Two children climb on a giant turtle with a shell covered in plants as it swims through the water.

Author and illustrator of silly & heartfelt children’s books

Explore My Books

I’m drawn to multicultural characters, and my work often highlights navigating complex feelings.

FEATURED BOOKS

A circuit board with electronic components and wires.
A black silhouette of a person in a yoga pose, standing with one leg bent and raised, hands together above the head.
Watercolor illustration of green leafy plant with cascading branches
Author and illustrator Tracy Subisak smiling outdoors in front of autumn trees.

Hi! It’s Me! I’m Tracy!

I am a mixed-Taiwanese author-illustrator of picture books inspired by complex emotions and small moments. My work focuses on giving readers space to feel seen, shift perspectives, and have a laugh or two along the way. I am drawn towards characters who celebrate multiple cultures, like myself.

Learn more about me
A black and white drawing of a dog with a long body, four legs, and a small head.
A black and white drawing of a dog with a long body, four legs, and a small head.

As Seen In

Macmillan logo
Alvina Ling Books logo
Penguin Random House logo
Little, Brown and Company logo
Bloomsbury logo
Harper Collins logo
Silhouette of a kangaroo silhouette repeated across the banner.
Silhouette of a kangaroo silhouette repeated across the banner.

SELECTED ILLUSTRATIONS

Three lit cigars with the word "CUBA" printed on them.
Three lit cigars with the word "CUBA" printed on them.
A paintbrush with a white handle and a small container of black paint on a black background.
A paintbrush with a white handle and a small container of black paint on a black background.
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tracy-subisak-Tigeryear1.jpg
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tracy-subisak-book-illustration-13.jpeg
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View all work

School Visits & Lectures

From elementary school workshops to university lectures, I love sharing the ins-and-outs of my life as a picture book maker. 

A close-up of a dark green fabric with a wavy pattern.
A close-up of a dark green fabric with a wavy pattern.
Tracy Subisak presenting illustrations on a large screen to an audience in a lecture hall.

Virtual Visits

For elementary school kids

In-Person Visits

For elementary school kids

Lectures

For university students and beyond

See Visit Details

What I’m Sharing on Substack

Black and white silhouette of a fox walking.
Black and white silhouette of a fox walking.
Silhouette of a wolf walking to the left.
Silhouette of a wolf walking to the left.

An occasional newsletter that dives deep into the process and thinking of a latest book, tells a story, and highlights snippets of life! 

  • A cartoon illustration of a young girl lying on her stomach with her hands on her cheeks, wearing blue pajamas with yellow dots and a matching bonnet. Above her, the phrase "Why a snail?" is written in blue lettering, with a heart shape in the background.

    Ode to Summer

    Assignment: do as little as possible

    Read Now
  • “Why a Snail?” A child watches a snail beside the words “I used to hate snails and slugs. I really did.”

    Why A Snail?

    Why I really wrote Sorry, Snail...

    Read Now
  • A comic strip titled 'A Tale of Binoculars' shows a woman with binoculars and a woman with a backpack looking at mountains and scenery. One woman comments about seeing everything perfectly, mentioning nature's wonder. The scene includes mountains and a rainy landscape with children observing and taking pictures, with text describing their experience.

    I Finally Got Binoculars!

    A silly story, and a little intro to my newsletter

    Read Now