Making History Through Storytelling: How Surf Soup Inspires the Next Generation
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
By Donna Kay Lau
As an indie author, illustrator, and Emmy-honored TV animator, I never imagined my journey would lead me to create Surf Soup, a children's book series now spanning over 76 books. The series follows Koa, a young surfer, and his friends as they embark on whimsical, heartwarming adventures that introduce children to themes like creativity, mindfulness, environmental awareness, and cultural storytelling.
Writing Stories That Celebrate Culture
One of the core missions behind Surf Soup is to share Asian cultural stories. As a Chinese American woman, writing books that reflect my heritage is deeply important. Through stories like Surf Soup and the Red Egg Party, Surf Soup and the Dragon Boat Race Festival, Surf Soup and the Moon Festival, and Surf Soup and the Instant Noodle Friends, I introduce children to Chinese traditions and values such as family, teamwork, and community.
These stories aren’t just about celebrating specific cultural events; they aim to show kids the universal themes of love, belonging, and embracing who we are. In this way, Surf Soup helps foster appreciation for diversity and inclusion while empowering children to see themselves reflected in literature.
How Making Surf Soup Came to Be
The creation of my memoir, Making Surf Soup: A Chinese American Story of Donna Kay Lau, was a happy accident. I began documenting my creative journey on Kindle Vella, where I shared my experiences and challenges. Over time, I realized I had a larger story to tell, one that could inspire others to follow their dreams despite obstacles.
Making Surf Soup is a memoir that chronicles my path from working on animated shows like Dora the Explorer and Oswald the Octopus, Generator Rex, Ben 10 Crossover, Catdog, and Regular Show, to creating the Surf Soup universe. The book reveals how my passion for storytelling and creativity led me to build a world of my own and become an independent creator.
In addition to this memoir, I also wrote 38 Days, a free book I offered at launch to inspire others to pursue their dreams. The reflections shared in this book, combined with my wellness and fitness background, grounded me during my journey and provided clarity as I worked to build Surf Soup.
The Impact of Surf Soup on the Next Generation
The Surf Soup series goes beyond fun adventures—each story is designed to teach kids essential values such as kindness, mindfulness, and environmental responsibility. It is through these lessons that I hope to inspire children to use their creativity and embrace the power of their imaginations.
Perhaps the most important impact of Surf Soup is its potential to inspire the next generation of creators. As a woman of color in the animation industry, I understand the importance of visibility and representation. Through Surf Soup, children can see themselves reflected in stories that celebrate their unique cultures and experiences.
What’s Next for Surf Soup?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding the Surf Soup universe with more books and an upcoming TV series. My goal is to create stories that not only entertain but also provide valuable lessons for young readers. Ultimately, I hope to encourage children to believe in their abilities and understand that their stories—just like mine—have the power to shape the world.
Storytelling is how we preserve history, pass on values, and connect with others. Through Surf Soup and Making Surf Soup, I strive to inspire young creators to embrace their unique voices and share their stories. My hope is that children will grow up understanding that their words and creativity have the power to change the world.
Connect With Donna
Instagram, X, threads, Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook: @Surfsoup
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