Surf Soup Talk Story

🎬✨ Today’s the day! My Oscar®-qualifying animated short Surf Soup® Buttons is premiering on the big screen at 3:00 PM at Cinelounge Sunset in Hollywood 🌴💛This marks the start of our 7-day theatrical run (Sept 8–14)—a huge milestone in my journey as an independent animator and storyteller.If you’re in LA, come join me for this special screening:📍 Cinelounge Sunset, 6464 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood🎟️ Tickets: cineloungefilm.comThank you for supporting Surf Soup as it takes this exciting step toward the Oscars! 🏆✨#SurfSoup #SurfSoupButtons #Oscars2025 #Animation #IndependentFilm

Donna Kay Lau, Emmy-honored animator and creator of Surf Soup®, shares her biggest creative milestone yet in this special recap video. From completing her Oscar-qualified animated short Surf Soup® Buttons—premiering in Hollywood September 8–14, 2025—to publishing 13 new books and releasing 8+ Surf Soup® music albums, Donna takes you behind the wave of creativity.Balancing health, family care, and art, she reflects on the journey so far and looks ahead to school visits, workshops, and inspiring kids everywhere with the Surf Soup® universe.🎬 Surf Soup® Buttons Theatrical Premiere📍 Cinelounge Sunset, 6464 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood📅 September 8–14, 2025🎟️ Tickets: cineloungefilm.com✨ Stay connected:🌐 Website: https://Surfsoup.tv📚 Books: https://amzn.to/3T3bQuY

🎬 Big news! My animated short Surf Soup: Buttons is premiering on the big screen in Hollywood!📍 Cinelounge, 6464 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood📅 September 8–14This Oscar-qualifying run is inspired by my family’s story and the Surf Soup® book series. Buttons is a hand-drawn 2D film celebrating culture, creativity, and independent animation.🌟 Join me in celebrating this milestone and support Surf Soup on the journey to the Oscars!🎟 Tickets & info: CineloungeFilm.comMore updates: SurfSoup.tv#SurfSoup #SurfSoupButtons #IndependentAnimation #AsianAmericanStories #OscarQualifying #FilmPremiere #HollywoodMovies #AnimationCommunity #SurfSoupTV

Join Emmy-honored animator and author Donna Kay Lau for a special Q&A all about her independent animated short, Surf Soup® Buttons! Discover the inspiration behind the story, her Chinese American heritage, the journey from book to screen, and what it means to premiere at Cinelounge Sunset in Hollywood September 8–14, 2025.From creating 100+ Surf Soup® books and 8+ music albums to completing this Oscar-qualified film, Donna shares her independent artistry, resilience, and dreams coming true.🎬 Surf Soup® Buttons Theatrical Premiere📍 Cinelounge Sunset, 6464 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood📅 September 8–14, 2025🎟️ Tickets: cineloungefilm.com✨ Stay connected:🌐 Website: https://Surfsoup.tv📚 Books: https://amzn.to/3T3bQuY

Surf Soup, Donna Kay Lau, children's books, book launch, animation, independent animation, kids media, cultural storytelling, Asian American creator, creative journey, author illustrator, Emmy honored animator, Oscar qualified film, Kickstarter campaign, Surf Soup Buttons, family stories, 2D animation, hand drawn animation, inspiring kids, creative educationSurf Soup TVSurf Soup, Donna Kay Lau, kids books, children's animation, book launch, 2D animation, Asian American stories, creative kids, author illustrator, indie animation, hand drawn animation, kids media, storytelling for kids, inspiring stories, cultural books

This is a special Q and A with creator Donna Kay Lau about her Oscar qualified animated short film Buttons. In this episode Donna shares the inspiration behind the story which is rooted in her Chinese American heritage and childhood memories growing up in her grandfather's Los Angeles laundry during the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Buttons is hand drawn in traditional two dimensional animation and is based on her children's book from the Surf Soup series. The film explores identity culture and legacy through the eyes of a young girl who discovers stories from her family's past through a simple box of buttons. Hear how this deeply personal story came to life from concept to completion and why independent storytelling matters now more than ever.

