Emiko Rainbow
Author and Illustrator
Emiko Rainbow is a Minneapolis-based Japanese-Caucasian American illustrator who creates bold, colorful art celebrating diversity, connection, and self-expression. A graduate of Minneapolis College of Art and Design, she has collaborated with brands and organizations including Trader Joe's, Barnes and Noble, Target, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Children's Museum and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Her work includes publishing, licensing, product design, murals, and community picture book events. Her art centers around empowering people to express their true colors. In 2024, her illustration work in Nana and Abuela, was published by Minnesota Historical Society Press. With 17 years of illustration and design experiences, she hopes to inspire you to inject some boldness and add a touch of joy and color into your life. She has received over 3 grants to pursue her creative work.
When she’s not illustrating or writing, Emiko can usually be found with her husband and two kids biking, swimming or exploring the many creative places, people or events in Minnesota.
612.360.8527
Synopsis
The first young graphic novel follows Swirl as she is pushed into adventure by her quirky jellybean-shaped dog, Cinnamon. Along the way, she experiences uncomfortable social encounters that stir old memories and reinforce why she prefers to stay close to the safety of her family and home. As these experiences challenge her confidence and identity, Swirl gradually discovers the courage to express her authentic self. The story culminates in a bold rainbow-sprinkle-powered moment of self-acceptance and empowerment that visually represents her inner strength.
Swirl
Young Graphic Novel
6-9 years old
By Emiko Rainbow
Swirl Art
Similar Published Children’s Books Examples
● The Tea Dragon Society. Kay O’Neill. Oni Press. 2017.
Swirl and The Tea Dragon Society are similar in their whimsical, colorful world building, cozy fantasy tone and emotionally driven storytelling for young readers. Both have themes of belonging, friendship, and identity with bold visuals. However, Swirl differs by centering directly on multiracial identity and self-expression through anthropomorphic frozen dessert-inspired characters. It is also based in a contemporary environment blending emotional realism with magical whimsy. Swirl also leans towards a younger kid audience.
● Pizza and Taco. Stephen Shaskan. Random House Graphic. 2020.
Swirl and Pizza and Taco use humorous food characters aimed at early readers and graphic novel audiences. Both use bright visuals, expressive characters, and playful comedy. Swirl differs by incorporating themes of multiracial identity, confidence, and emotional growth of self acceptance and expression.
● I Can Be All Three. Salima Alikhan. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 2023
Swirl and I Can Be All Three explore diversity and mixed identity and celebrate all parts of oneself. Both stories speak to children navigating mixed cultural backgrounds and encourage pride in individuality. But, Swirl is different significantly in light-hearted tone, format, and bold visuals, through hybrid ice cream cone people, humor, magic and emotional and social storytelling.
Swirl - Series Follow Up Young Graphic Novels
● Swirl and the Friendship Banana Split
Swirl struggles to balance her new friendships. Her friends are fighting over her and she’s stuck in the middle. It gets especially awkward at school when she has to pick only one friend to partner with for a big project.
● Swirl and the Slumber Party Birthday Bash
Swirl throws her first big sleepover party, with a list of fun things to do, everything gets messy, someone gets home sick, they eat too much junk food, and don’t even make it to the main event, finally watching the cool movie rumored around school as the best movie ever! She also learns that leaning into your own thing is magical in itself.
● Swirl and the Sweet Trick-or-Treat
A Freezerapolis in autumn with rainbow leaves and pumpkins, glowing sparkly candy, a neighborhood adventure. Creepy scary neighbors might not be who we think they are... but they need a lesson to learn. Dressing up and pretending is fun, but knowing and being yourself is the best.
● Swirl and the Crystal Frost Festival
Rainbow northern lights are dimming because they have lost their traditions. Maybe a magical lantern parade, hot cocoa pool party, a big play at the end that celebrates togetherness, warmth and inclusivity will help. Not religious. Everyone celebrates differently, and that’s ok! They can combine and have the best Crystal Frost Festival ever!
Contact
I am seeking representation for Swirl, an early reader graphic novel series for ages 6–9. Swirl combines humor, diverse characters, magical realism, and emotional growth through imaginative storytelling.
612.360.8527