Book Birthday Blog with Karen Finch

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Karen Finch on the release of Spring Scenthound

 

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Literally, right outside my back door to a path that leads straight up into the woods where my dogs and I have spent many seasons together. Shortly after winter, I think we all get “spring fever” from being indoors too long, from shorter daylight hours, and from missing that vital connection to nature we need. In 2022, while taking Renée LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab, I wrote a poem titled Spring’s Release, reflecting on the first signs of spring that my dogs and I have noticed over the years in our woods and along several other nature trails in southwest Michigan. With revisions, that free verse poem turned into a lyrical picture book.

This 2021 photo of my old dog, Star, and pup, Olive, happened to have been taken on March 3rd—SPRING SCENTHOUND'S book birthdate!

 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

My hope is that readers will be encouraged to use super-sensing eyes, ears, and noses to take note of not only spring, but all of nature’s seasonal changes. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? 

My first drafts reflected my own musings about wandering in the woods with a dog. I needed to be more child-focused. And, as a very visual person, I tend to get ahead of myself and forget that readers can’t see what I’m seeing, so sometimes phrases or sequences needed to be clarified or struck altogether.  

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

I’ve been fortunate to be a part of Instagram’s PBMIX26, a 2026 debut and established author marketing group. And I’m excited to be celebrating the book launch at my local dog park’s gathering spot, The Thirsty Hound in Kalamazoo, tonight from 5-7 pm. Later this month, I’ll be doing an evening reading at Dix St. Elementary School in Otsego. Next month, on April 16th, I’ll be doing a storytime at Bookbug in Kalamazoo from 10:30-11:30 am, and a storytime at Rolling Rabbit Books in Byron Center on April 28th. In May, I’m scheduled for an interview on Jena Benton’s Simply 7 blog. The book is available on Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. 

What's next for you? 

A combination of revision work (especially one based on a critique I received from our SCBWI MI Critique Carousel last fall) and writing new picture book drafts and poems. Plus, keeping up on craft and industry webinars and querying and submission opportunities.  

More about the book . . . 

SPRING SCENTHOUND is a lyrical picture book that expresses the powerful bond between a nature-loving kid and her scent-centric dog who both know “there’s spring outside…” But their bond is tested when their explorations separate them, and daylight begins to slip away.

Published by: Tilbury House 

More about the author . . . 

Karen Finch is a debut picture book author of SPRING SCENTHOUND (Tilbury House) and a contributing poet in Pomelo Books anthologies, Things We Feel, Things We Wear, and What is a Friend? Karen lives with her husband in Michigan, in a little house with a big, glacial moraine for a backyard. 

Instagram @karenfinchwrites

https://www.karenfinch.com/ 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Rhonda Gowler Greene

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Rhonda Gowler Greene on the release of Mommy Loves Me And God Does Too!

  

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

For this book, it was a very different experience for me. It was a work-for-hire project, which I had never done before. In February 2025, a Scholastic editor approached me (through my agent) asking if I would write a story for their Little Shepherd imprint about a mother’s, and God’s, love for little ones. The editor wanted it in rhyme. She already had the title and a farm theme. She wanted nine spreads (18 pages). We had a call then when she gave me examples of competitive titles by other publishers. I looked them up, bought some, and studied them so I could make my story somewhat different.
 
A few weeks later, I was told who’d be illustrating it— Lisa Alderson (lives in England). Of course, I looked up a lot of her published work then. I really like her sweet and cozy illustrations of animals. There are only animals in my story.
 
I was told they were hoping for this to be a series and that Scholastic/Little Shepherd would see how well this book did before thinking about doing a companion DADDY book. However, once my story and some of the art was shown at a Scholastic sales meeting, everyone loved it and wanted to go ahead with working on the DADDY book (editor chose a pet theme) much sooner than they anticipated. 
 
They wanted that one to come out soon after the MOMMY book. So that is what’s happening. DADDY LOVES ME AND GOD DOES TOO! (also illustrated by Lisa Alderson) will be released in two months, on May 5th.  That book was a bit easier to write because I already had a story pattern established in the MOMMY book. I repeated that pattern for the DADDY book, but wrote new verses. The editor gave me suggestions of what animals/pets to use, but then mostly left it up to me.  

 

 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

I want small children to feel a warm, amazing, and unconditional love from their mommies and daddies. Too, I want them to know God loves them so much and they’re precious to Him. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? 

