Kanayo Sugiyama

Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1967.

Graduated from Tokyo Gakugei University with a degree in Elementary Art Education. Began work as a designer for a stationary firm. Went freelance in 1990, and learnt etching through The Art Students League of New York. Is currently active as a picture book author. In 1998 she was awarded the Picture Book Award for Pengin no Hon (The Book of Penguins) (Kodansha) won the Kodansha Publication Culture Award for Picture Books. She continues to be active in diverse fields, including stationary design, book covers and illustrations.

She loves dogs, hats and letters. She has a collection of 100 hats in her Tokyo home. She also enjoys collecting stones and nuts fallen from trees. She lives with her daughter, son and husband.