Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Renee Bolla on the release of Imagine That!

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

I am a mother to three strong and talented daughters, and they have been my inspiration since day one. I have always been that mom who kept journals, attempting to document their everyday moments along with their big milestones. I found so much joy in preserving the memories we created together. When I made the bold decision to resign from my corporate job at the end of 2020, I had the time and the creative freedom to run with these ideas. My debut book, Finding Bunny, was inspired by my youngest daughter and her love for her best friend, Bunny. It is a heartwarming story about friendship and the emotional journey a little one experiences with losing and finding her best friend. My newest book, Imagine That!, was inspired by my first born. She was adventurous and fearless from birth but has always struggled with bedtime because of her fear of the dark. She has a vivid imagination which takes her to magical places but at the same time can make the dark a little spookier. We would make up stories together at bedtime to help ease her mind and from that Imagine That! was born.

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

I want my little readers to understand the power of their mind and their imagination and use that in all aspects of life. I want them to feel empowered to conquer their fear no matter how big or little that fear may be. And that being brave doesn’t mean you don’t experience fear. That bravery is having the courage to try something despite being scared. Your mind is a powerful tool, be proud of that.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

When I started this book, I started in a completely different direction. The premise of it was the same, battling fear of the dark through the power of your imagination. But it was lighter and more dreamlike. Think rainbows and unicorns. But I was challenged to stretch myself and tackle deeper feelings children experience about the dark and bedtime. It was hard because I started writing what I literally would tell my daughter at bedtime and that didn’t necessarily translate to a picture book. It was descriptive bedtime story telling not picture book worthy at first. But with the talented writing community that surrounds me pushing me out of my comfort zone, I was able to think beyond that literal story I told my daughter and Imagine That! took form.

What are your marketing plans for this book?

I am passionate about connecting with children through events and promoting the joy of reading through fun and engaging activities. I am partnering with local bookstores, libraries, schools, toy stores, kid’s boutiques and other various locations that children go to find joy such as art studios, bakeries, donut shops, parks and sports facilities. I will tailor each event to the specific location, but every event will center around the message of the book, fear and bravery. I have a page on my website that highlights upcoming events and will share my journey through my social channels.

What's next for you?

When I started my writing journey my goal was to write a book for each of my daughters. So, my next book will be dedicated to my stepdaughter. This book will highlight the relationship between a stepdaughter and stepmother. There are not many picture books out there that focus on this relationship and I think it is something to celebrate and share. I have a few more stories in the works. My goal is to release two more picture books in 2023. So, stay tuned.

A little bit about the book . . .

Imagine That! is a story that will spark imagination and empower children to creatively conquer their fear of the dark.

Emma, an adventurous little girl, is fearless during the day. But nighttime is a different story. She is terrified of the dark. The dark is where spooky things live and take over her room every night. Emma knows she can do challenging things but sleeping in her room all by herself seems impossible.

Her mom insists her imagination is playing tricks on her. Like her imagination has magical powers? But wait! Is there something about her imagination she hasn’t quite figured out?

Imagine That! is a story about the power of a child’s mind and their imagination. As quickly as it can create fear it can turn that fear into happy thoughts. Will Emma learn to use her imagination to help conquer her fear of the dark?

Find out in Imagine That!

A little bit about the author . . .

Renee Bolla, author of the debut children’s picture book, Finding Bunny.

As a former retail executive, Renee led merchandising and brand teams for 20 years before trading in her fashion career for sweatpants and a pencil. A curious human with a passion for learning new things, Renee embraces life’s journey as a mom, wife, entrepreneur, writer, and coffee lover.

Before resigning, writing was a hobby that filled her creative soul. And while it started as a hobby, it has evolved in to much more. Now, inspired to write stories about her three strong and talented daughters. Each being unique to their individual personalities and real-life experiences of being a kid. It is the beginning of her writing journey, and she is looking forward to sharing her stories with you.

You can connect with Renee on the following social platforms:
Instagram: @reneebollaauthor
TikTok: @reneebolla
Twitter: @RBollaAuthor
Facebook: @ReneeBollaAuthor
Or visit her website, https://www.reneebollaauthor.com/, to continue following her journey.