Chieri Uegaki

Chieri Uegaki was born in Quesnel, British Columbia but her family moved to East Vancouver when she was a child. A second-generation Japanese Canadian, Uegaki holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of British Columbia. As an adult, Uegaki moved around quite a bit but now lives on the Sunshine Coast in B.C.

Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

Illustrated by Qin Leng.
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2014.
PZ7 .U274 H26 2014

Publisher’s Synopsis (from its website)

In this beautifully written picture book, Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school’s talent show. The trouble is, she’s only a beginner, and she’s had only three lessons. Her brothers insist she isn’t good enough. “It’s a talent show, Hana,” they tell her. “You’ll be a disaster!” Hana remembers how wonderfully her talented grandfather, or Ojiichan, played his violin when she was visiting him in Japan. So, just like Ojiichan, Hana practices every day. She is determined to play her best. When Hana’s confidence wavers on the night of the show, however, she begins to wonder if her brothers were right. But then Hana surprises everyone once it’s her turn to perform — even herself!

Awards and Honours

2014 First & Best selection — Toronto Public Library
2015 Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize (BC Book Awards)(Finalist)
2014-2015 Asian/Pacific American Award for Picture Book (Winner)

Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)

Ojiichan’s Gift

Illustrated by Genevieve Simms.
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2019.

Publisher’s Synopsis (from its website)

When Mayumi was born, her grandfather created a garden for her. It was unlike any other garden she knew. It had no flowers or vegetables. Instead, Ojiichan made it out of stones: “big ones, little ones and ones in-between.” Every summer, Mayumi visits her grandfather in Japan, and they tend the garden together. Raking the gravel is her favorite part. Afterward, the two of them sit on a bench and enjoy the results of their efforts in happy silence. But then one summer, everything changes. Ojiichan has grown too old to care for his home and the garden. He has to move. Will Mayumi find a way to keep the memory of the garden alive for both of them?

Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)

Rosie and Buttercup

Illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch.
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2008.

Publisher’s Synopsis

Awards and Honours

2009 Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize (Finalist)

Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)

Suki’s Kimono

Illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch.
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2003.
PZ7 .U274 S95 2003

Publisher’s Synopsis (from its website)

Suki’s favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. A gift from her oba¯chan, it holds special memories of her grandmother’s visit last summer. And Suki is going to wear it on her first day back to school — no matter what anyone says.

Awards and Honours

2005 Chocolate Lily Award, picture books (Shortlist)
2005 Blue Spruce Award — Ontario Library Association (Shortlist)
2004 Mr. Christie Book Award (Silver seal)
2004 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award (Honour book)
2004 Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize (Shortlist)
2004 Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award (Shortlist)
2004 IRA Children’s Book Award Notable Book, Primary Fiction
2004 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year, bronze award winner, children’s picture books