In Katie Yamasaki’s newest children’s book, Mural Island, she inspires readers to embrace their passion for art. Both written and illustrated by Yamasaki, the book bursts with life through its colorful pencil drawings and playful painted doodles. Mural Island follows Kenji, a nonbinary child of color, who loves to paint so much that their artwork spreads across walls, a roll of toilet paper, and even items inside a fridge. They’re faced with opposition from their parents and supervisors, until one day, their teacher suggests a visit to Mural Island. There, Kenji discovers a place where art knows no bounds. They can paint freely alongside other children. It’s a child’s dream: to create without restraint.
The story encourages children to imagine beyond the lines, reminding them that there is always a place for creativity. While art may be impermanent, there is beauty in the act of creating — especially when it becomes part of a shared experience. Yamasaki, a muralist herself, draws from her own journey:
“I learned quickly that the beauty of artmaking isn’t necessarily the forever nature of the finished product, but the incredible privilege of being part of a place and part of an ongoing story. It taught me and what Kengi learns at a much younger age: ‘None of it lasts too long, so we just love it while it’s here.’”
Beyond its vibrant storytelling, Mural Island is deeply inclusive. Its main character being a nonbinary child of color is representation that is still rare in children’s literature. This makes the story especially meaningful for nonbinary readers and children of color who can see themselves represented in its pages. Mural Island is a joyful celebration of art, identity, and freedom of expression.
