Surf Soup, Donna Kay Lau, children's books, book launch, animation, independent animation, kids media, cultural storytelling, Asian American creator, creative journey, author illustrator, Emmy honored animator, Oscar qualified film, Kickstarter campaign, Surf Soup Buttons, family stories, 2D animation, hand drawn animation, inspiring kids, creative education

Surf Soup TV

Surf Soup, Donna Kay Lau, kids books, children's animation, book launch, 2D animation, Asian American stories, creative kids, author illustrator, indie animation, hand drawn animation, kids media, storytelling for kids, inspiring stories, cultural books

This is a special Q and A with creator Donna Kay Lau about her Oscar qualified animated short film Buttons. In this episode Donna shares the inspiration behind the story which is rooted in her Chinese American heritage and childhood memories growing up in her grandfather's Los Angeles laundry during the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Buttons is hand drawn in traditional two dimensional animation and is based on her children's book from the Surf Soup series. The film explores identity culture and legacy through the eyes of a young girl who discovers stories from her family's past through a simple box of buttons. Hear how this deeply personal story came to life from concept to completion and why independent storytelling matters now more than ever.

Hi friends, it’s Donna Kay Lau — Emmy-honored animator, author of over 100 Surf Soup® books, and creator of the Surf Soup® universe.

I’m asking for your help.

I just launched my Kickstarter for my first hand-drawn animated short film called Buttons, inspired by my grandfather’s Chinese laundry in Los Angeles and the history of the Chinese Exclusion Act. This film is Oscar-qualifying with a theatrical premiere in Hollywood — and I need your support to help bring it to the world.

I’ve poured everything into this. As a solo creator- this dream has been years in the making.

If you’ve ever believed in me, my art, or the mission of Surf Soup® — please back my campaign or help spread the word.

🎬 Support the Kickstarter now:
👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/surfsoup/surf-soup-buttons-an-asian-american-animated-short

Your support isn’t just funding a film — it’s honoring a legacy. It’s giving voice to stories that were once silenced. And it’s helping an Asian American woman share joy, imagination, and identity through animation.

Thank you with all my heart.

#SurfSoup #ButtonsFilm #Kickstarter #Animation #AsianAmericanStories #SupportIndieFilm

🎙️
"Welcome to the official launch of Surf Soup TV: Magical Dim Sum Sing-Along!
I'm so excited to share this magical new adventure with you.
In this story, Koa's magical hair tingles again, leading him straight into Grandma's kitchen, where steaming dim sum, singing dumplings, and unforgettable friends come to life!

Get ready for a playful journey filled with joy, music, and delicious surprises.
This book is part of the brand-new Surf Soup Asian Adventure Series — celebrating imagination, culture, and creativity for young readers everywhere.

Thank you for joining me on this special day.
Grab your chopsticks...and your sense of wonder...
because Surf Soup TV: Magical Dim Sum Sing-Along is available now!
Let’s taste the magic together!"

Surf Soup TV: Magical Dim Sum Sing-Along — Official Book Launch! 🎉
Welcome to the official launch of Surf Soup TV: Magical Dim Sum Sing-Along! 🥟🎶

In this special launch video, the magic of dim sum, music, and friendship comes alive through vibrant images and joyful sounds.
Although this video features only music, it invites you to celebrate the release of my newest children's book — a flavorful adventure where imagination steams and dreams take flight! ✨🌈

🌟 About the Book:
Follow Koa and his magical hair as he stirs up fun in Grandma’s kitchen! New friends, delicious adventures, and sing-alongs await in this latest chapter of the Surf Soup TV series.

🌟 Part of the New Surf Soup Asian Adventure Series!
Discover a growing collection of heartwarming Surf Soup books that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection.

📚 Available now wherever books are sold!
🎉 Thank you for being part of this magical journey!

🌊✨ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! ✨🌊

I’m so excited to share the official launch of my organized Surf Soup Book Series Collection! 📚🎉

This creative journey has grown into something magical—filled with surfing adventures, whimsical characters, animated stories, cultural roots, and heartwarming life lessons, all brought to life through my Surf Soup world.

To make it easier for YOU to explore, I’ve grouped my books into separate series:

🌺 Series One: Surf Soup – Where it all began on Surf Soup Island with Koa and Auntie Donna. These are the original stories that sparked the entire universe of Surf Soup!

📺 Series Two: Surf Soup TV and the Magical Hair – When Surf Soup became animated! Koa’s magical hair powers Surf Soup TV, launching a whole new wave of creative adventures.

🌏 Series Three: Surf Soup Asian Adventures – Inspired by my own heritage, these stories celebrate tradition, imagination, and family. You’ll meet Auntie Donna as a little girl and visit the colorful world of Hong’s laundromat.

🗣️ Six Series: Surf Soup in Many Languages – Surf Soup has gone international! Now translated into Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish—with each language having its own Surf Soup series, like Surf Soup TV in Spanish. It’s a global adventure for kids everywhere.

