Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Pria Dee on the release

of Molly and the Lost Dance Shoes

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

My children were always misplacing their things just before an important event, leading to many stressful and amusing moments. I wrote this story to capture one such moment.

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

Parents I am sure can relate to this story, where all their pleas of putting things where they belong are often ignored. Children however will relish the fact that Molly realizes her mistake and tries to rectify it on her own and learns an important lesson in the process.

What inspires you to write?

I have always loved telling stories to children and seeing their faces glow with delight. There is nothing more wonderful than igniting a child’s imagination and to hear them laugh as they listen to a story. I hope that other parents can enjoy these moments with their children when they read my books to their little ones.

What was the most difficult part of writing your book?

Writing is a joy and working with an illustrator to bring a story to life is a wonderful experience. However, publishing the book, marketing it, and getting it into the hands of your targeted readers are the hardest parts. A book only has value when others read it.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I am part of several author groups on Facebook and recently have become a part of the TikTok and Instagram author communities. In addition, I am using KDP advertising.

A little bit about the book . . .

Little Molly Butter has practiced over and over for her recital. Sometimes with her dance shoes on. Sometimes with them off. She needs them for her show. Where could they be hiding? This book is the second in the Billy and Molly Series.

A little bit about the author . . .

Pria Dee is an Indian American author, who lives in Michigan. She has written several children’s books based on her experiences and observations. Pria loves animals and children and writes to combine both her passions.

Pria’s book Molly and the Lost Dance Shoes is about a little girl who loses her shoes just before a recital and tries to find them on her own. It is the second book in the Billy and Molly Series. This book speaks to the heart of what Pria loves most about childhood experiences; it is spirited, fun, and about a family. Doing things without adult supervision is something that all children want to do while growing up, and this story brings the humor of that everyday situation home to young readers.

Pria has written for years and has many works in progress but did not have the time and resources to see the projects through to publication until recently.

Website

https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor/