A Conversation with Author Kyo Maclear and Illustrator Gracey Zhang, Creators of Noodles on a Bicycle

Asian American History 101

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 41! We have two guests today… award-winning author Kyo Maclear and award-winning illustrator Gracey Zhang. Their latest collaboration is the whimsical picture book Noodles on a Bicycle published by Penguin Random House Children’s. It was released on August 27, 2024, so you can go out and get it now. It’s a great book that provides a historical snapshot into Tokyo’s bicycle food delivery people, or demae who were amazingly skilled at balancing a tower of hot noodle soup bowls on their shoulders while steering their bicycle through the crowded city streets.

Based on memories from Kyo’s childhood, the book is the perfect pairing of poetic words and detailed, captivating illustrations. In our conversation, Kyo and Gracey meet for the first time and share about their careers, their latest collaboration, what they enjoy about working with each other, and so much more. For more on Kyo Maclear, visit her children’s book site, non-children’s site, and instagram @kyomaclear. You can see more of Gracey Zhang’s work on her website or instagram @graceyyz.

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