Tess Thomas is a writer living in Hoboken, N.J. She started her storytelling career at the age of 4 when she would dictate tales about her imaginary friends, Sami the cat and Doodie the dog, and send them to her grandparents. Tess loves french fries, her kids, and her husband (sometimes in that order). Shibu’s Tail is her debut picture book.
Kamwei Fong is a Malaysian artist known for his distinctive style, often described as minimalistic, elegant, poetic, humorous, imaginative, playful, and dream-like. One of his most recognized series, The Furry Thing, began in 2009 and features animal illustrations rendered solely with black micro pigment ink. Kamwei meticulously creates each form using countless fine lines, manipulating their density to convey texture, volume, and the illusion of fur.
He is especially renowned for his recurring cat motifs, which have become a hallmark of his work. These feline illustrations delve into themes such as solitude, introspection, and the complexity of identity. The cats are often adorned with intricate patterns and delicate line work, capturing both their softness and strength.
Kamwei has collaborated with globally renowned, award-winning publishers. His first book, The Furry Thing, was published in Italy by Becco Giallo. Most recently, his debut children’s book, Shibu’s Tail, was released in the United States by the internationally acclaimed publisher Levine Querido.