The hardest thing about the project was that I was asked to come up with a first draft within two weeks—Huh?! I’d never been asked to write something that quickly. I usually take months to write my stories trying to get every word, rhyme, and comma(!) just right.
 
I panicked a bit about the very short time frame, but I accepted the challenge. Once my first draft was done, there were a few weeks then when my editor and I went over the text and made revisions.  

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

Mostly, I’ll be announcing the release on my social media. I feel lucky that Scholastic is publishing it since they’re great at promoting their books and they also have popular book clubs and fairs. The MOMMY book can currently be found on major online bookstores. Too, hopefully, lots of independent and Christian bookstores will carry copies. 

What's next for you? 

Last summer, after writing these two books, my Little Shepherd editor surprised me by asking me to write another story—a nativity one. Again, she wanted it written quickly (but thankfully, not within two weeks!). This book is not a work-for-hire, but a standard picture book contract.
 
She and I had a phone call when she gave me some direction— she wanted the story whimsical and with lots of onomatopoeia. She already had the title THE NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT. The subtitle has been changing, but I think they’re going with THE JOYFUL NOISE OF THE FIRST CHRISTMAS. 
 
That book will be released this October 6th (illustrator-Wazza Pink; the cover is beautiful!). We’re still in the process of revising the text some.
 
A year from now (early 2027), my IF YOU WANT TO SEE A NARWHAL will be released with Little Brown. Within the last few weeks, my editor and I (and the illustrator, Xin Li) have been going over and over everything to make sure all is perfect before it’s printed. 
 
Too, I have several new stories currently out on submission. Fingers crossed! 
 
Thanks so much for the interview! And best of luck to everyone with their writing and illustrating!

More about the book . . .

A cuddly, farm-themed book (padded board book) that celebrates mommies’ love for their little ones and reassures them of God’s abundant love too.  

Published by: Scholastic/Little Shepherd 

More about the author . . . 

Rhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over thirty picture books. She’s been published with several major publishers, beginning with her first sale (from the slush pile) in 1995 to Simon & Schuster. Her books have earned starred reviews and honors such as School Library Journal Best Book and Bank Street College Best Book. Rhonda holds a Master’s in Educational Media and is a former learning disabilities teacher. She lives in Orchard Lake, Michigan, with her husband, Gary, in a house overflowing with books. They have four grown kids and four adorable grandkids. 

Website: https://rhondagowlergreene.com/ 

Instagram:  @rhondagowlergreene
Facebook:  rhondagowlergreene
X (Twitter):  @rgowgreene

 

 

Hugs and Hurrahs

Welcome to this quarter's Hugs and Hurrahs!

Jay Whistler recently opened a bookstore in Ferndale with her daughters, Hannah and Linnea. The Whistler's Daughter Books vision is to provide the community with a place to share the written word; gather in safety and with acceptance; enjoy camaraderie with neighbors; learn about, from, and with other creatives. This vision leads directly to our mission to expand intellectual curiosity, educate one another, explore the wider world, and experience a connected community. We hope you can visit us soon. 

                                            We're so excited for you, Jay!

Jean Alicia Elster is pleased to share that her interview as a guest author for CanvasRebel Magazine — a publication that highlights conversations with entrepreneurs, artists and creatives — was published in November 2025.

You're amazing, Jean!

Christina Fecher is happy to announce her debut children's book, Santa's Summer Vacation in Michigan, is now available for purchase on Amazon. After tiresome preparations at the North Pole leave Santa and his team feeling glum and in need of a well-earned break, they trade their boots for flip flops and head out on their first-ever vacation in hopes of rekindling their holiday spirit. This whimsical tale of adventure is bursting with fun as Santa and the elves explore the exciting sights and sounds of Michigan, the “Mitten State.”Illustrated by Robin Boyer and published by Wilson Lindberg Books, LLC.

Congratulations, Christina!

It's a literary countdown:  Monica Harris has written 4 Informational pieces and 3 Fictional pieces Writing Passages to Data Recognition Corp as well as 2 Informational pieces and 1 Fictional piece for Michigan (MSTEP. These passages range from grades 3 to high school.

Nice work, Monica!

Pria Dee has a slew of good news. Her picture book Little Moe Can’t Fly won a Mom's Choice Gold Award and they featured a great interview with her on their website. Another picture book, Finley the Frog and the Magical Wishing Flower received a positive review from book Life.

Well done, Pria!

