Why I Created Around the Island with Kiko

I was born and raised on the island of Guam, and since I was a young girl, I always dreamed of writing and illustrating my very own children’s book. At the time, I didn’t know what, when, or how, but I knew it was something I wanted to do eventually. 

Kiko was an idea that came to me after my father passed away. I was in the throes of grief, and I wanted some way to honor him and our heritage. While I was building my CHamoru art business with my father in mind, I decided to create a character that would carry my father’s personality and also represent the CHamoru culture—so Kiko the babui (pig) was born! Kiko was my dad’s nickname, by the way. Once I drew him up, I knew he needed friends, and then they, too, followed. They each have their own unique personalities.

I started Around the Island with Kiko around April 2025. I had rough sketches of the cover of the book, and I was struggling to find the style I wanted, but eventually, I figured it out. My little red car eventually turned into a red jeep, inspired by the memory of the red jeep my dad used to own and drive around the island in—mostly to go out fishing. 

Book Cover Progress...

It took me roughly 6–7 months to complete the illustrations. I took my time with this because I wanted everything to be just right. It was a very fun and fulfilling project that I am very proud of and something I hope many will come to love.

I hope the children who read this book will be filled with curiosity and a sense of adventure for Guam and its culture. I hope this will help local children feel proud of their heritage and where they are from. And for those who live abroad, I hope Kiko will help keep them connected to home.

For anyone who is interested in Around the Island with Kiko, a Guam children’s book that you can share with your family, you can purchase the book on my website:
www.amandaholdendesigns.com/kiko-and-friends-collection

Follow on Instagram:
@kikoandfriendsguam
@isatasico