Mirka Hokkanen
@mirkahokkanen.bsky.social
Kidlit author & illustrator, educator, printmaker. Rockville, MD. MOSSY & TWEED (Holiday House), KITTY & CAT (Candlewick), LITTLE SEASONS (Odd Dot) series. Teaching online and in person. Repped by Laurel Symonds. https://smart.bio/mirkahokkanen
I'll be over at #NCTE2025 on Friday signing books and presenting about early reader graphic novels. If you are there, stop by and say hi! #picturebookauthor #picturebookillustrator #earlyreadergraphicnovels #kidlit
November 18, 2025 at 4:19 AM
I'll be over at #NCTE2025 on Friday signing books and presenting about early reader graphic novels. If you are there, stop by and say hi! #picturebookauthor #picturebookillustrator #earlyreadergraphicnovels #kidlit
I'm offering a virtual market to all friends who are not able to shop at my in-person ones!
Join me on Sat, Nov 29, 1-3pm. To receive the zoom link sign up in link in comments.
If you cant make it live, I'll send a link to my event specific store where you can make purchases after. #holidaymarket
Join me on Sat, Nov 29, 1-3pm. To receive the zoom link sign up in link in comments.
If you cant make it live, I'll send a link to my event specific store where you can make purchases after. #holidaymarket
November 14, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I'm offering a virtual market to all friends who are not able to shop at my in-person ones!
Join me on Sat, Nov 29, 1-3pm. To receive the zoom link sign up in link in comments.
If you cant make it live, I'll send a link to my event specific store where you can make purchases after. #holidaymarket
Join me on Sat, Nov 29, 1-3pm. To receive the zoom link sign up in link in comments.
If you cant make it live, I'll send a link to my event specific store where you can make purchases after. #holidaymarket
I work as a printmaker in addition to illustrating books. This week I've been working on a set of 5 mini prints to set up a vending machine at my upcoming Nov 2nd DC Print Fair. Excited! 😃 #printmaking #linocut #reliefprint @eastcityart.bsky.social
October 19, 2025 at 12:54 AM
I work as a printmaker in addition to illustrating books. This week I've been working on a set of 5 mini prints to set up a vending machine at my upcoming Nov 2nd DC Print Fair. Excited! 😃 #printmaking #linocut #reliefprint @eastcityart.bsky.social
2026 Calendars are up! I've got them available in 2 sizes, and a limited number 3rd set that I print at home that is also a pony bunting kit. Cut the horses out at the end of the year to make a bunting. 🫏🐎 Find them here: www.etsy.com/.../2026-per... & www.etsy.com/.../11x16-wa....
#2026Calendar
#2026Calendar
October 15, 2025 at 1:08 AM
2026 Calendars are up! I've got them available in 2 sizes, and a limited number 3rd set that I print at home that is also a pony bunting kit. Cut the horses out at the end of the year to make a bunting. 🫏🐎 Find them here: www.etsy.com/.../2026-per... & www.etsy.com/.../11x16-wa....
#2026Calendar
#2026Calendar
This big boi was showing off his breakfast catch as I was leaving the house this morning. #spiders #jumpingspider
October 6, 2025 at 10:21 PM
This big boi was showing off his breakfast catch as I was leaving the house this morning. #spiders #jumpingspider
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! Changing gears and figured I'd do an underwater scene for once. 😊🐟 I'm an illustrator working on my own books, but also open to new projects. Find me at mirkah.com/pbillustration. I'm represented by @laurelsymonds.bsky.social at KT Literary. #kidlit #kidlitillustration
October 2, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! Changing gears and figured I'd do an underwater scene for once. 😊🐟 I'm an illustrator working on my own books, but also open to new projects. Find me at mirkah.com/pbillustration. I'm represented by @laurelsymonds.bsky.social at KT Literary. #kidlit #kidlitillustration
A few photos from the author event at Dancing Bear Toy Shop in Frederick, MD last weekend. I ❤️d reading with the kids, and the leaf characters they made were so cute!
Thank you to @curiousiguana.com books for coordinating the event. ❤️📚🍁 #kidlit #childrensbooks #picturebooks #nonfictionpicturebook
Thank you to @curiousiguana.com books for coordinating the event. ❤️📚🍁 #kidlit #childrensbooks #picturebooks #nonfictionpicturebook
September 11, 2025 at 12:18 AM
A few photos from the author event at Dancing Bear Toy Shop in Frederick, MD last weekend. I ❤️d reading with the kids, and the leaf characters they made were so cute!
Thank you to @curiousiguana.com books for coordinating the event. ❤️📚🍁 #kidlit #childrensbooks #picturebooks #nonfictionpicturebook
Thank you to @curiousiguana.com books for coordinating the event. ❤️📚🍁 #kidlit #childrensbooks #picturebooks #nonfictionpicturebook
New interview up at Jonathan Roth's blog: jonathan-roth.com/2025/09/10/g...
