Lisa Ikegami

Duke Is a Thief, Picture Book

A lifelong creator, Lisa started learning to draw from the time she could hold a pencil from her father, who would take her every Saturday to boat docks and parks to sketch, always without an eraser. She later studied architecture, earning a Master’s degree at the University of Florida, and spent 20 years designing and managing commercial architecture.
 
Lisa began creating a large body of fine art, while teaching art and violin. During that time she wrote and illustrated her first children’s book, A BLANKET QUITE RARE. Published in 2015, its success led to writing and illustrating full time. Lisa is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and has received numerous awards and honors statewide and nationally for her work. Other literary publications and collaborations include A JOURNEY THROUGH PRE-TWINKLE for the International Music Teachers Association and QUINN’S MONSTERS for the Make a Wish Foundation.
 
Lisa lives in Winter Park, Florida, with her husband, Golden Retriever Lucky, and rabbit Trixie. Their three children, now grown, and two grandchildren have all inherited the family love for the arts. Her favorite thing to do is still to go out and sketch. Mostly, without an eraser.

Duke Is a Thief

October 2026

When a retired couple adopts a senior golden retriever, little do they know that he hasn’t retired from his “thieving” ways. Based on the true story of the dog whose videos went viral on Instagram, Duke’s hilarious capers make us wonder what can be done about him. Why does he need to nap with fine china and laundry baskets? Is it even feasible to teach an old dog new tricks?

Maybe the answer just requires a little love and understanding. 

*A portion of the proceeds from this book will be going to SEVA Grreat, Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue, Education & Training, the rescue group Duke was adopted from.* ​