About Donna Kay Lau
Creator, Author, Animator, and Storyteller
Donna Kay Lau is an award-winning Emmy-honored TV animator, author, and illustrator, known for creating the beloved Surf Soup® universe. From her hand-drawn animated short films to her 150+ children’s books and Kindle Vella episodes, Donna’s work combines creativity, cultural storytelling, and playful learning.
Her projects are inspired by her heritage, childhood experiences, and dedication to inspiring imagination in children and families worldwide. Donna is passionate about connecting stories, animation, and interactive learning — bringing joy and education together in every project.
🌟 About Donna Kay Lau: The Creative Force Behind Surf Soup® TV 🌊
Donna Kay Lau is an Emmy-honored TV animator, award-winning author, and the creator of the Surf Soup® children’s book series and animated short film Surf Soup® Buttons — a heartfelt story inspired by her Chinese American heritage and childhood in her grandfather’s Los Angeles laundry during the Chinese Exclusion Act era. With over 100 published books, including the Surf Soup® picture book series, activity books, and coloring books, Donna’s mission is to inspire children through creativity, cultural storytelling, and kindness.
As an accomplished animator and artist, Donna has worked on some of the most beloved television shows for Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Warner Bros., bringing joy and imagination to millions of children worldwide. Her dedication to the art of animation and storytelling earned her Emmy recognition and acclaim across the entertainment industry.
Beyond animation, Donna is a producer, author, illustrator, and fitness trainer, known for merging art and wellness into her daily practice. Her passion for surf culture, creativity, and mindfulness fuels her work — from her Surf Soup TVcartoon series to her community outreach, live art events, and podcast. Through her storytelling, she weaves lessons about compassion, resilience, and cultural pride into every page and frame.
The Surf Soup® universe — including Surf Soup TV, Surf Soup® Books, Surf Soup® Buttons, and Surf Soup® Cartoon Show — celebrates friendship, diversity, the environment, and the power of imagination. Each story teaches young readers and viewers about self-expression, teamwork, and the magic of following their dreams.
Donna’s work also extends into education and philanthropy. She provides teacher resources, art workshops, and free creative guides through Surf Soup® for Kids, empowering classrooms to bring art and storytelling alive. Her “Surf Soup Gives” initiative supports children’s literacy programs, the arts, and wellness education worldwide.
With a deep sense of purpose rooted in her ikigai — the Japanese philosophy of living with meaning and joy — Donna continues to create and inspire future generations. From her studio to the surf, she lives the message of her books: to stay curious, be kind, and always ride the wave of creativity.
✨ “Surf Soup® is more than a book or a cartoon — it’s a movement of imagination, culture, and love.” — Donna Kay Lau
About Donna Kay Lau
Donna Kay Lau worked on the following productions:
Television animation series: Emmy award winning Nick Jr. series, "Dora the Explorer", "CatDog", "Oswald the Octopus", "CatDog" Movie, "Oswald the Octopus", Emmy award winning action series, "Generator Rex", and Special crossover "Ben 10 Ultimate Alien & Generator Rex: Heroes United", as well as the Primetime Emmy award winning animated short, and series; "Regular Show", and has freelanced for many productions including the PBS series "Danger Rangers", as well as the designer of her own children's clothing line "Art is On!".
Donna Kay Lau is an Emmy-honored TV animator, author, and illustrator whose work blends heartfelt storytelling, hand-drawn artistry, and cultural memory. As the creator of the Surf Soup children’s book series and the Oscar-qualified animated short Surf Soup Buttons, Donna draws on her Chinese-American family history and childhood memories of her grandfather’s LA laundry to craft warm, imaginative stories that celebrate resilience, kindness, and creativity. Her books and films combine vibrant character art, playful language, and gentle life lessons that appeal to children, parents, and educators. Donna also leads animation and illustration projects, shares behind-the-scenes process notes, and works with festivals and community organizations to amplify Asian-American voices in animation. Whether you’re here to learn more about the Surf Soup series, follow the animation journey of Surf Soup Buttons, or discover downloadable activity sheets and reading guides, you’ll find a blend of art, history, and heart. Connect with Donna via the newsletter or social links to stay updated on new books, screenings, and studio news.Above picture: Fan Art by Katy Age 8
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IMdB
https://www.imdb.me/DonnakayLau (Click IMDb Pro card below to see credits)
An Interview with Donna Kay Lau
🌟 Exclusive Interview with Awesome Gang!
