In this episode, children’s book author and illustrator Thao Lam opens up about her latest picture book, Everybelly—a joyful celebration of body diversity and inclusion for young readers.
We discuss:
How her daughter’s first comments on her body sparked the book’s creation
The power of bellies as a storytelling lens
Raising kids to love their bodies in a judgmental world
Cultural identity, food, and body image
Her creative process, artistic challenges, and how she overcame imposter syndrome
Thao also shares her journey from illustrator to writer, what it’s like to write when you don’t feel qualified, and why she wants readers to walk away from Every Belly feeling one thing: hungry.
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Guest’s links
Buy Everybelly: https://houseofanansi.com/products/shadow-price?srsltid=AfmBOoqFp33iii1uLDQAzAJ7OxJvoKH3nrLcwuVyh21QhpBSqcIVc3lW
Connect with Thao on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaohlam/
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Host’s links
Find out more about the show: https://www.journeyoftheart.com/
Follow Journey of the Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyoftheartpod/
Book a one-on-one with Lola: https://wordcaps.com/coaching/