Nat Iwata

Nat Iwata has worked as an art director, a 3D artist, an illustrator, a professor, and an animator on everything from video games to children's books. His debut picture book, Sumo Joe, was called "a refreshing new take on the martial arts genre" by Kirkus Reviews. Like Wat, Nat is also Japanese American and about 5'7" tall, but he's lousy at basketball. He lives in Washington State with his wife and three boys, all of whom serve as an endless source of encouragement and inspiration. 

From the dust jacket of Wat Takes His Shot