Press Releases & Media Campaigns

Celebrate true inclusion, accessibility, and the universal language of music with this joyful new addition to the Surf Soup series! Launching in honor of International Music Day, this rhythmic children's story beautifully introduces young readers to essential concepts like Braille, sign language, and sensory-friendly learning. Join Koa, a mischievous hamster named Ham, and a colorful cast of characters at Mr. Eli’s Music School to discover that no matter how you experience melody, every single child deserves a special place in the band.

Get a front-row seat to the creative pipeline as Emmy-honored television animator Donna Kay Lau brings her new musical short film to life! Set for a 2028 festival release, this brand-new cinematic adventure takes you on a whimsical, melody-filled culinary celebration featuring freshly steamed dim sum characters like Har Gow, Siu Mai, and Egg Tart Tot. Follow the real-time visual development, character designs, and storytelling milestones streaming live on Twitch, and watch this charming Asian adventure come together piece by piece.

Step into a fun, action-packed eco-adventure that tackles single-use plastics and empowers kids to take charge of their health! Written and illustrated by Emmy-honored animator Donna Kay Lau, this vibrant story follows Koa and the Dim Sum Crew as they clean up a magical plastic jungle, learn to read food labels, and transform a hungry junk food monster intoM a story-dispensing Imagination Station. It is the perfect back-to-school book to introduce critical wellness and environmental stewardship to young readers through creativity and teamwork.

Hold the magic of Surf Soup Island in your hands with the beautiful new premium hardback edition of the Banana Unicorn series! Follow Koa and Banini the Banana Unicorn as they discover a mysterious television on Plastic Island, venture through Unity Cove, and embark on epic adventures. This playful story masterfully combines imagination and teamwork to introduce young readers to ocean conservation.

Tune into our multi-platform weekend broadcasting grid bridging digital animation with real-world learning! Saturdays kick off at 10:30 AM PDT on YouTube with a live Open Studio, followed at 11:05 AM PDT by the kids' show As the Steam Rises with VTuber EggOh. Sundays from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM PDT, shift over to Twitch for quiet, ambient studio illustration sessions for upcoming shorts like Dim Sum Sing Along.

Emmy-honored and Oscar-qualified television animator, director, and author Donna Kay Lau has officially released the "Surf Soup TV Passport."

Drawing upon over thirty years of studio production experience on legendary series like Dora the Explorer and CatDog, Lau has created an interactive companion guide and visual reading roadmap.

Rooted in her first-generation Asian American heritage and lifelong dedication to exploring the raw dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, this multi-media framework serves as an immersive visual learning sandbox. The Passport introduces young explorers to the core foundational pillars of the sprawling 100+ volume Surf Soup universe, centering on essential milestones such as ocean conservation, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and cross-cultural self-advocacy.

Independent creator Donna Kay Lau has officially announced the release of her newest children's book, Surf Soup® EggOh Just Wanted to Broadcast Love: A Live Comic Story. This vibrant new release is designed as an innovative hybrid picture book that bridges traditional reading with interactive media.

The story spotlights EggOh, the fluffy and flamboyant peacock-rooster hybrid bird who serves as the official mascot of the Surf Soup® universe. In this adventure, EggOh learns what it means to overcome stage fright, balance a big ego, find his unique voice, and spread positivity. Secure your copy across major retailers using our universal book links!

The fun doesn't end on the final page—EggOh leaps straight from the printed book onto the digital screen as a real-time, interactive VTuber co-host! Join "Auntie Donna" Kay Lau and EggOh every Saturday morning at 10:30 AM PST for a brand-new twist on classic Saturday morning cartoons.

Streaming live across Twitch and YouTube, the Surf Soup® TV Open Studio gives families a front-row seat to an independent animation studio. Catch EggOh live as he hosts, plays music, live-sketches, and reads stories directly from the Surf Soup book series. Grab your sketchbook and join the fun!

The world of Surf Soup® expands into live digital classrooms! Created by Emmy-honored animator Donna Kay Lau (Dora the Explorer, Regular Show), these structured workshops blend drawing with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). They provide a warm, zero-pressure space to help shy kids build artistic confidence.

Exclusive Launch Offer

Use code DONNAKAYOUT73 at checkout for an exclusive introductory class discount. Spaces are strictly limited to keep groups small and interactive. New to the platform? Use our referral button below to sign up and get a free credit toward your first class!

