Made for More by Chloe Ito Ward

KLiC: What was your inspiration for MADE FOR MORE?  

CIW: I had originally titled the book SKIN LIKE THE MOON but my editor Anne Hoppe wanted something more positive, and I agreed, the title didn’t fit with the message of the story. MADE FOR MORE is from the last line of the book. Anne pointed it out as a possible title  and I agreed, it was the perfect fit!

KLiC: Please tell us about your writing process. How long did it take you to write and sell this book?

CIW: My writing process for MADE FOR MORE was unusual. It usually takes me a few weeks to figure out the first draft of a story, and a few months, maybe even a year or two to edit and revise. I like to work on a story and then set it aside for a bit so that I have fresh eyes when I’m revising. But the first draft of MADE FOR MORE was done in a day. It poured straight out of my soul and onto paper. It was written in July, went out on submission in August, and my agent received the first offer in September. I’ve sold eight picture books but MADE FOR MORE was by far the fastest.  

KLiC: What kind of research did you do?

CIW: I didn’t really do any research for MADE FOR MORE since it’s inspired by my life and experiences. I always joke that my life hack for writing is to write fiction, because nonfiction takes so much additional time/energy for researching, fact checking, reaching out to museums, specialists/experts, professors etc. But in the last few years I’ve become interested in a number of nonfiction topics and while the researching part is fun, organizing information isn’t my strong suit.    

KLiC: What are your favorite illustrations by the talented Gael Abary in the book?

CIW: My favorite illustration is the spread of the main character surfing. The first time I saw it I teared up, it’s beautiful! 

KLiC: What’s the one thing you want children to take away from your book?

CIW: I want kids to love/embrace their skin, the color, texture, freckles, moles, scars, all of it. It’s a part of what makes you unique and connects you to your history, family, and life story.

KLiC: Do you have any tips for pre-published authors?

CIW: My tip is to write what you love, what you’re passionate about, what is personal and important to you. That’s where I’ve found success, in being myself and sharing my heart with the world. 

KLiC: What’s next for you? 

CIW: I love reading to kids, so lots of school and library visits. I have three books coming out next year. CHOPSTICKS ARE with Chronicle Books, ALL THE WAYS WE LEARN with Rise x Penguin Workshop, and one picture book that is still unannounced. I’m working on a middle grade novel as well, and eagerly waiting to share more good news.
Thank you so much for having me!

Chloe Ito Ward is the author of LOVE GROWS HERE, illustrated by Violet Kim, and published by Albert Whitman and MADE FOR MORE, illustrated by Gael Abary, published by Allida/HarperCollins. Her other books include CHOPSTICKS ARE, out SPRING 2026 with Chronicle Books and ALL THE WAYS WE LEARN arriving Summer 2026 with Rise x Penguin Workshop.

A former curriculum director, Chloe has a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She spent the last decade teaching kindergarten, where she discovered her passion for picture books.

When Chloe isn’t perfecting her ramen recipe, you can find her rock climbing or chasing her husband, son, and their imaginary dog Miso across Kalapaki beach.