Issa Watanabe author page

Issa Watanabe biography

Issa Watanabe is a Peruvian author and illustrator known for her work in children’s literature. She studied Literature and Fine Arts and has developed a distinctive visual style, often exploring themes of migration and human experience through her illustrations. Watanabe’s books are characterised by their use of colour, symbolism, and wordless storytelling.

Her picture book Migrants was first published in 2019. The book has received international attention for its portrayal of a group of animals undertaking a journey, addressing themes of migration and loss without the use of text. Migrants has been published by Gecko Press.

In 2021, Migrants was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

This Issa Watanabe page was last updated on January 12th, 2026

Reading lists and resources featuring Issa Watanabe

Politics books for children and teens

Last updated on January 12, 2026 by Tom Tolkien

Politics books for children and teens including titles by Michael Rosen, Alastair Campbell, Kamala Harris, Amanda Li, Tim Marshall, Malala Yousafzai, George Orwell, Axie Oh and many more.

Diversity books for children in KS1 and KS2 primary schools

Teaching diversity through reading in primary schools

Last updated on November 20, 2025 by Tom Tolkien

Books to help teach diversity to children in KS1 and KS2 in primary schools – with characters and settings to introduce age-appropriate discussions of the diversity of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, education, disability, identity, nationality, religion, sexuality, neurodiversity, social background, and beliefs.

Autumn 2020 new children's books and YA books

Autumn 2020 – best new children’s and YA books – our picks

Last updated on February 6, 2021 by Tom Tolkien

Here’s our selection of top new titles coming out in autumn 2020. These children’s reading recommendations include picture books, early and middle-grade fiction; young adult novels and non-fiction.

Bestselling books by Issa Watanabe

Browse Issa Watanabe books on UK.Bookshop.org
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