Catch a wave to Surf Soup® Island with Surf Soup® TV and the Magical Hair Dream Party (Book 11, Volume 15)! In this playful growth-mindset story, Koa’s magical hair has the incredible power to turn imagination into real-life adventures. When a group of shy kids arrives at the beach unsure of what to do, imagination begins to sparkle—causing stages to appear, towers to rise, and rockets to launch straight into the sky. It is a heartwarming tale that fills the entire island with laughter and unstoppable creativity, encouraging children to dream big, embrace their unique identities, and bravely try new things.

Surf Soup TV has officially smashed past its goal to reach 117% funding on Kickstarter for the Surf Soup® TV First Edition Animation Collector Cards!
This milestone marks the fifth successful campaign for independent creator and Emmy-honored animator Donna Kay Lau. With all creative assets finalized, the premium 55-card deck is bypassing manufacturing delays and heading straight into physical "ProDUCKtion."

Serving as the official physical introduction to the vibrant world of Surf Soup TV ahead of its cartoon shorts premiere, each card features dynamic animation art, character stats, and deep island lore centered on ocean conservation. While the core goal is met, the campaign remains active for a limited time, allowing late collectors to secure these First Edition decks directly on the active Surf Soup TV Kickstarter page before production limits lock.

Surf Soup TV has launched a brand-new wave of interactive content featuring adorable baby animals and deep ocean lore!Over 100 pages of mindful, animation-grade creative content are now live across Amazon, Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT), and Etsy to serve families and educators simultaneously.

The extensive launch centers around three new paperback coloring books on Amazon alongside premium digital resource packs on TpT and Etsy optimized for instant downloading. Designed to nurture artistic confidence in children and share messages of ocean conservation, these heavy-line coloring sheets make high-quality art instantly accessible for homes and classrooms worldwide.

The printed books are available now for global delivery on Amazon, while the 100+ page digital editions can be accessed instantly by searching for Surf Soup TV on Etsy and Teachers Pay Teachers!

LOS ANGELES, CA — April 9, 2026 — Emmy-honored animator, author, illustrator, Oscar-qualified filmmaker, and creator Donna Kay Lau announces new creative updates for Eggoh, the heartwarming character from the growing Surf Soup® TV universe, known for spreading love, joy, and imagination to children and families.

As part of the expanding Surf Soup® brand, which includes books, publishing, merchandise, and family storytelling, Eggoh will be featured in upcoming book releases, refined editions, new hardback offerings, and a finished library of titles now being organized into new book set discounts available through Surf Soup® TV.

Through Surf Soup® TV, the brand is expanding its family entertainment content with animated storytelling, live creative broadcasts, and new launch experiences designed for children and families. Fans can also follow along on YouTube for upcoming VTuber live experiences, launches, and behind-the-scenes creative updates as Eggoh’s world continues to grow.

🎉 Surf Soup® 2026 is here! 🎉

Emmy-honored, Oscar-qualified animator and author Donna Kay Lau brings three new adventures for kids and families:

✨ Mom Is WOW Upside Down – Flip the pages and watch MOM become WOW! Giggles, love, and a brand-new sing-along song.

✨ Surf Soup® Tangyuan: A Winter Solstice Soup Story – Roll Tong Yoon, make wishes, and celebrate family traditions with three playful sing-along songs.

✨ Making Surf Soup – Volume 2 – Behind-the-scenes memoir of Donna Kay Lau’s creative 2025: 12 new books, coloring book, Outschool content, Pinterest cohort win, and her Oscar-qualified animated short Surf Soup® Buttons.

Start 2026 with family, culture, creativity, and stories that warm the heart!

📚 Learn more & pre-order all three: https://mybook.to/Surfsoup-Onelink

Surf Soup® is proud to announce the launch of its official fan merchandise collection. The line features illustrated posters, cartoon apparel, sneakers, swimsuits, and accessories inspired by the animated Surf Soup® universe and original characters like Eggoh.

Created by Emmy-honored animator, author, and illustrator Donna Kay Lau, the collection celebrates independent animation, Asian American storytelling, and hand-drawn artistry. Fans, educators, and collectors can explore playful, bold, and functional art that extends the Surf Soup® world beyond books and cartoons.

Select items are available through print-on-demand partners, while the full curated collection is showcased on the official Surf Soup® website. This launch allows fans to support independent storytelling while enjoying products designed with creativity and personality in every detail.