Get an inside look at the creative journey behind Surf Soup! In this exclusive interview with Awesome Gang, Donna Kay Lau shares her inspiration, the magic behind her Surf Soup series, and what’s next for Koa and friends. Discover the heart and adventure behind the stories that inspire kids and families worldwide! 🌊✨
🌊 Catch the Full Interview!
Want to know more about the Surf Soup journey? 🌟 Read the full interview with Awesome Gang and dive into the magic behind the series!
About Donna Kay Lau
With Passion and Determination
Surf Soup TV, founded by Prime Time Emmy Honored TV animator Donna Kay Lau, serves as the animated gateway to the captivating Surf Soup Book Series. A distinguished TV animator, author, and illustrator, Donna Kay Lau breathes life into her imaginative narratives, taking viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting world of Surf Soup.
At the heart of Surf Soup TV lies the celebrated Surf Soup Book Series, where colorful characters and whimsical tales come alive. Donna Kay Lau's multifaceted talent is on full display as she seamlessly transitions from author to animator, ensuring that the magic of Surf Soup translates effortlessly from the pages to the screen.
Immerse yourself in the animated adventures on @Surfsouptv, the dedicated YouTube channel for the Surf Soup TV cartoon show. Here, the Surf Soup Book Series unfolds in visually stunning episodes, offering an immersive experience for devoted fans and newcomers alike. Surf Soup TV, @Surfsouptv, goes beyond being just a platform for entertainment; it's a vibrant community space where enthusiasts can connect, share their passion, and delve into exclusive content and behind-the-scenes "Live" insights.
The Surf Soup Book Series, with its thrilling underwater escapades and heartwarming friendships, serves as the cornerstone of this digital venture. Donna Kay Lau's commitment to crafting engaging and imaginative content is evident, making @Surfsouptv a must-visit for those seeking the seamless fusion of literature and animation.
Subscribe to @Surfsouptv on YouTube to stay updated on the latest adventures and become part of the growing community of Surf Soup enthusiasts. Discover the magic where storytelling takes center stage in a visually stunning and captivating journey through the Surf Soup Book Series on Surf Soup TV cartoon show, created by the exceptional Donna Kay Lau. Visit https://SurfSoup.tv for the home of all these exciting endeavors, including the opportunity to purchase Surf Soup Book Series and merchandise. Follow this link for more: https://bit.ly/m/Surfsoup
TV Animation
Emmy: Honored by Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with contributions to best Animated short ‘Regular Show’ 2012
The Year in Photos
Wall Street Journal Photo by: Eli Reed/Sony
Donna Kay Lau at Special Olympics.Opening Ceremonies.
New York Historical Society Museum & Library
Chinese American Exclusion/ Inclusion
I have such a beautiful and rich Chinese culture running through my blood. I am the youngest of 5 children. My Grandfather
Artist ~Illustrator ~Animator~Fitness Trainer
Surf Soup TV Painting ‘Honi’ the Honu (Turtle)
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Donna Kay Lau-Painting Surf Soup TV Animation Cartoon Character in Hawai’i ”Honi’ the Honu (Turtle) and for Picture book series Surf Soup a picture book about surfing and ocean conservation. Donna Kay Lau Producer, Creator, Artist, Animator, Author, Writer, worked on shows Dora the Explorer, Catdog, Oswald the Octopus, Generator Rex, Ben 10 (Crossover), Danger Rangers, and Regular Show for Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Cartoon Network, PBS, and freelanced Disney. Surf Soup Picture book series,
My Oscar-Qualifying Animated Short!
🎉 We Did It! 🎉
Thanks to YOU, we successfully Kickstarted Surf Soup® Buttons — my Oscar-qualified animated short!
I’m now on my way to Academy Award submission — and the journey has just begun.
✨ Click the Buttons Button below to learn more, watch updates, and celebrate with me!