Hi friends, it’s Donna Kay Lau — Emmy-honored animator, author of over 100 Surf Soup® books, and creator of the Surf Soup® universe.I’m asking for your help.I just launched my Kickstarter for my first hand-drawn animated short film called Buttons, inspired by my grandfather’s Chinese laundry in Los Angeles and the history of the Chinese Exclusion Act. This film is Oscar-qualifying with a theatrical premiere in Hollywood — and I need your support to help bring it to the world.I’ve poured everything into this. As a solo creator- this dream has been years in the making.If you’ve ever believed in me, my art, or the mission of Surf Soup® — please back my campaign or help spread the word.🎬 Support the Kickstarter now:👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/surfsoup/surf-soup-buttons-an-asian-american-animated-shortYour support isn’t just funding a film — it’s honoring a legacy. It’s giving voice to stories that were once silenced. And it’s helping an Asian American woman share joy, imagination, and identity through animation.Thank you with all my heart.#SurfSoup #ButtonsFilm #Kickstarter #Animation #AsianAmericanStories #SupportIndieFilm

🎙️"Welcome to the official launch of Surf Soup TV: Magical Dim Sum Sing-Along!I'm so excited to share this magical new adventure with you.In this story, Koa's magical hair tingles again, leading him straight into Grandma's kitchen, where steaming dim sum, singing dumplings, and unforgettable friends come to life!Get ready for a playful journey filled with joy, music, and delicious surprises.This book is part of the brand-new Surf Soup Asian Adventure Series — celebrating imagination, culture, and creativity for young readers everywhere.Thank you for joining me on this special day.Grab your chopsticks...and your sense of wonder...because Surf Soup TV: Magical Dim Sum Sing-Along is available now!Let’s taste the magic together!"Surf Soup TV: Magical Dim Sum Sing-Along — Official Book Launch! 🎉Welcome to the official launch of Surf Soup TV: Magical Dim Sum Sing-Along! 🥟🎶In this special launch video, the magic of dim sum, music, and friendship comes alive through vibrant images and joyful sounds.Although this video features only music, it invites you to celebrate the release of my newest children's book — a flavorful adventure where imagination steams and dreams take flight! ✨🌈🌟 About the Book:Follow Koa and his magical hair as he stirs up fun in Grandma’s kitchen! New friends, delicious adventures, and sing-alongs await in this latest chapter of the Surf Soup TV series.🌟 Part of the New Surf Soup Asian Adventure Series!Discover a growing collection of heartwarming Surf Soup books that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection.📚 Available now wherever books are sold!🎉 Thank you for being part of this magical journey!

🌊✨ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! ✨🌊I’m so excited to share the official launch of my organized Surf Soup Book Series Collection! 📚🎉This creative journey has grown into something magical—filled with surfing adventures, whimsical characters, animated stories, cultural roots, and heartwarming life lessons, all brought to life through my Surf Soup world.To make it easier for YOU to explore, I’ve grouped my books into separate series:🌺 Series One: Surf Soup – Where it all began on Surf Soup Island with Koa and Auntie Donna. These are the original stories that sparked the entire universe of Surf Soup!📺 Series Two: Surf Soup TV and the Magical Hair – When Surf Soup became animated! Koa’s magical hair powers Surf Soup TV, launching a whole new wave of creative adventures.🌏 Series Three: Surf Soup Asian Adventures – Inspired by my own heritage, these stories celebrate tradition, imagination, and family. You’ll meet Auntie Donna as a little girl and visit the colorful world of Hong’s laundromat.🗣️ Six Series: Surf Soup in Many Languages – Surf Soup has gone international! Now translated into Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish—with each language having its own Surf Soup series, like Surf Soup TV in Spanish. It’s a global adventure for kids everywhere.🐼❤️I invite you to explore each collection, connect with the characters, and feel the spirit of Surf Soup — where stories, creativity, and kindness ride every wave.🌀 Let’s surf into imagination together 💛👉 Check out the full series collection here:https://bit.ly/m/SurfSoupTV

Welcome, where imagination meets adventure! I’m Donna Kay Lau, the creator of the Surf Soup children’s book series, and I’m so excited to share the heart behind the magic. In this special episode, I dive into the journey that inspired the creation of Surf Soup, from the first spark of an idea to the vibrant world that’s now filled with surfing unicorns, magical surfboards, and endless possibilities. This is a labor of love that has been years in the making, and it’s now time to push it forward to the world. Whether you’re a fan of the series or just discovering it, I invite you to join me on this creative adventure. Let’s make waves together—because the best is yet to come. Thank you for being part of the Surf Soup family!Welcome, where imagination meets adventure! I’m Donna Kay Lau, the creator of the Surf Soup children’s book series, and I’m so excited to share the heart behind the magic. In this special episode, I dive into the journey that inspired the creation of Surf Soup, from the first spark of an idea to the vibrant world that’s now filled with surfing unicorns, magical surfboards, and endless possibilities. This is a labor of love that has been years in the making, and it’s now time to push it forward to the world. Whether you’re a fan of the series or just discovering it, I invite you to join me on this creative adventure. Let’s make waves together, because the best is yet to come. Thank you for being part of the Surf Soup family!http://eepurl.com/i_Jtewhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1956022996https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YNKK67T?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.I am an Emmy-honored TV animator, award-winning author, and illustrator with a passion for storytelling that inspires creativity, mindfulness, and environmental awareness. I have written over 66+ books in my Surf Soup series, along with a Kindle Vella series featuring 158+ episodes. My background in television animation has influenced my writing, allowing me to bring whimsical, colorful worlds to life through engaging narratives…What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?My latest book is "Surf Soup TV: Chasing Waves at Teahupo'o-Chopes." It was inspired by my love for surfing, the Olympics, and the excitement of competition. This book introduces kids to the world of professional surfing, following Koa on his journey to qualify for the Olympics while discovering the magic of Surf Soup TV. The story is about perseverance, friendship…Do you have any unusual writing habits?I like to write and illustrate simultaneously, letting the visuals and words evolve together. Sometimes, I sketch a scene before writing the story, allowing the artwork to shape the narrative. I also get my best ideas while surfing or walking on the beach—something about the ocean sparks endless creativity!What authors, or books have influenced you?I have been inspired by the classics of children's literature, including Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and Maurice SendakWhat are you working on now?I am expanding the Surf Soup series and working on new books that explore themes of unity, creativity, and adventure. I'm also focusing on translating my work into multiple languages to reach a global audience. Additionally, I’m developing Surf Soup TV, an animated extension of my books that brings Koa and his friends to life on screen!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?I focus on Amazon optimization, strategic keywords, and category research to ensure my books reach the right audience.Do you have any advice for new authors?Keep writing and keep learning. Your first book won’t be perfect, but the key is to keep improving. Study successful authors, experiment with marketing, and be patient—building an audience takes time…What is the best advice you have ever heard?“Done is better than perfect.” As a creative person, it’s easy to overthink and want everything to be flawless. But the truth is, perfection can hold you back. The most important thing is to put your work out there, learn from the process, and keep growing.What are you reading now?I love reading books on creativity, storytelling, and mindfulness. Right now, I’m revisiting classic children's literature for inspiration…What's next for you as a writer?I am continuing to expand the Surf Soup universe and explore new ways to bring my stories to life…whether through animation, translations…If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you, what books would you bring?"Oh, The Places You’ll Go!" by Dr. Seuss – A reminder that adventure and possibility are endless."The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein – A timeless story of love, generosity, and the circle of life."Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak – To embrace the magic of imagination.A survival guide—just in case!

Dear Friends,I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my latest book, 38 Days to Jump-Start Your Life: Fitness, Success, Balance – The Workbook! 🎉 To celebrate, I’m offering it FREE for the first 5 days as a community giftThis workbook is packed with lessons I’ve learned over 30+ years as a trainer, coach, and creator of Surf Soup—plus wisdom from my mentors that helped me build my 75-book series and animated cartoon. Now, I’m sharing it all with you!📅 Get your free copy from [Feb 25-March 1]! 📅🔗 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYBKH15C💡 Want to take this even further? I also have a Udemy course where I break these success principles down step by step! 🎓🔥 Check it out here: https://www.udemy.com/course/SurfSoupFitnessThank you for being part of my journey. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet! 💪🌟With gratitude,Donna Kay LauP.S. My latest kids' book will be launched too! More exciting updates coming in my March newsletter! Stay tuned! 📚✨

I’m thrilled to announce a special book-my exclusive Asian Collection—Chinese Lunar New Year and Moon Day! 🌕🎉 This unique collection brings together rich cultural storytelling, stunning illustrations, and heartwarming messages that will inspire readers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or adding to your own library, this set is a must-have! 🌟 What’s Inside: Beautifully illustrated stories celebrating Asian heritage Lunar New Year and Moon Day themes that capture tradition and imagination Perfect for children and families to enjoy together Don’t miss out on this special offer! 💥 Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the magic of this collection. 📖💫 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG963SHT 📚✨ Big Sale Alert! ✨📚 🌊📚 Surf Soup Series Countdown Sale! 📚🌊 The waves are rolling in, and so is our special countdown sale on the Surf Soup series! 🏄‍♂️🌈 ⏰ Don’t miss out—this incredible sale ends on October 9! ⏰ Dive into the adventures of Koa and his friends as they explore the magical world of Surf Soup, filled with imagination, friendship, and laughter. These beautifully illustrated stories are perfect for children ages 6-12 and promote valuable lessons about teamwork and courage. 🎉 What’s Included in the Early Prime Day Sale: Exclusive discounts on select titles A chance to explore the full Surf Soup collection Engaging stories that inspire creativity and unity Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, now is the perfect time to grab your copies and join Koa on his exciting journeys! 🌊✨ 🛒 Shop Amazon now and don’t let this wave pass you by!  https://amzn.to/3AOTseX #AsianHeritage #LunarNewYear #MoonDay #BookSale #SpecialCollection #ChildrenBooks #CelebrateCulture #BookLovers #SurfSoup #Storytelling #AsianAuthors #Bookstagram  #BooksOfInstagram  #LunarNewYearBook #AsianAuthors 

Dive into the magical world of Surf Soup TV as we ride the waves of creativity, imagination, and storytelling! In this special Q&A episode, join Emmy-honored animator and author Donna Kay Lau as they answer fan questions about the beloved Surf Soup series. Discover behind-the-scenes insights, the inspiration behind Koa’s adventures, and the whimsical wisdom that brings these stories to life. Whether you're a young reader or a fan of creative storytelling, this episode is packed with fun, inspiration, and the magic of Surf Soup!

Dive into the magical world of Surf Soup TV as we ride the waves of creativity, imagination, and storytelling! In this special Q&A episode, join Emmy-honored animator and author Donna Kay Lau as they answer fan questions about the beloved Surf Soup series. Discover behind-the-scenes insights, the inspiration behind Koa’s adventures, and the whimsical wisdom that brings these stories to life. Whether you're a young reader or a fan of creative storytelling, this episode is packed with fun, inspiration, and the magic of Surf Soup!