🐼❤️I invite you to explore each collection, connect with the characters, and feel the spirit of Surf Soup — where stories, creativity, and kindness ride every wave.

🌀 Let’s surf into imagination together 💛

👉 Check out the full series collection here:

https://bit.ly/m/SurfSoupTV

Welcome, where imagination meets adventure! I’m Donna Kay Lau, the creator of the Surf Soup children’s book series, and I’m so excited to share the heart behind the magic. In this special episode, I dive into the journey that inspired the creation of Surf Soup, from the first spark of an idea to the vibrant world that’s now filled with surfing unicorns, magical surfboards, and endless possibilities. This is a labor of love that has been years in the making, and it’s now time to push it forward to the world. Whether you’re a fan of the series or just discovering it, I invite you to join me on this creative adventure. Let’s make waves together—because the best is yet to come. Thank you for being part of the Surf Soup family!

Welcome, where imagination meets adventure! I’m Donna Kay Lau, the creator of the Surf Soup children’s book series, and I’m so excited to share the heart behind the magic. In this special episode, I dive into the journey that inspired the creation of Surf Soup, from the first spark of an idea to the vibrant world that’s now filled with surfing unicorns, magical surfboards, and endless possibilities. This is a labor of love that has been years in the making, and it’s now time to push it forward to the world. Whether you’re a fan of the series or just discovering it, I invite you to join me on this creative adventure. Let’s make waves together, because the best is yet to come. Thank you for being part of the Surf Soup family!

http://eepurl.com/i_Jtew

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956022996

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YNKK67T?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

I am an Emmy-honored TV animator, award-winning author, and illustrator with a passion for storytelling that inspires creativity, mindfulness, and environmental awareness. I have written over 66+ books in my Surf Soup series, along with a Kindle Vella series featuring 158+ episodes. My background in television animation has influenced my writing, allowing me to bring whimsical, colorful worlds to life through engaging narratives…

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

My latest book is "Surf Soup TV: Chasing Waves at Teahupo'o-Chopes." It was inspired by my love for surfing, the Olympics, and the excitement of competition. This book introduces kids to the world of professional surfing, following Koa on his journey to qualify for the Olympics while discovering the magic of Surf Soup TV. The story is about perseverance, friendship…

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I like to write and illustrate simultaneously, letting the visuals and words evolve together. Sometimes, I sketch a scene before writing the story, allowing the artwork to shape the narrative. I also get my best ideas while surfing or walking on the beach—something about the ocean sparks endless creativity!

What authors, or books have influenced you?

I have been inspired by the classics of children's literature, including Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and Maurice Sendak

What are you working on now?

I am expanding the Surf Soup series and working on new books that explore themes of unity, creativity, and adventure. I'm also focusing on translating my work into multiple languages to reach a global audience. Additionally, I’m developing Surf Soup TV, an animated extension of my books that brings Koa and his friends to life on screen!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?

I focus on Amazon optimization, strategic keywords, and category research to ensure my books reach the right audience.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Keep writing and keep learning. Your first book won’t be perfect, but the key is to keep improving. Study successful authors, experiment with marketing, and be patient—building an audience takes time…

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

“Done is better than perfect.” As a creative person, it’s easy to overthink and want everything to be flawless. But the truth is, perfection can hold you back. The most important thing is to put your work out there, learn from the process, and keep growing.

What are you reading now?

I love reading books on creativity, storytelling, and mindfulness. Right now, I’m revisiting classic children's literature for inspiration…

What's next for you as a writer?

I am continuing to expand the Surf Soup universe and explore new ways to bring my stories to life…whether through animation, translations…

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you, what books would you bring?

"Oh, The Places You’ll Go!" by Dr. Seuss – A reminder that adventure and possibility are endless.

"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein – A timeless story of love, generosity, and the circle of life.

"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak – To embrace the magic of imagination.

A survival guide—just in case!

Dear Friends,

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my latest book, 38 Days to Jump-Start Your Life: Fitness, Success, Balance – The Workbook! 🎉 To celebrate, I’m offering it FREE for the first 5 days as a community gift

This workbook is packed with lessons I’ve learned over 30+ years as a trainer, coach, and creator of Surf Soup—plus wisdom from my mentors that helped me build my 75-book series and animated cartoon. Now, I’m sharing it all with you!

📅 Get your free copy from [Feb 25-March 1]! 📅

🔗 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYBKH15C

💡 Want to take this even further? I also have a Udemy course where I break these success principles down step by step! 🎓🔥 Check it out here:

https://www.udemy.com/course/SurfSoupFitness

Thank you for being part of my journey. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet! 💪🌟

With gratitude,

Donna Kay Lau

P.S. My latest kids' book will be launched too! More exciting updates coming in my March newsletter! Stay tuned! 📚✨