“It’s Okay” Picture Book
Penny Kuo
It’s Okay
Artist’s Statement
“It’s Okay” is written and illustrated by Penny Kuo, an illustration majored student who will be graduating in 2026. This is the first book she has ever made. It is a story about loneliness, isolation, and acceptancy. The purpose of the story is to encourage the readers to stay in the moment, be patient, and to accept. It is a gift for everyone who has struggled or is currently struggling in their lives.
This is a book that I made for people, including myself, to encourage them to be patient for themselves while at the lower point of their lives. So many time after we fell, we immediately wanted to get up as soon as possible. But I wanted to tell people that it is okay to just stay in the darkness until they are ready to face the world again, and to stay at the moment if they need to.
I believe that listening to our heart, and taking things slow instead of rushing is the best cure.
book spreads
Here are some of the spreads from the book. The story is about a girl, Aurie, who lost her life due to a prank from her peers. She went through different stages of grief after that, and found peace of the end of the story.
Hi! I’m Aurie.
As you can see, I’m under water.
“But how?” you might ask.
So let me tell you about the story.
But one day…
…everything changed.
“Nobody likes you!”
My life was just a part of their prank.
Now I’m stuck here.
Like a mermaid without a tail.
Like a princess without a happy ending.
*Fish comforting Aurie*
“I think I’ll be okay.”
Installation on Campus
The full 40-page book is available for reading on campus outside of the RBC Media Gallery.
Installation outside of RBC Media Gallery
Penny Kuo 2026