#kidlit #kidlitillustration #kidlitillustrator #picturebook #outdooradventure #edusky #skybrarians #newbooks
#kidlit #kidlitillustration #kidlitillustrator #picturebook #outdooradventure #edusky #skybrarians #newbooks
September 11, 2025 at 12:12 AM
New interview up at Jonathan Roth's blog: jonathan-roth.com/2025/09/10/g...
#kidlit #kidlitillustration #kidlitillustrator #picturebook #outdooradventure #edusky #skybrarians #newbooks
#kidlit #kidlitillustration #kidlitillustrator #picturebook #outdooradventure #edusky #skybrarians #newbooks
This is my wood engraving of Jemma the cat. Prints are available in my Etsy store. www.etsy.com/listing/2042...
September 5, 2025 at 2:18 AM
This is my wood engraving of Jemma the cat. Prints are available in my Etsy store. www.etsy.com/listing/2042...
Happy publication day to Little Seasons: Autumn Leaves! So excited for this book to be out in the world making little ones smile while teaching them all about leaves and how they change color. Great for a classroom or homeschool. mirkah.com/autumnleaves
#stembooks #kidlit #autumnbooks #edusky
#stembooks #kidlit #autumnbooks #edusky
September 2, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Happy publication day to Little Seasons: Autumn Leaves! So excited for this book to be out in the world making little ones smile while teaching them all about leaves and how they change color. Great for a classroom or homeschool. mirkah.com/autumnleaves
#stembooks #kidlit #autumnbooks #edusky
#stembooks #kidlit #autumnbooks #edusky
Maryland Friends Ahoi! 📣 I'll be at the Crious Iguana in Frederick, MD, on Sep 6th from 11am-12pm for storytime and a fun leaf craft. If you are interested the area come and say hi!
curiousiguana.com/event/mirka-... #kidlit
curiousiguana.com/event/mirka-... #kidlit
August 25, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Maryland Friends Ahoi! 📣 I'll be at the Crious Iguana in Frederick, MD, on Sep 6th from 11am-12pm for storytime and a fun leaf craft. If you are interested the area come and say hi!
curiousiguana.com/event/mirka-... #kidlit
curiousiguana.com/event/mirka-... #kidlit
Directions here
August 15, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Directions here
Make an adorable leaf craft with us! Steps in comments below. I've got two fall themed books coming out this fall and now a fun craft to go with them.
#kidlit #fallcraft #fallkidscraft #easykidscraft #leafcraft #autumnkidscraft #edusky #skybrarians @holidayhouse.bsky.social @ktliterary.bsky.social
#kidlit #fallcraft #fallkidscraft #easykidscraft #leafcraft #autumnkidscraft #edusky #skybrarians @holidayhouse.bsky.social @ktliterary.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Make an adorable leaf craft with us! Steps in comments below. I've got two fall themed books coming out this fall and now a fun craft to go with them.
#kidlit #fallcraft #fallkidscraft #easykidscraft #leafcraft #autumnkidscraft #edusky #skybrarians @holidayhouse.bsky.social @ktliterary.bsky.social
#kidlit #fallcraft #fallkidscraft #easykidscraft #leafcraft #autumnkidscraft #edusky #skybrarians @holidayhouse.bsky.social @ktliterary.bsky.social
Learn about the illustration process for How the Forest Feels and get a peek into my studio at Katrin Dreiling blog today. www.kids-bookreview.com/2025/08/meet...
August 15, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Learn about the illustration process for How the Forest Feels and get a peek into my studio at Katrin Dreiling blog today. www.kids-bookreview.com/2025/08/meet...
We also pet an eagle owl.
August 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
We also pet an eagle owl.
The Netural History Museum petting room
August 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The Netural History Museum petting room
We've had a nature filled vacation this summer. My sister's horse turned 3 today and it was the first time she had a rider on. Happy to say both horse and sister are still alive. Lol. We also have a lot of barnswallows and two jumped out today. We put them up a higher so they wouldn't be trampled.
August 9, 2025 at 3:23 PM
We've had a nature filled vacation this summer. My sister's horse turned 3 today and it was the first time she had a rider on. Happy to say both horse and sister are still alive. Lol. We also have a lot of barnswallows and two jumped out today. We put them up a higher so they wouldn't be trampled.
