Author Spotlight: Get to Know Missy Choo
For this week's Author Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Missy Choo.
Author Missy Choo’s path to children’s publishing began in the most familiar place—home. One afternoon after preschool, her son asked a question that stopped her in her tracks: “What color is Monday?”
That moment of pure curiosity sparked the idea for her debut picture book, What Color Is Monday?
The story is a playful, sing-song journey that follows a young boy as he searches for the color of Monday. Along the way, he turns to friends for help, discovering that feelings—and answers—can be layered, unexpected, and beautifully diverse.
At its core, the book explores emotions, inclusion, and self-expression, gently reminding readers that Monday—and people—can be many colors at once.
Missy believes the story resonates with readers of all ages because it invites meaningful conversations about feelings and belonging. She connects deeply with the main character, David—named after her son—and his determination to keep asking questions. Above all, she hopes children finish the book feeling reassured, knowing that it’s okay to explore their emotions and that however they feel is perfectly alright.
For Young Readers, Families, and Educators
At its heart, What Color Is Monday? offers children a simple but powerful message: their feelings are valid, and who they are is enough.
The book creates natural openings for families to talk about daily experiences, friendships, and emotions, while giving educators and caregivers an accessible way to explore themes of empathy, resilience, emotional awareness, and connection. It serves as a gentle, engaging tool for social-emotional learning.
For Missy, representation in children’s stories is essential. When kids see themselves reflected on the page, they feel seen, understood, and empowered to show up confidently as their full selves.
A Love of Reading, Passed Down
Missy doesn’t credit a single childhood title with shaping her as a reader, but she holds close the memory of reading Dick and Jane books alongside her great-grandmother. What lingered wasn’t a particular plot, but the feeling reading created—the promise of adventure and the freedom to explore new worlds through imagination. It’s that sense of wonder she now strives to recreate for young readers.
Her creative inspiration is rooted in everyday life. Drawn from dreams, her children, and moments spent helping young minds make sense of difficult experiences, Missy’s stories are shaped by honesty and care. Those quiet, meaningful exchanges—where understanding takes precedence—have become the foundation of her storytelling.
Behind the Scenes
Missy is most drawn to the evolution of a story—beginning with expansive drafts, then thoughtfully refining each line until the rhythm and flow settle into place. One of the more demanding aspects of the process was ensuring the story remained intentional and inclusive, particularly in the small details where stereotypes can quietly emerge.
What surprised her most was seeing the story fully realized through illustration. With her sister as the book’s illustrator, Missy watched as Monday emerged as a character in its own right. The visual interpretation added depth and personality to the story, bringing it to life in ways she hadn’t anticipated and deepening the emotional impact of the book.
Learn More About Missy Choo
You can follow Missy's work and learn more about her journey at
ilove2read.com.