Our First Picture Book, Our Treehouse, Is Almost Complete

Our First Picture Book, Our Treehouse, Is Almost Complete

We’re thrilled to share that the first collaborative project by Mom’s Playground is nearing completion.
This picture book, titled Our Treehouse, combines 17 watercolor illustrations painted by myself with a delightful story written by Emilia Zielinska-Bien. It’s currently in its final editing stage and will soon be ready for publication.
This project is more than just a book—it’s a creative experiment and a heartfelt collaboration between two mothers who are both artists and caregivers. While painting, I spent my days observing my children at play, and those moments naturally found their way into each brushstroke. It is a story shaped by life, family, and imagination.

Discover Our Treehouse, a watercolor picture book born from a collaboration between two artist mothers. A heartfelt story about childhood, creativity, and friendship—told through gentle illustrations and imaginative storytelling.

The Story: A Treehouse Built with Friendship and Imagination

​Our Treehouse begins with a simple but brilliant idea.
One day, Johnny wakes up and wonders, “Wouldn’t it be nice to build a treehouse in the woods behind our backyard?”
Excited, he shares the idea with his friends, Jack and Sara. The three children then begin planning together—choosing the perfect tree, drawing designs, gathering tools, asking for leftover materials from a newly moved-in neighbor, and even inviting a new friend, Gabriel, to join them.
Each child brings something essential to the project—Sara’s drawings, Jack’s tools, Gabriel’s materials, Johnny’s leadership—and the story unfolds into a joyful narrative of teamwork, friendship, and creativity.
Through the ups and downs of building, the children grow closer—not just to each other, but to the idea of what it means to truly collaborate.

Watercolor Paintings that Capture a Child’s World

The 17 watercolor illustrations bring the story to life in gentle, vivid color.
Scenes include:
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• The children gathered under the tree
• Sketching and swinging under the summer sun
• Collecting tools and wood
• Building the treehouse step by step
• The joyful moment of completion  etc...
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Each painting reflects the world through a child’s eyes—curious, hopeful, and full of imagination. The soft textures and transparent layers of watercolor mirror the lightness and fleeting magic of childhood summers, while also grounding the story in real, tangible emotions.

Why This Project Matters

1. A Collaboration Between Mothers and Artists
   This picture book is the result of a deep partnership between two mothers balancing family life and creative work. It stands as a reminder that art can grow from within our daily lives, and that motherhood and creativity can nourish each other when given space.
   
   
2. A Celebration of Play and Imagination
   The story reflects a kind of childhood many of us long for—one filled with tree-climbing, sketchbooks, shared dreams, and outdoor adventures. In today’s digital world, this book speaks quietly and powerfully about the timeless value of hands-on play and storytelling.
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3. A Model for Collaborative Creativity
   Mom’s Playground isn’t just a community—it’s a growing creative platform where mothers support each other’s artistic goals. Our Treehouse is the very first step, and we hope it inspires more projects where everyday life and artistic expression go hand in hand.

With the illustrations complete and the story already written, we are now finalizing the book layout and design. Once published, we hope this picture book brings joy to many parents and children—reminding them of the power of friendship, imagination, and working together.

Just as the children built their treehouse, we too are building something special:
A space for creativity, connection, and storytelling—rooted in the everyday magic of being a mother and an artist.
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We look forward to sharing Our Treehouse with you very soon!
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* Related post: 
https://www.annakoh.com/blog/a-storytelling-club-moms-playground

About Mom’s Playground

Mom’s Playground is a creative storytelling collective founded by and for mothers—artists, writers, and dreamers who are raising children while keeping their creative spirit alive.
Founded on September 2, 2024, our group held its very first meeting as a space where moms could come together to share stories, encourage one another’s creativity, and bring collaborative projects to life. Inspired by the idea that creativity shouldn’t be paused during motherhood, Mom’s Playground offers a joyful, flexible space where artistic ambitions and family life can grow side by side.
Our name and newly designed logo—featuring a colorful playground—capture the heart of our mission: a place for play, connection, and growth, not only for children, but also for mothers themselves.

​First Book Project: Our Treehouse

Our debut project, a children’s picture book titled Our Treehouse, is a collaboration between watercolor artist Anna Koh and writer Emilia Zielinska-Bien.
This heartwarming story follows four children who dream, design, and build their own treehouse—learning the value of teamwork, imagination, and friendship along the way.
Currently in its final editing stage, the book is set to be published soon, marking the first published work by Mom’s Playground. We hope it will inspire both children and parents alike to see creative collaboration as something joyful and deeply meaningful.

​What We Believe

• Mothers are creators, too.
• Storytelling heals, connects, and empowers.
• Small beginnings lead to big dreams.
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Mom’s Playground is more than just a group—it's a movement to honor the creative voice within motherhood. We welcome collaboration, celebrate diversity of ideas, and believe in the power of shared stories.