Please join me in celebrating our talented and hardworking colleagues! 

Book Birthday Blog with Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw on the release of Decoding the Moon

 

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I knew I wanted to write a story about an avid rock climber who developed a fear of heights after a fall, but I hadn’t figured out the particulars yet. One night, I had a dream about an older brother using secret codes to connect with his autistic younger brother. As a special education teacher this resonated with me. I decided to mix the two ideas, throw in a mother who passes away, a move to the Upper Peninsula (one of my favorite places), the perfect outdoor climbing route, and voila, I had a recipe for success!  

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

I hope my readers find a takeaway that resonates with them whether it be navigating the loss of a parent or loved one, the many gifts of a child with autism, the complexity of connecting to a sibling with autism, the importance of the mental aspect when conquering fears, and the deep satisfaction that comes from reading a good book. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? 

As an author transitioning from nonfiction picture books to a middle grade novel, I had a lot of craft to learn. Through many critiques, it was clear my biggest struggles were including interior thoughts and adding movement to dialogue. I still need to continue to develop these skills so if anyone has any books, webinars, or courses to recommend please comment below! On the flipside, was the realization that I still needed to do a lot of research for a fiction book and this one included two amazing trips to Marquette, Michigan! 

 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

The publisher’s marketing team and I have been focused on a media campaign through reviews, bookstagrammers, interviews, videos, etc. Additionally, we are planning a two-week Northern Michigan/Upper Peninsula book tour which I am beyond excited about. Prior to that, I am hosting an interactive book launch party at my workout gym “Grit Obstacle Training” on Friday, March 13. I plan on turning the gym into Marquette by using my artistic teacher talents to transform the rock-climbing wall and other obstacles into the sites and activities featured in my novel.  

In the meantime, you can find the book on the Warren Publishing website as well as Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. Also requests for the book at independent bookstores and libraries are much appreciated!

What's next for you? 

I am taking some time off writing to focus on marketing my two recent launches: Rugged RAX: The Little Satellite that Could and Decoding the Moon. Waiting in the wings is additional research for my next nonfiction picture book, a first draft of my next middle grade novel that needs lots of revisions and honoring a request for a sequel from a group of fifth graders who read Decoding the Moon—best compliment ever!  

More about the book . . . 

And that’s when lightning struck. Could he get Zack to climb?
Doing so could get him closer to the moon to say goodbye to Mom.  

Twelve-year-old Levi’s family is fractured when his mom dies unexpectedly. To escape painful memories, his dad moves their family from the Detroit suburbs to a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There, Dad dives into work, leaving avid rock climber Levi stuck at home with his spy-code-obsessed brother Zack. When Zack tells Levi it’s like their mom went to the moon and never came back, a baffled Levi promises to take his autistic brother closer to the moon to say goodbye. Over the summer, Levi learns that facing his fears might just be what provides his family with the closure they desperately need. 

Winner of the 2024 Fictionary Book of the Year Award, Decoding the Moon explores how one family navigates loss with love, determination, hope, and just the right amount of grit.  

Published by: Warren Publishing

More about the author . . . 

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is a children’s book author and former teacher passionate about growing young minds, engaging readers, and empowering student leaders. In addition to Decoding the Moon, her writing credentials include the true-story-picture books I Campaigned for Ice Cream: A Boy’s Quest for Ice Cream Trucks, Mighty Mahi, The Super Volcano: The Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park, and Rugged RAX: The Little Satellite that Could. The proud momma of two grown boys, Suzanne lives in Waterford, Michigan with her husband and furry writing companion Ziggy. When she’s not dreaming up new writing projects, you can find her reading, kayaking, hiking, or practicing yoga.
 
To learn more about Suzanne visit her website at http://www.suzannejacobslipshaw.com/

https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.lipshaw/ 

@suzannelipshaw.bsky.social  

https://www.instagram.com/suzannejacobslipshaw/ 

 

 

Writer/Illustrator Spotlight: Denise Fleming

Paper-making, Wendy Watson, Care Bears, Wood, and Stinker box: author/illustrator Denise Fleming

Charlie Barshaw coordinates our regular Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI. In this piece, meet  author /illustrator Denise Fleming.

Denise and furry friend

From your website, you go into great detail about the papermaking process. There’s a lot of beating and pulping; sounds violent. You found the activity “wet, messy, and wonderful.” Then supplies became harder or impossible to get, and the physical work was literally back-breaking. How long were you into your paper-making phase?

