Picture an American storyteller who turns mistakes into masterpieces and hearts into poetry—meet Corinna Luyken! This author-illustrator from Olympia, Washington, crafts picture books that spark creativity and empathy in young readers. With titles like The Book of Mistakes and My Heart, Luyken’s whimsical art and profound themes have made her a beloved voice in children’s literature.
Her stories aren’t just for kids—they’re for anyone who’s ever felt imperfect or needed a reminder to embrace their unique spark. Let’s dive into the world of Corinna Luyken, where every smudge tells a story!
The Making of Corinna Luyken
Born and raised across Oregon, California, and Hawaii, Corinna Luyken grew up surrounded by diverse landscapes that shaped her artistic eye. She studied dance improvisation, poetry, and printmaking at Middlebury College in Vermont, blending movement and visual art into her creative process. Before becoming a full-time author-illustrator, she worked with children, leading art activities that inspired her debut book, The Book of Mistakes. This early experience taught her the beauty of imperfection, a theme that runs through her work.
Luyken’s journey to picture books wasn’t a straight line. Her love for storytelling grew from reading poets like Mary Oliver and discovering quirky children’s books like The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip. Settling in Olympia with her husband, daughter, and two cats, she found a home for her art near the Salish Sea, where she draws inspiration from nature and human connection.
Corinna Luyken’s Unforgettable Stories
Luyken’s books are like a warm hug—simple yet deep, with illustrations that dance across the page. Her debut, The Book of Mistakes (2017), is a celebration of creativity, showing how accidental splotches can transform into beautiful art. Praised by The Wall Street Journal as “sublime,” it encourages kids to embrace errors as opportunities.
My Heart (2019), a New York Times bestseller, explores the ebb and flow of emotions with poetic text and vibrant illustrations. It’s a gentle reminder that hearts can be open, closed, or anywhere in between. The Tree in Me (2021), an NCTE Notable Poetry Book, connects children to nature, likening their strength and creativity to a tree’s roots and branches. Her upcoming book, The Arguers (May 2025), promises to delve into relationships with her signature insight.
As an illustrator, Luyken shines in books like Patchwork (2022) by Matt de la Peña and Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell. Her loose, expressive brushstrokes and themes of connection, perception, and self-acceptance make her work instantly recognizable. She weaves improvisation into her art, turning happy accidents into moments of wonder.
Why Corinna Luyken Matters
Corinna Luyken’s books do more than entertain—they teach kids to be kinder, braver, and more curious. Her stories tackle big ideas like empathy and community in ways that feel accessible to young readers. By celebrating mistakes and emotions, she helps children see themselves as works in progress, full of potential. Her influence extends beyond books, inspiring parents and teachers to foster creativity through art and storytelling.
In a world that often demands perfection, Luyken’s message is a breath of fresh air: you are enough, just as you are. Her work has earned accolades, including starred reviews and selections for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, cementing her place in children’s literature.
- Born: Raised in Oregon, California, and Hawaii
- Key Works: The Book of Mistakes, My Heart, The Tree in Me, The Arguers (2025)
- Awards: New York Times Bestseller, NCTE Notable Poetry Book, Dolly Parton Imagination Library selection
- Fun Fact: She loves surfing and reading with her cats!
Snag The Book of Mistakes or My Heart and dive into Corinna Luyken’s world of whimsical, heartfelt storytelling!