Los Angeles, CA – September 2025 — Emmy-honored TV animator and award-winning author Donna Kay Lau is set to premiere her independent animated short film Surf Soup® Buttons with a 7-day Oscar-qualifying theatrical run, September 8–14, 2025, at Cinelounge Sunset, Hollywood (6464 Sunset Blvd.).

Inspired by her Chinese American heritage and her childhood in her grandfather’s LA laundry, Surf Soup® Buttonsweaves a heartfelt story of resilience, family, and creativity. The hand-drawn 2D animated short is based on Lau’s beloved children’s book series Surf Soup®.

In addition to the film premiere, Lau has launched 13 new Surf Soup® books (bringing the total to over 100), and released 8+ Surf Soup® music albums—expanding her universe of storytelling across media.

“This is more than a film—it’s a lifelong dream,” says Lau. “I want Surf Soup® to inspire kids, families, and communities everywhere to create, imagine, and never give up.”

Lau is also preparing for school visits and creative workshops, continuing her mission to blend art, education, and culture through the Surf Soup® series.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award-Winning Animator and Author Donna Kay Lau Wins Pinterest Cohort Challenge 3: Inspiring Creativity and Education

Los Angeles, CA — [12/24/2025] — Donna Kay Lau, Emmy-honored TV animator, Oscar-qualified filmmaker, and creator of the Surf Soup® book series, has been selected as a winner of the prestigious Pinterest Cohort Challenge 3. This recognition highlights her innovative use of Pinterest as a platform to engage audiences and showcase her educational and creative projects.

Lau, whose Surf Soup® series now spans over 150 books and multiple animated shorts, leveraged the challenge to expand her reach with educators, parents, and young readers. Through hundreds of pins, her carefully curated content blends creativity, cultural storytelling, and educational guidance, demonstrating the power of visual platforms in amplifying meaningful projects.

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Emmy-honored animator and author Donna Kay Lau announces the release of her Chinese Zodiac Coloring Book, a mindful and educational coloring experience inspired by Lunar New Year traditions and Chinese astrology. Featuring beautifully designed zodiac animals and mandala-style patterns, the book invites children and adults alike to explore creativity, relaxation, and cultural storytelling through art. Created during a period of reflection and recovery, the book reflects Lau’s ongoing commitment to meaningful, culturally rooted creative work.

Experience the world of Surf Soup® through a tropical collection of playful, kid-friendly songs and instrumentals! With over 175 original compositions spread across six albums, these soundtracks feature island rhythms and fun storytime themes like Dim Sum Singalong. Perfect for classroom activities, family listening, or a musical companion to the book series, each track is designed to spark imagination, creativity, and aloha.

Emmy-honored TV animator, author, and illustrator Donna Kay Lau has introduced Universal Book Links for the Surf Soup® Universe, bringing her 160+ titles together in one seamless experience. Powered by Booklinker, the system allows readers worldwide to browse every Surf Soup® book across formats and regions with a single click. The update supports the continued global growth of the Surf Soup® brand, spanning books, animation, education, and Surf Soup TV®, with more releases ahead in 2026–2027.

Surf Soup® Tangyuan: A Winter Solstice Soup Story is a culturally rich children’s picture book inspired by Toisanese heritage. Through food, music, and intergenerational storytelling, the story explores themes of belonging, cultural pride, and togetherness. With sing-along elements and social-emotional learning themes, this title is ideal for libraries, classrooms, and family reading, and is part of the Surf Soup: Asian Adventures series.

Mom Is Wow is a joyful children’s picture book that celebrates the everyday magic of moms through humor, warmth, and heart. Perfect for Mother’s Day and year-round family reading, this story encourages gratitude, kindness, and appreciation—sometimes from a fresh, upside-down point of view. Ideal for kids ages 3–8, classrooms, and gift-giving moments.

Get ready for World Cup excitement with this family-friendly adventure inspired by global soccer culture, travel, and famous beach destinations! Perfect for summer reading, this book blends sports, teamwork, and culture to introduce young readers to international soccer adventures across well-known coastal communities. Through vibrant storytelling and imagination, it encourages children to explore global communities while promoting friendship, outdoor fun, and positive cross-cultural experiences.

Discover the expanding hardcover collection of the Surf Soup® Asian Adventure Series! Beautifully weaving together cultural identity, family traditions, and deep-rooted resilience, books like The Red Egg & Ginger Party celebrate rich heritage through vibrant storytelling. Perfect for homes and classrooms, this meaningful series introduces young readers to positive cultural experiences and inclusive family stories that inspire pride and understanding.