Paper making was my technique of choice for about 30+ years, but standing for long hours over the paper making vat at a 65 degree angle took its toll on my back and hips. At that point I decided to experiment with new techniques and materials. I am happy to say, I have since had had back surgery and am going for my second hip surgery this coming year.

You went from making your own paper to making your own paint. Did you create any new colors? 

In paper making I dye all the cotton fibers and create new colors by mixing the colored fibers. How I mix the colored fibers determines the textures of the finished image.


I feel that my art has come full circle from the bold, colorful paintings of childhood, through a period of tight, detailed images, and back again to bold, colorful, more childlike images. The tight, detailed image has you hunched over a table, in a “Bob Cratchit-like existence.” 

What did you learn about your art during your fine-art phase?

Tightly controlled images did not always have the emotion or movement I desired. Also, there were no happy surprises.


I also felt I needed a bit of reinvention. I have been around for a long time, I wanted readers to take a second look at my art.  

How is the reinvention going? What draft of reinvention are you presently at?

My last book, This is the Nest that Robin Built, which was very well received, was illustrated using gel prints and collage.

I am always experimenting with different mediums. At present I am trying out oil pastels and colored papers, adding a bit of machine sewing for definition.

Early Denise: I have been creating art and making up stories ever since I can remember. From 3rd grade to 8th grade I attended Saturday morning art classes at the Toledo Museum of Art. My friends and I took the bus and arrived early at the museum. We would stroll the galleries making up stories to go with the paintings hanging on the walls.
I bet you didn't know, there had been a drowning in one of Monet’s lily pond pictures. Only we knew that (because we made it up) along with other tidbits, that became racier as we entered puberty.

Your parents bought into your art lessons, and your artist friends haunted the Toledo Museum of Art with you, making up backstory. How did eighth grade Denise view the future?

To be honest, at that age, being an artist was not something I thought of for my future. I thought I might be a vet, as I was always bringing home hurt animals to coax back to health. My other interest was BOYS!

Of course we have to hear about your Caldecott Honor winner, In the Small, Small Pond. As you toiled over this book, did you ever despair? What was it like getting “the call?”

When I work, I move forward. I do not overthink what I am doing. If a piece is not to my satisfaction, I redo, or go another way. I do not work out color in sketches. It is all pretty fluid.

When beginning a book, I often pick an album that keeps me company as I work. Paul Simon’s Graceland played as I created the art for In the Small, Small Pond.

Now, to that phone call - it was THRILLING!

You were introduced to picture books by a friend at Kendall. Did you not read picture books as a youngster? What were some of the influential titles?

I read Little Golden Books along with other picture books my fraternal grandma would give me for birthdays and holidays. My mom would often read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle stories to my sister and me. Such wonderful, silly stories.

My favorite book was The Giant Golden Book of Cat Stories. It was a compilation of stories and poems about cats.

My friend shared with me, Rain Makes Applesauce. The colored ink art was marvelous, the text was fun. I was doing colored pen work at the time, so it really appealed to me


Your dad built furniture in his workshop in the basement. Tell us the magic you and your sister created, working with dad’s tools. Were there injuries or accidents?

My sister and I would glue up wood cutoffs, using way more glue than necessary, to create sculptures adding wood curls for interest. No gory accidents, although we did sometimes use carving tools.

Tell us about Wendy Watson, author/illustrator, and bookstore owner. Do we have Wendy Watson to thank for there being a Denise Fleming, author/illustrator? 

Eight years after I married we had a delightful baby girl, Indigo. I was reading picture books daily. I made a new friend who was opening a children’s bookstore. I met author/ illustrator Wendy Watson. Wendy encouraged me to go to New York and make the rounds of publishers with my portfolio. I did.

Wendy played a big part in my career as she CONSTANTLY encouraged me to go to NYC and make the rounds of publishers. After a point I was too embarrassed to tell her I had not booked flights, nor made appointments yet, so I had to do it. It was a bit scary. Walking into a strange office, basically with my ego on a plate. Truly, Wendy is the only reason I thought I could do it. She was a dear friend. I miss her a great deal.

I started illustrating for Random House mass market. It was great training, but I had my own idea of books I wanted to do. So I took two years off and started writing. (Yes, we were starving artists!) I also took experimental art classes.


Two interesting things here: you illustrated for Random House mass market. What titles did you illustrate?

