PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Jo Kosmides Edwards
Illustrating Imaginary Worlds
INTERVIEW BY PJ FEINSTEIN
I n the children’s picture book “Kalamata’s Kitchen”
(Random House Books for Young Readers, 2021), a
nervous Kalamata finds the courage to start a new
school after food-filled imaginary adventure with
her alligator pal, Al Dente. The magical story, written by
Sarah Thomas, comes to life with colorful, expressive
illustrations by Arlington artist Jo Kosmides Edwards.

When she’s not illustrating books — Edwards also
contributed the cover art for “Wolfpack” by Abby Wambach
and Glennon Doyle’s “Love Warrior” — or painting murals
around the D.C. area, Edwards is hanging out at home with
her husband, Brock, and sons Jude, 10, and Oliver, 9.

Washington Family caught up with the “Doodling
Dynamo” to learn more about “Kalamata’s Kitchen” and
how she juggles her kids and her craft.

How did you become a children’s
book illustrator?
Becoming a children’s book illustrator was a bit of luck. I had
always wanted to make a children’s book. Derek Wallace and
Sarah Thomas had heard of me through a mutual friend, and
invited me to participate in their contest to come up with
a character for “Kalamata’s Kitchen.” It seemed like a very
cool project, so I entered. I won! While we started by self-
publishing several books, we then published with Random
House Children’s Books, and the rest is history!
What has been your favorite part about
illustrating these books? The most
challenging? My favorite part about illustrating the books was working
with the Kalamata team and having the opportunity and
freedom to create a character that inspires children and
helps them develop a sense of wonder. The hardest part
was the very first spread because that sets up the vibe
of the whole project. Also, since my focus was often in
portraiture, backgrounds were a new challenge for me.

Once those environments were established, then the rest
started flowing.

22 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2021
What’s the hardest part about juggling
motherhood and your career? What’s
something that makes it easier to
balance both?
I’m sure a lot of parents say this, but the hardest part
about it is usually the guilt. The little voice that says
“You’re not doing enough with your children this week,
they will suffer.” Then it says “You’re not honing your
craft as much as you should be, it will suffer.” I think to
balance everything, I wake up super early each day and
pump out a couple of hours of work before the kids wake
up. That way when they are up, I can fully focus on them
for a bit before they go off to school. Also, my kids love
to make things, so if I set them up with art supplies, they
often will sort of zone out making something while I
do the same.

How do you find time to nurture your
own creativity?
Early rising definitely helps, and I am very, very lucky
that I have a husband who is incredibly supportive of my
career. Since I don’t have unlimited alone time, when we
finish eating dinner and migrate to the couch afterward,
I will pick up an art book or a sketchbook or look up
some art online and show my family. I am also constantly
listening to art books and podcasts while I work or when
driving to activities.

Any tips for parents raising young
aspiring artists?
Nurture their interests and passions. Encourage them to
watch YouTube videos, get them some classes, check out art
books and magazines at the library, or have them shadow
an artist for a day. Host a family art night where you have
hot cocoa and paint a flower that’s sitting on the kitchen
table. Nothing will teach them better than doing, especially
doing it every single day. Know that both the time they
spend creating art brings them joy and your support makes
them more confident, brave and motivated. n