An Interview with Mirka Hokkanen

Mirka Hokkanen is a Finnish-American author-illustrator who likes quirky animal characters and stories that make kids laugh. She began her career as a fine art printmaker before transitioning to book illustration. Mirka is the illustrator for Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book, and the author-illustrator for the graphic novel series Mossy and Tweed (Holiday House), the picture book series Kitty and Cat (Candlewick), and the non-fiction picture book series Little Seasons (OddDot).

Mirka currently lives close by Washington, D.C., in Maryland, but has lived all around the world as a military spouse. She loves to knit, sew and explore the outdoors with her three energetic kids. For more info, see MirkaH.com.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I started out as an illustrator, with a fine art background. Since I was a teenager, people told me I should illustrate books because my drawings often told stories. When my kids were born, we read a ton of books. You could say the inspiration to begin came from the experience I had of reading with my kids. I grew the desire to create something meaningful like the best books we read: something for kids and caregivers to laugh, explore, grow, and bond over.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have ADHD, and have done so many things in my life. Most of the things I’ve done revolve around art and craft—selling things I’ve made in a gallery setting, online stores, wholesale, licensing, or in-person art markets. I have taught classes everywhere from my garage to a state university to online platforms, and organized workshops, community events, exhibitions etc. I’ve also worked as a photographer, gallery assistant, secretary, and consultant. We are a military family and move around every two to four years, so I’ve been a part of many communities, and always somehow try to make my business work. So far we have lived in three countries, five states, and ten houses in eighteen years.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract was the original title I came up with for the book early on when I was working on it. The book is a concept book about opposite word pairs, and features a wordless story of two cats who end up becoming friends, so I felt it was quite fitting for both concept and story.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

I’m the author and illustrator for the book and love the high-contrast cover for the book. This book was the first published book that I both wrote and illustrated and it felt surreal to finally be holding it in my hands after many years of working towards that goal.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

The songs would probably be playful songs like “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates, “MMMBop” by Hanson, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Whalers, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin, and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I envision this book to be read by a parent or teacher to kids around 3-5 years old. The wordless friendship story offers layers of reading beyond the opposite word pairs, where you can spend time talking about what the characters are doing and how they are feeling. I imagine the time spent with the book to be fun and explorative.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

I love it when parents tell me how my books have been their kids’ go-to bedtime story for the last month, or how their kids were immediately drawn to my book at the library. I love that it can bring joy to young readers and get them excited about books.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’ve finished two autumn-themed books this year that are both in the pipeline to be published in the fall of 2025. My agent has one book out on submission and I’m sketching a new idea for a book this month. I also teach illustration on Skillshare and am working on new classes before the end of the year, and working on a 2025 calendar and other items to sell in time for the holiday season.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.