I illustrated Care Bears, Glo Worm, and other toy character books, along with some novelty books, Christmas stories, a puppy story and some tiny books about a mouse.

Also, experimental art classes? Two years jobless and you take unconventional art classes? Was David part of the decision?

I discovered paper making at an adult education class at the local high school. The HS art teacher taught the class. He was great. 

Once I got the basics he let me run with it and try out my own ideas. I was hooked. My sister took the class with me. She left with some pretty paper, I left with a career. 

David has always been 100% supportive.


Your husband David is an artist in his own right. How much of your book-making was a team effort? I see the whole family is involved. When did daughter Indigo become your sounding board?

David is a 3D artist in wood, clay and paper. But the important thing is, he has computer skills, which I do not.

I design my own books and he assists with mechanicals, modifying type for me, and whatever else I need. I also go over all the manuscripts and ideas with him. Indigo has been a part of the process since the beginning.


Where Once There Was A Wood ; you said some of your favorite art is in the book. The topic was difficult because it was a true story in your own backyard. What happened?

A large tract of land bordered our neighborhood. It included a woods, meadow and creek. It had been willed to the school system. My family and I spent hours there, walking, picnicking, exploring. Because of this green space we were visited by deer, owls, pheasants, box turtles, fox and various other wild creatures. 

 Then the school board put it up for sale. My neighbors and I petitioned for it to become a park. No success. It became a subdivision. And the wild creatures lost their homes.

Usually I start by writing 2500+ words for a 100- page manuscript. I find I have to write all the words down to get them out of my head, even though I know many are unnecessary. Then I start crossing out, writing over, taping new words in place. I work on a legal pad in pencil.

Your books have so few words I find it hard to believe they started out a thousand words. Are you a terrific editor?

It seems crazy that i start out which so many words, but I write down every thought in my head. I AM A CRUEL AND BRUTAL EDITOR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnLo88LbvBc interview with a puppet

You handled the interview with aplomb. What are some of the weirdest situations you’ve dealt with on the road?

Seeing as the weirdest things to happen involve people who are still living, I will not comment.

For that reason, I have boxes full of 4×6 index cards with ideas, phrases, titles, and character descriptions written on them along with scribbled sketches. I keep every idea, because some of the stinkers eventually redeem themselves or lead to a new idea. Every now and then I read through the cards to see if I can find a workable idea. My next book is from the stinker box, inspired by an idea that is at least ten years old.

Tell us about that latest book. Has the stinker box revealed any more gems?

This is the Nest that Robin Built was the book from the stinker box.

Unfortunately, no more gems, but then again, I have not been through the box in a long time. I have been cocooning for quite a while now. Hopefully, I soon will emerge.

As for the next book… I have no idea. Although, I do have a book under contract.

Sometimes, an idea crawls under my porch. A stray cat gave birth to four kittens under our front porch. We adopted all of them. Three of the kittens did everything mama cat did, but that fourth kitten just napped. This became the basis of the book Mama Cat Has Three Kittens.

You have cats, had a dog. All creatures great and small must co-exist with the studio. Or are they banned, no pet hair in the paintings?

At this time we have 5 cats and 2 Yorkies. They make themselves comfortable, here there and everywhere.

Please share any social media platforms:

Denise’s website
www.denisefleming.com

Book Birthday Blog with Angela Verges

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Angela Verges on the release of Abby and Zach Pray Through the Alphabet

  

Congratulations on your debut picture book! How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I have been a Sunday School teacher for 6–8-year-olds for a number of years. In fact, it’s been so long that I should be near retirement. Kids in their innocence give you their true opinion. I remember the comment of one little girl when we were discussing praying. At the end of class I asked her, “what do you like about our church.” She said, “I like the donuts. You have good donuts here.” I worked hard to contain my chuckle and noted her comment for future use somewhere. Months later the idea was birthed to create a story to show youth the simplicity of prayer and learning to pray.  

 

 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

I hope that a child listening to this story being read to them will know that there’s no “right” way to pray, no fancy words needed. The alphabet shows that prayer isn’t rigid. It can be joyful, curious, thankful, or quiet. God welcomes it all.
 
For adults reading to a child, I’d like them to be reminded that childlike prayer – honest, trusting and simple – is powerful. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? 

Hmm…finding the right voice. I wanted to make sure the tone was warm and the language age appropriate. I wanted simple language that would make the reader feel that they could pray with ease like Abby and Zach. 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

I am working on my marketing plan, learning to become better at using Goodreads as a resource and more comfortable promoting myself. Right now, you can find the book on Amazon and in the trunk of my car. 

