Anita Yasuda is a Canadian writer of South Asian descent. She is a verse novelist and children's picture book author of Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu (Clarion, 2024); a Junior Library Guild Selection, a 2024 NYT/NYPL Best Illustrated Children's Book, a Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Books of 2024, and a 2025 Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist. She is also the author of many other books for young readers, including the forthcoming BOLLYWOOD BEAT, illustrated by Devika Oza (Kids Can Press, 2026). Anita is a recipient of the Highlight's Foundation Rebecca Kai Dotlich Scholarship for poetry writers, a member of SCBWI, and CANSCAIP. She is represented by agent Lori Steel of SteelWorks Literary. Visit Anita's website to learn more about her and her work.
1. What was your favorite book growing up?
I lived in a home in which my mother was always complaining there weren't enough shelves for books. She still lives there, and those shelves are still spilling over. One of my favorite books was Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell and Lillian Hoban. This book, about a fussy eater like me, resonated deeply. As a child who turned up her nose at most foods and whose mother had to leave a peanut butter sandwich on the front step as I was always too busy to eat, I identified with Francis and her loathing of squishy eggs and chicken salad lunches. Francis and I were kindred fussy eaters. And my mother had the patience of a saint.
2. What three things bring you joy?
Every day, I seek out joy in the small things that make up my life. From the boundless enthusiasm of my dog, Lenny, for his morning and evening walks, to the graceful dance of the swans at the lake, the rising chatter of dog day cicadas, and the rhythmic breath of the tide. These moments of joy not only enrich my life but also influence my writing, inspiring me to craft more stories for my readers.
3. Did you have a favorite teacher when you were a child? What made them so special?
Yes, I had an excellent English teacher called Ina. She was also a poet and studied at my alma mater, the University of Toronto, Victoria College. Ina loved putting books into the hands of her students. She took us into the city with its big library, which, for a budding writer, was a ticket to Narnia. She encouraged discussion and creative writing through weekly compositions, so students like me understood what made a rich story.
4. Do you ever feel lonely being a writer? If so, how do you deal with that?
Over a decade ago, I found myself feeling more than just lonely. Living in a small town with no nearby writing groups, and lacking transportation to the nearest urban center, I missed out on conferences and monthly meetings. However, the shift from in-person to online groups due to Covid changed everything. I was able to take advantage of professional organizations I had been a part of for years, including the SCBWI and CANSCAIP. I encourage all authors and illustrators to join such groups. There are also fantastic private groups like the 12x12 Challenge. These groups provide support through online or in-person meetups, webinars to keep you updated on trends and current publishing issues, and classes to enhance your writing and/or illustration skills. Regular check-ins with my critique group, the Word Weavers, have been a fantastic way to feel less isolated and more motivated.
5. Do you work on multiple projects at the same time?
Yes, I have so many simultaneous projects it is a wonder my computer or head doesn't explode! I love being busy and am always so curious about the who, what, where, when, and why of a story. I can't help but write down ideas, chase leads, and send emails to potential interview subjects and experts. Generally, I work intensively on nonfiction and fiction picture books because they feel different enough to me, keep creative blocks away, and allow me time to hear the voice that wishes to be expressed on those pages.
6. If you read this book to a room filled with kids, what message would you want them to leave with?
I wrote Up, Up, Ever Up because I was inspired by the life and legacy of Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest, whom I first learned about during high school in Japan. I want children to believe in themselves just like Junko Tabei did, find their interests, pursue their endeavors, and pause to think about how their actions will positively impact their community. I hope they reach their dreams—up, up, ever up!
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