Josef Lee Tells Stories Through Pictures as a Visual Storyteller and Children’s Book Author
- Unique Wisdom
- May 31, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
As a visual storyteller, Josef Lee has created over 20 picture books and launched the House of Mini Picture Books — a free online library for children. Rooted in childhood memories and a love for storytelling, Josef’s journey shows how passion, when shared generously, can light up lives across borders and generations.
I’m a designer, animator, and illustrator based in Singapore. Coming from a background in branding and advertising, I expanded my skills into the field of motion design and founded the creative studio MOJO in 2008. In my free time, I write and draw picture stories, and published my first picture book via crowdfunding in 2017.
Sharing Stories Through Art and Making Picture Books Accessible to All
Photo Credit: Josef Lee
Even though I do many different things, I identify as a visual storyteller—telling stories through pictures. As a picture book author and artist, I have published over 20 picture books and one novel adaptation in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand.
When COVID-19 happened, I launched the House of Mini Picture Books (www.minipicbooks.com) — a FREE online library of original picture stories by local authors. These stories can be downloaded, printed, and DIY-ed into mini picture books, making stories and books freely available to kids around the world.
Creating the Stories Once Loved, Now Shared Through Picture Books
I’ve loved books since I was young, and my childhood was filled with Aesop’s fables, fairy tales, folklore, and tons of comics.
So, when I grew up, I wanted to write the stories I wanted to read, in the way I know best—through pictures.
I hope these stories and books I’ve created can also become a part of the childhood of many other children.
Following Curiosity and Finding Unexpected Joy Through Storytelling
I embarked on this journey of creating picture books and comics armed with only curiosity and without any other expectations. What has greeted me since then has been endless opportunities and experiences that I would never have had if I hadn’t taken this step—the friends I’ve made (writers and artists), the things I’ve seen, and the smiles I’ve brought to my young readers.
Building Community Through Stories and Taking the First Brave Step
The children’s book community is definitely one full of love and warmth. What I never expected—and am truly grateful for—are the friendships I’ve built over the years with fellow writers, artists, publishers, editors, booksellers, teachers, and parents.
I’m proud that I took that first step many years ago to put my works online, which gave me the confidence and support to finally launch my first book through crowdfunding. So, for those who have big dreams, take that one small step forward today.
Stay Connected
You can follow me and my works on Instagram at @joseflee.stories.