What's next for you? 

My plan is to dust off a work-in-progress that I tucked away a couple of years ago; see if it has potential. 

More about the book . . . 

Have you ever wondered about the best way to make learning to pray easy for kids? Join Abby and Zach on a joyful journey from A to Z as they discover simple, heartfelt prayers that turn every letter of the alphabet into a moment to talk with God. Through realistic characters, this book encourages early learning while nurturing a heart for God. 

Published by: BK Royston Publishing 

More about the author . . .  

Angela Verges is the author of the book Menopause Ain’t No Joke – Blending Faith and Humor in Perfectly Imperfect Situations. As a little girl growing up in Michigan, Angela often played dress-up and pretended to be a schoolteacher to her neighborhood friends. Her pretend role became a reality later in life when she became a Sunday School Teacher.
 
Angela still lives in Michigan and is the mother of two adult sons who have taught her a thing or two along the way. She enjoys sitting in a café with a warm cup of coffee and her laptop, creating stories, until the staff wonders when she will leave. 

https://www.facebook.com/angela.verges 

https://www.instagram.com/writermama223/ 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Karen Bell-Brege and Darrin Brege

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Karen Bell-Brege and Darrin Brege on the release of Bigfoot Birdie and Bob

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book? Is this part of a series? 

Karen: Yes, this is the third book in our Bigfoot picture book series. We have both always been curious and inspired by myths, and we love Bigfoot. We knew that we had to do a comical version of him. My husband – who is the illustrator reminds me of Bigfoot, so that inspired me LOL! In fact, I caught him in the mirror looking at himself while he was drawing the Bigfoot cover. And, with the huge trend of reading to dogs, we decided to incorporate it into our latest Bigfoot picture book. We feel this helps our young readers because they won’t be intimidated reading to their dogs, and will improve their reading skills with a furry, non-judgmental listener (not Bigfoot, their dog).  

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

Karen: Our two biggest goals are that when they read our books they laugh, and that they take away a love of reading. Even in our chapter books I incorporate lots of humor. I truly feel that if they have fun with our books, then our mission is accomplished. Laughter is definitely needed these days, as is reading.  

Darrin: That the humorous and heartfelt expressions create a connection between our characters and the book’s readers.   

What was the most difficult part of writing/illustrating this book? 

Karen: Everything. It never seems to get easier…not even when I tempt myself with writing treats, you know chocolate, coffee, chocolate…I think every book is difficult. I make a zillion excuses (as I believe many writers do) as to what I need to get done before sitting down and writing the book – nothing book related, of course. Then when I do finally sit down and start – I literally have to force myself to get those fingers moving on the keyboard. I’ll initially rough out the entire book – even if some pages just have one word on them, to spark an idea or as a filler. And then I repeat that process multiple times – adding words, re-writing and going over it again and again. Then, after a gazillion drafts it might get a teeny-teeny-tiny bit easier (and I mean teeny – did I say teeny?).  Also, once I hit on the humor, it makes it so much more enjoyable – then I might only need coffee. 

Darrin: Based on our comedy experience doing improv for years, both Karen and I are very animated. We physically make the expressions or poses to find the perfect and hilarious range of emotions between the three characters. Initially with this book, when they distrusted each other, I had to make them evolve all the way to becoming friends – so a big range of expressions. Having to create those is what carries the humor throughout the book. And, with every book we do a storyboard (since both of us used these when creating for our jobs) they help. We pour through the entire flow and arc. Often, we cut certain pages or premises. Therein lies the difficulty. You gotta let go of certain ideas to benefit the story. However, this process also brings to light some wonderful gems and visual gags to match the text.  The bottom line is to have both of us lockstep before inking and painting.  
 
Also, capturing the feeling and colors of Lake Michigan (in Leland) and the beach was really important to us. I wanted it to have a vibrancy about it - especially since it’s one of our favorite beaches. 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

Karen: Marketing, hmm…yikes…that would be another whole interview. I wish that I had something amazing (and easy to share with everyone) on book marketing. But there is nothing new that anyone hasn’t heard of or tried. My favorite lyrics from Ric Ross (although the song does not go with being a writer) except for, “…Every day I’m hustlin’ hustlin’…” I am happy to say that we were recently featured on the FOX 2 Good Day Detroit show. You can see it here: https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1754966

That was sheer luck, though. Nothing to do with marketing – but it sure helps.

