Jashar Awan author page

Jashar Awan biography

Jashar Awan is an author-illustrator of picture books for young children. His books include What a Lucky Day!, Only Ants for Andy, Strum & Drum: A Merry Little Quest, I’m Going to Build a Snowman, Towed by Toad, Every Monday Mabel and Toad on the Go.

Before publishing his debut picture book, Awan worked for almost two decades as a freelance illustrator in New York City. His illustration clients included The New Yorker, particularly the magazine’s “Goings on About Town” section.

What a Lucky Day! was Awan’s debut picture book and was published by Norton Young Readers in October 2020. The story follows four animals on a fishing trip and explores how stereotypes and mistaken ideas about others can shape behaviour.

I’m Going to Build a Snowman was published on 19 September 2023 and is a 48-page picture book about a boy making a snowman and learning to take pride in his own effort. It was named an ALA Notable Children’s Book of 2024 and a JLG Gold Standard Selection.

Towed by Toad was published by Tundra Books on 3 September 2024 as a 48-page picture book for ages 3 to 7. It begins a series about Toad, a tow-truck driver, and became a 2025 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book and a 2025 ALA Notable Children’s Book.

Every Monday Mabel was published on 25 February 2025 and is a 48-page picture book about a child who looks forward to the weekly arrival of a truck. Toad on the Go, the follow-up to Towed by Toad, was published on 16 June 2026.