us, the snow rabbit my neighbor showed us, the plate comes from my other grandparent’s house, the bowl from my neighbor’s kitchen, the small tree was in my childhood garden, etc., etc.… every detail has something that reminds me of my childhood and it brings back emotions.
What a special ode to your childhood which you can share with your children. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a hint or tidbit with us?
MONI - I’m currently deep into creating book dummies and working to establish myself as an author/illustrator. I also may have written a sequel to something.
MIZUHO - I’m working on a project about the biodiversity in the garden. I’m part of three families who are taking care of a small bit of land. We’ve planted fruit trees and vegetables in the corner of a pasture. I love to spend time in this garden, to see how they grow up and observe every living thing in there. I’d like to share the pleasure of taking care of the soil and all these living things gathering around!
Intriguing! I wish you both luck and eagerly await these projects becoming books. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park (anywhere in the world)? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
© M Marshall
MONI - Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park
When I’m surrounded by massive rocks and canyons, I feel like an ant in a colony, just doing my part. No one is more special than another, no one less important. I love the reminder that we are all in this together.
© OT Strasbourg
MIZUHO - My favorite regional park is The Northern Vosges regional nature park. That’s actually where I’m living. It’s a region where the mountains and valleys are mostly covered with beautiful forests but also has a huge diversity of natural environments which results in a great biodiversity. There are also cute and tiny villages with red roofs and old castles hiding in the area. This place inspired me for my earlier book 4 Seasons that I spent 8 years working on! I’ve moved here 10 years ago and ever since, just stepping out to my garden is full of wonders and discoveries!
I’d like to visit a Nature park in America. I know the images of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite of course from the photos, it must be unbelievable to be in a huge view like that! If you have a suggestion, I’ll be very curious!
Thank you, Moni and Mizuho, for sharing with us a bit about yourselves and your newest picture book.
It’s been a pleasure. Thank you, Maria.
Thank you !
To find out more about Moni Ritchie Hadley, or to contact her:
Website: https://www.moniritchie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookthreader
X/Twitter: https://x.com/bookthreader
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/booktheader/
To find out more about Mizuho Fujisawa, or to contact her:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizuhofujisawa/
Review of Miso Magic
I have visited Japan a few times and this book immediately brought back memories of sleeping on tatami mats in the guest house of a Buddhist temple, wandering around Mt. Fuji and the nearby towns, and eating delicious bowls of miso. I was really excited to read this picture book! It is a wonderful book highlighting a father-daughter relationship, the value of patience, and the magic and science of making miso.
Miso Magic
Author: Moni Ritchie Hadley
Illustrator: Mizuho Fujisawa
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co. (2024)
Ages: 4-8
Fiction
Themes:
Making miso, patience, family, and heritage.
Synopsis:
A young girl learns that good things can take time as her father teaches her about an important Japanese cultural tradition.
When the first snowfall of the year reaches the foot of the nearby mountain, Chiyoko wants nothing more than to go there with Papa and build a snowman. But Papa has other plans—there’s miso to be made. Papa, Papa’s papa, and Papa’s papa’s papa were all miso makers, and Chiyoko is proud to learn about her family’s tradition. But miso making is a long process, and the snow isn’t going to last forever. To make something truly special with her Papa, Chiyoko will need the most important ingredient: patience.
Opening Lines:
The first snowfall of the year reaches the foot of the mountains.
"Papa, let's go build a snowman!"
What I LOVED about this book:
Oh, the excitement of that first snow! The young girl , Chiyoko, can barely contain her enthusiasm and desire to play in the new snow she sees outside her window! The detailed, colorful, and dynamic illustration is stunning. I love all the little touches Mizuho Fujisawa added in the house and the peek at the garden and mountains outside the window.
Text © Moni Ritchie Hadley, 2024. Image © Mizuho Fujisawa. 2024.
Dad's face is a giveaway that his plans for the day don't include a trip to the mountains. In fact, he's excited to introduce Chiyoko to the family business of Miso making. Oh my, does that get a frown from Chiyoko. The expressions of the characters are so captivating. The colorful, realistic illustrations beautifully pair with the text and offer numerous cultural touches from clothing, furnishings, persimmons, and traditional tools.
Text © Moni Ritchie Hadley, 2024. Image © Mizuho Fujisawa. 2024.
Isn't that barn scene gorgeous? The colors and architecture of the misogura (barn), set against the white-capped mountains and deep green trees - it's like a photograph. I also love the contrast of Papa's springy excited walk with the girl's dragging, sullen shuffle. Work is rarely as much fun as making snowmen.
Interspersing intriguing sensory details ("Lap, slap, the water becomes cloudy like my mood"), fun language ("Our spades invade. Scoop, turn, breathe."), and snarky internal quips from Chiyoko ("If I were in the mountains, I'd be so cool!"), Moni Ritchie Hadley lyrically and gently carries the readers along on Chiyoko's journey of exploration and discovery about the magic process of making Miso and patience.
With Japanese seamlessly throughout (which is defined at the back), the father takes Chiyoko and the reader through the process of making miso. Scrubbing tubs, cooking rice, shelling soybeans, and making rice ball snowmen. Oops, that was supposed to be respectfully loosening up the rice. For her misbehaving, steamy attitude, Chiyoko is sent outside to cool off. Contrary to her expectation of "a lesson, a scolding," Papa gently calls her back inside to show her the magic step in making miso. The sprinkling of kōji on the rice. Unfortunately for her, there is no instant change because "magic takes time." Fortunately for us, this allows Mizuho Fujisawa to show the tenderness of Papa in covering both the rice and Chiyoko for a rest!
Text © Moni Ritchie Hadley, 2024. Image © Mizuho Fujisawa. 2024.
With her curiosity spiked, Chiyoko wakes throughout the night and follows Papa to the misogura to check the rice/kōji mixture temperature. Allowing Papa to share his memories of his grandfather and father and the family's miso business. Wait until you see the fun illustration of the three generations. As her attitude shifts, this spunky young girl continues to help her father and gains some wonderful rewards. The ending is awesome - touching, loving, and gorgeous, with a wonderful call back refrain. Great back matter includes vocabulary, along with the kanji characters, an explanation of the "Magic Mold Process," and an Easy Miso Soup recipe. This is a great book with a wonderful father-daughter relationship, an informational look at the science and Japanese tradition of making miso, & a dash of patience.
Resources:
is there a recipe or skill passed down through your family? Is it seasonal or year-round? How much time does it take? Write a description, or draw a picture, of this special dish or product. How old were you when you helped make it?
did you spot the snow animals at the end? What different or unusual snow people or animals have you made? Which was your favorite?
if you can't get to any snow like Chiyoko, try some of these 20 fun snowman activities while you wait.
can you think of a time you had to wait to do something you wanted to? What is the hardest thing for you to wait for?
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