Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Julia Richardson on the release of Let's Build a Little Train

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

My fascination with trains began as a young child. I was related to the owner of a train museum. The entire upstairs of his huge red barn held a model train layout with over 2500 feet of track, 30 engines, 250 cars, 75 bridges, and 40 tunnels. My siblings and I had so much fun visiting.

In addition, my mother made magical train cakes for birthdays–that’s me under her arm. When I decided to write a story about a train, I remember staring at this photo and struggling to come up with an original idea. A question popped into my mind–how did my mother make these cakes? And then the nugget–how are steam engines made?

When trying to come up with picture book ideas, think back to your own childhood. What fascinated you? What got you excited? These are topics to write about.

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

I hope the book fosters a curiosity about how things work. It’s amazing that hot steam moves a heavy train engine. Human ingenuity accomplishes much. In addition, I hope the rhyme and “chugga, choo, choo” segments make for a fun read.

What inspires you to write?

A world full of wonder! Whether it be with nature, science, or human circumstances, our world is a beautiful place and that’s what I write about. As I have gotten older, I’ve come to the realization that my appreciation of beauty runs deeper than most.

Also, when discussing inspiration, it would be neglectful not to mention my delicious friend, dark chocolate. The happy feeling that comes about an hour after it dissolves in my mouth is truly inspiring.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Besides coming up with an original idea for a story about a train, writing in rhyme is always a challenge. For me, it’s not so much the rhyme itself but coming up with a creative way to eliminate the sing-songy sound. After much thinking, it occurred to me to add lengthening train sounds between rhyme stanzas to reflect the building of the train. Not only did this break up the rhythm, but it also added an element of fun.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I love school visits! Being an introvert, I didn’t expect it. After tackling the first few, my nervousness wore off and enthusiasm took over. There is nothing better than sharing my writing journey and stories with my intended audience.

In addition, I hope to participate in a train show as well as visit libraries, bookstores, a train exhibit at a museum, a book festival, plus do a reading at a nature playscape that will be featured in the local newspaper. Sound like too much? It might be, but like the little train my engine is stoked and ready to go.

A little bit about the book . . .

From the boiler to the coupling, build a little train along with an engineer and her workers. This rhyming story will have readers chugging along with the team as the train takes shape. Just don't forget the caboose! Woot! Woot!

A little bit about the author . . .

When Julia was young, she was in the lowest reading group and wrote every letter upside down and backwards. Thanks to dedicated teachers she overcame a severe case of dyslexia. Her journey to publication inspires children to believe with hard work and determination anything is possible. Let’s Build a Little Train is her second picture book. Her debut picture book is Little Dandelion Seeds the World. To learn more about Julia find her on social media: