Meet Kelsey & Osa
Kelsey Kagan is a hiker, dog lover, occasional blogger, sun worshipper, has an endless curiosity, and is a self-proclaimed, ‘mediocre’ mountain bike rider. Kelsey loves being outdoors, reading, and collecting cacti, and roaming backroads in her truck with her two dogs, Osa and Jasper. She is married to her high-school crush, Ry, and they call Portland, Oregon home.
Kelsey wrote Osa after reading an article on racially motivated bullying in schools. In her words: “ In this
book, I created a world of inclusivity and acceptance; a world that I want to see. Our similarities should be recognized and our differences must be celebrated.”
The story of OSA
Alexis Greene
Photography Lead, Surfrider Foundation Vancouver
Osa teaches a lesson I want all the littles in my life to learn: to celebrate themselves and others for all the qualities that make them special and unique. The book has quickly become my animal-loving nephews' favourite story and has inspired them to support their local animal shelters. During these challenging times, we're facing as a society, compassion, self-love, joy, empathy, and inclusion are more important than ever. Osa's narrative presents all of these things in an accessible way to kids of all ages and is a book every little one should read.
Aimeé Nakamura
LCSW, Therapeutic Preschool Program Assistant Manager, The Children’s Center Utah
Being a therapist who specializes in working with young children, it was inspiring to read about the importance of being different from others. It is heartwarming to know that children and adults can relate to OSA in her journey in finding happiness in being unique.
About
the
Illustrator
Meet Megan Rizzo
Megan Rizzo, newly married and originally from Detroit, now makes her
home in San Francisco, California. She earned her bachelor’s degree from
the University of Michigan, and her Master’s in art therapy from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Megan is the proud dog mom of Scooby and Dr. Gonzo. An avid gamer, she says that art is the central focus in all areas of her life. (And coffee!) She is currently a graphic designer in the Bay area and teaches children’s art classes.
Megan says, “I have a need to create art in some way, every day. I create art that brings the feeling of warmth and nostalgia, showcasing people’s daily struggles. To me, art is a form of expression; my way of talking to people is through my art.”
For more on Megan Rizzo’s art go to daisyillustrations.com