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm Mirka, an illustrator who loves to draw animals and cute kids. I'm open to new picture and board book projects. I've also done nonfiction and graphic novels. Portfolio: mirkah.com/pbillustration
I'm represented by @laurelsymonds.bsky.social at KT Literary. #kidlit
I'm represented by @laurelsymonds.bsky.social at KT Literary. #kidlit
August 7, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm Mirka, an illustrator who loves to draw animals and cute kids. I'm open to new picture and board book projects. I've also done nonfiction and graphic novels. Portfolio: mirkah.com/pbillustration
I'm represented by @laurelsymonds.bsky.social at KT Literary. #kidlit
I'm represented by @laurelsymonds.bsky.social at KT Literary. #kidlit
Yay! This beauty is out today. Available online and in bookstores. "How the Forest Feels" Written by Wendi Silvano and illustrated by me. Published by Holiday House. For buying options visit mirkah.com/forestfeels #kidlit #sensorybook #picturebook
August 5, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Yay! This beauty is out today. Available online and in bookstores. "How the Forest Feels" Written by Wendi Silvano and illustrated by me. Published by Holiday House. For buying options visit mirkah.com/forestfeels #kidlit #sensorybook #picturebook
Out in 2 more days! This is a great book to be inspired to go outside.
I uploaded a nature bingo activity under "free resources" & How the Forest Feels book pages Mirkah.com. The game is made for outdoors, but indoors works too. It's all sensory words: somthg heavy, scratchy etc
#picturebook #kidlit
I uploaded a nature bingo activity under "free resources" & How the Forest Feels book pages Mirkah.com. The game is made for outdoors, but indoors works too. It's all sensory words: somthg heavy, scratchy etc
#picturebook #kidlit
August 2, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Out in 2 more days! This is a great book to be inspired to go outside.
I uploaded a nature bingo activity under "free resources" & How the Forest Feels book pages Mirkah.com. The game is made for outdoors, but indoors works too. It's all sensory words: somthg heavy, scratchy etc
#picturebook #kidlit
I uploaded a nature bingo activity under "free resources" & How the Forest Feels book pages Mirkah.com. The game is made for outdoors, but indoors works too. It's all sensory words: somthg heavy, scratchy etc
#picturebook #kidlit
Painting process photo for one of the illustrations for How the Forest Feels. It's a wonderful rhyming book full of great descriptions for things outdoors. Fun book to read and then go out and explore. Coming out everywhere Aug 5th. #kidlit #kidlitillustration #edusky #librarians
July 31, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Painting process photo for one of the illustrations for How the Forest Feels. It's a wonderful rhyming book full of great descriptions for things outdoors. Fun book to read and then go out and explore. Coming out everywhere Aug 5th. #kidlit #kidlitillustration #edusky #librarians
New free activity sheets just posted on my website for "How the Forest Feels". The book launches in just a few days on Aug 5th. Can't wait to share it with everyone. It got great reviews on both SLJ and Kirkus. 🫶
➡️ mirkah.com/forestfeels to download and find out more about our book. #kidlit #edusky
➡️ mirkah.com/forestfeels to download and find out more about our book. #kidlit #edusky
July 28, 2025 at 9:19 PM
New free activity sheets just posted on my website for "How the Forest Feels". The book launches in just a few days on Aug 5th. Can't wait to share it with everyone. It got great reviews on both SLJ and Kirkus. 🫶
➡️ mirkah.com/forestfeels to download and find out more about our book. #kidlit #edusky
➡️ mirkah.com/forestfeels to download and find out more about our book. #kidlit #edusky
Take your character designs from bland & stiff to charming & energetic.
Learn how to:
•use the personality of your character to guide its design
•use shapes to convey personality,
•make an appealing character
•Top tips for drawing consistently.
September 8 / LINK BELOW #kidlit
Learn how to:
•use the personality of your character to guide its design
•use shapes to convey personality,
•make an appealing character
•Top tips for drawing consistently.
September 8 / LINK BELOW #kidlit
July 18, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Take your character designs from bland & stiff to charming & energetic.
Learn how to:
•use the personality of your character to guide its design
•use shapes to convey personality,
•make an appealing character
•Top tips for drawing consistently.
September 8 / LINK BELOW #kidlit
Learn how to:
•use the personality of your character to guide its design
•use shapes to convey personality,
•make an appealing character
•Top tips for drawing consistently.
September 8 / LINK BELOW #kidlit
I took the kids to the zoo today in Helsinki. It was a hot day but we had a great time. The best highlights were the lynx that was laying right by the window and the bears catching fish in their pond. #helsinki #zoo #eläintarha
July 17, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I took the kids to the zoo today in Helsinki. It was a hot day but we had a great time. The best highlights were the lynx that was laying right by the window and the bears catching fish in their pond. #helsinki #zoo #eläintarha
Brand new class on designing environments for picture books! www.mirkah.com/outdoordesign You can see the 2min introduction video at the link. #kidlit #kidlitillustration #kidlitart
July 5, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Brand new class on designing environments for picture books! www.mirkah.com/outdoordesign You can see the 2min introduction video at the link. #kidlit #kidlitillustration #kidlitart