Passion for Picture Books, Tina M. Cho, Interview

This week I am excited to shine the spot light on Tina Cho.  Tina has been a long-time Pens and Brushes member and never misses a beat.  In 2010, she  moved from Southern California to South Korea.  During this time frame, she never missed a critique.  Her dedication to her family and her writing are nothing short of admirable.  Tina has taught kindergarten and has two beautiful children.  Those experiences have deeply enriched the feedback we get as members.


Tina, what drew you into writing picture books?

I fell in love with picture books during my years teaching elementary. I really like the books that leave me with an “ahh” Ymoment at the end. As a teacher, I couldn’t wait to get the Scholastic Book Orders so that I could order discounted or free picture books! I’ve always thought it would be neat to write one, but I never tried until 2008. That’s when I researched how to write for children, joined a critique group, and learned the craft of writing. So having a picture book with my name on it is my dream---to leave a legacy for my children.

 Tina is there an area of the story that you get satisfaction in developing and exploring?

After I get a great idea, I enjoy putting together the story arc using a template. I feel I write better if I’ve plotted the storyline first. I like to see how everything fits together.

Is there an area that is frustrating or difficult to develop? Endings are hard for me to create. An ending must bring satisfaction, a hint of surprise, perhaps a twist, and beg the reader for repeated readings. Therefore, it must be carefully planned.

Tina, if you could choose one pb author or  author/illustrator to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them?

As a teacher I fell in love with Jan Brett’s books, illustrations, and how she always visited the country her book was about. I’d love to visit her studio and see how she puts together her books.

Finally, what was your favorite picture book as a child?

One of my favorite picture books that I still have is Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth by Lucy Bates. I think I liked it because the rabbit was creative with her loose tooth, and all kids like reading books about their loose teeth. My favorite ones to read to my kids are Skippyjon Jones books, Fancy Nancy books, Gingerbread Man books, and a new author I discovered Oliver Jeffers and his books like Lost and Found. His earlier ones about the penguin and boy are so perfect for my son. Isaac sleeps with a stuffed animal penguin. The books I chose have great voice or heart.




Tina, Thank you for joining me on this blog, Passion for Picture Books.  It has been such a pleasure to have you in the group and watch your writing career take off.  You bring such a supportive positive attitude to our group and our lives.  I am very grateful for you in so many ways.

Tina M. Cho is an author of 20 beginning readers or guided reading books from Lakeshore Learning and Compass Media. Her latest published project, “5 Minute Filler Teaching Cards for Grades 3/4 and 1/2” came out February 2012, from Lakeshore Learning. Tina is currently writing two nonfiction books for girls for Legacy Press/Rainbow Publishers. She also rewrites and edits for Mirae Publishing, a publisher of English language textbooks in Korea. She has written other stories and articles for children and teachers which are listed on her blog. Tina is participating in the 12x12 in 2012 challenge, writing 12 picture book manuscripts in 12 months, headed by Julie Hedlund.

Tina is a former elementary teacher and currently homeschools her two children, Anna, a 4^th grader, and Isaac, a 1^st grader. She and husband Jackey live outside of Seoul, Korea. Tina grew up in Iowa and has lived in Virginia, Arizona, and California. When she’s not teaching or writing, she likes to scrapbook, play piano, read, shop, and attend Bible studies.

You can follow Tina on Facebook 


and read her blogs at: 


Tina's Tidbits: A Writer, Teacher, & Mother's Heart



Educational blog


Devotional blog