Although, I do have to say some wonderful marketing that we did…we recently teamed up and worked with Northwoods Soda (a Michigan based company) to come out with a soda (pop – Michigan) to go with our Bigfoot Books, called Biggie’s Butterscotch Cream. It is delicious, especially with vanilla ice cream! The marketing strategy with this was we teamed up and we will both be donating a portion of our picture book proceeds, and then a portion of the pop sales to the Michigan Reading Association to support literacy in Michigan (especially since our 4th graders are 44th in the nation). https://northwoodssoda.com/product-category/soda-bottles/?product-page=2 

What's next for you? 

Karen: I’ll continue running the business side – booking schools, shows, shipping, dealing with printers, distributors, etc. And, then for writing, I’m also working on the next Bigfoot book in our picture book series involving Christmas. And I’m leaning into a non-fiction book. Since that’s what I love to read, I thought – why not give it a try? But of course, humor will be involved.

Darrin: Whatever my wife needs illustrated…but I will continue in my full-time job – VP Group Creative Director Merkle Inc. (A Dentsu company). I manage a team of talented artists and animators, our goal being to create and enhance retail promotions and games, working with such companies as Starbucks, Burger King and Dr. Pepper, to name a few. 
 
And presenting at schools and shows with my wife. Not sure exactly what adventures Biggie and Birdie will be having in the future, but I know they’ll be funny.  

 

More about the book . . .

Birdie is awakened by a barking dog (Bob) and sees that Bob is headed straight for Bigfoot. She instantly knows she has to do something, so she flies into action. Starting with bringing Bigfoot a cherry pie, but that’s not enough…She realizes that she has to teach the two, who are unsure and don’t like each other, how to get along and play. It turns out to be a fantastic time, until Bob’s people call. Bob knows he must go to his people. Although sad, Bigfoot is grateful for the fun day they had.

This is an official ‘Read to Dogs’ book to promote literacy while reading to our furry friends.

Published by: Team B Creative

More about the author and illustrator . . .

Karen Bell-Brege is an author, comic, voice-over artist and public speaker. She is the author of 16 bestselling children’s picture books. She has also written for the MEAPS and ELAP tests and did copywriting and communications for numerous companies.

Bell-Brege visits schools every year inspiring children and staff alike to read, write, and follow their dreams. She also presents at book festivals, conferences, and workshops. She is also the founder and director of the highly acclaimed improvisational comedy troupe, Totally Unrehearsed Theatre, who performed weekly at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle for 15 years. She also gives keynote speeches and humor training workshops for businesses, corporations, associations, and health care facilities.

A former on-air radio talent, she did commercials and voice-overs and has several character voices on Hasbro Interactive Games (Tonka Series) and Universal (Fractured Fairy Tales). As a former Communications Specialist she won a Telly Award for writing and co-directing. Bell-Brege toured nationally as a commentator for Working Woman Magazine shows. She is a graduate of Brown Institute and Second City, Chicago. Her husband, Darrin is the illustrator of their books. As a husband/wife team they collaborate on numerous projects, and they love to make people laugh. They have a very creative son they adore, and they happily live, love, and laugh in the mitten.
 
Darrin Brege is an illustrator, creative director, voice over artist, comic, and public speaker. He is currently employed as a full-time VP and Group Creative Director for Merkle Inc's (a Dentsu Company) promotion and loyalty division, where he creates interactive digital experiences for numerous Fortune 500 companies and manages a team of artists and animators. Brege is the artist for their bestselling children’s picture books, sketchbook, chapter books and gift book. He has also created original characters and animations for Warner Brothers (Space Jam), Hasbro, HBO, Coke, and Disney to name a few. Darrin has designed numerous Lucasfilm LTD approved artwork and jersey designs for multiple sports teams including Team USA Hockey's Star Wars Night, artwork for the 501st, and R2-KT charity venues. Brege had a long career as a comedic voice impressionist for radio with over 30 voice impersonations and could be heard on many interactive storybooks. Darrin attended animation school in Southern California and has a Bachelor of Arts from Albion College.  Happily married to Karen, he is also a member of her improvisational comedy troupe. They love to laugh, and he is proud to be the father of a very talented son named Mick, the namesake of their book series.

https://karenanddarrin.com/

Instagram: @KarenandDarrin

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