In this episode of Talk Story, I share an inspiring excerpt from my Kindle Vella series, 'Making Surf Soup.' Titled 'The Journey of a Writer: From Nightmares to Never Giving Up,' this story dives into the personal and professional struggles I've faced on my path to becoming an author. From waking up at 4 a.m. due to recurring nightmares to overcoming financial hurdles and learning the ropes of book marketing, this journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Tune in to hear about the kindness of strangers, the importance of perseverance, and my relentless pursuit of success in the world of book publishing. This is a story of hope, learning, and never giving up. More Kindle Vella: https://amzn.to/3KLPBUN

Remembering Dr. J Wallace Nichols: A Legacy of Love for the Ocean In this heartfelt episode, we pay tribute to the incredible life and legacy of Dr. J Wallace Nichols, author of the groundbreaking book "Blue Mind." As my first podcast guest and a dear friend, J's sudden passing has left a profound impact on me and the global community of ocean advocates. Join me as I recount my memorable conversations with J, his pioneering work on the emotional benefits of water, and his instrumental role in the story of Ardelita the turtle. J was more than a scientist; he was a storyteller, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for the healing power of the ocean. In this special episode, you'll hear: Insights from our first podcast interview where J shared his journey and the principles of "Blue Mind." Stories of J's contributions to marine conservation, including placing the first satellite transmitter on Ardelita, the sea turtle. Personal anecdotes that highlight J's warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to protecting our blue planet. Whether you're a longtime follower of J's work or new to the concept of "Blue Mind," this episode is a tribute to a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to understanding and preserving the ocean's beauty. Let's honor Dr. J Wallace Nichols by continuing to explore, cherish, and protect the waters that connect us all. Join us on this emotional journey and keep the spirit of "Blue Mind" alive. 🌊💙

Welcome to another enchanting episode of Surf Soup Talk Story! In this episode, we dive deep into the magical world of Surf Soup with the incredibly talented TV animator and creator, Donna Kay Lau. Join us as Donna shares the inspiration behind her captivating Surf Soup projects, including "Surf Soup TV" and the delightful "Banana Unicorns" series. Discover the creative process, the magic of storytelling, and the adventures that await in Surf Soup Island. Whether you’re a long-time fan, a fellow creator, or just curious about the journey behind Surf Soup, this Q&A session is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in for an inside look at how Donna brings vibrant stories and characters to life, and stay for the heartwarming tales that ignite imagination and curiosity. Don't miss this episode! Subscribe now and follow us for more exciting Surf Soup stories and behind-the-scenes content. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with friends and family. Ride the waves of creativity with us on Surf Soup Talk Story!

Join us for the grand finale of "Making Surf Soup" as we wrap up our behind-the-scenes journey into the creative process behind the beloved Surf Soup series. In this last episode, we reflect on the exhilarating adventure of bringing the Surf Soup universe to life, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final strokes of the pen. Throughout the series, we've delved deep into the world-building, character development, and storytelling techniques that define the magic of Surf Soup. We've shared the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, and the joy of creation that fuels our passion for storytelling. As we bid farewell to "Making Surf Soup," we invite you to join us in celebrating the journey and the countless memories we've made along the way. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Surf Soup universe, this final episode is a tribute to the power of imagination, creativity, and the unwavering support of our listeners. So grab your surfboard and join us one last time as we ride the waves of inspiration and bid farewell to "Making Surf Soup."

In Episode 2 of "Making Surf Soup," host Donna Kay Lau invites listeners on a deep dive into the intricate layers of her creative journey. From her childhood influences to the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, Donna shares candid insights into the making of Surf Soup—a rich blend of her Chinese American heritage, animation expertise, and storytelling prowess. Join us as we explore the origins of Surf Soup, uncover the driving forces behind Donna's creative vision, and gain valuable lessons in resilience and self-discovery. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as we embark on this immersive journey of finding one's voice and making waves in the world of creativity. ‘Finding My Voice: Unveiling the Layers of Surf Soup" As Donna Kay Lau settles into her recording studio, she takes a moment to reflect on the journey that has led her to this point. With a deep breath, she begins to unravel the layers of her story, starting from the very beginning. Surf Soup Website: https://Surfsoup.tv Surf Soup Shop: https://amzn.to/3T3bQuY