Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Amy Nielander on the release of My Name Is Not Ed Tug

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

The idea for My Name Is Not Ed Tug formed when I was volunteering in my daughter’s kindergarten computer classroom years ago. The kids were asked to find a computer with their name on the screen. It wasn’t long before I heard a frustrating reaction from one of the students. His name was Aidan, but his computer displayed his name as “Aiden”. This kindergartner was so upset at the error, I immediately empathized with him. My maiden name had been misspelled often growing up. I tried to fix the problem but couldn’t because I was not an admin, so poor Aidan had to click through a learning activity he was clearly uninterested in for the remaining class time. The experience made me wonder about misspelled names and how they affect a student’s sense of belonging in the classroom (in turn impacting their focus). That afternoon, I decided to write a story about a boy with a name that was difficult to spell, difficult to pronounce and difficult to remember. I wanted to give readers a character they could identify with, root for and celebrate with, when a misunderstood name was finally understood...and appreciated. Almost ten years later, that hope became a reality!

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

I want readers to feel empowered to own their identity and to celebrate their name no matter how challenging the circumstances are.

What inspires you to write and illustrate?

I love writing and illustrating stories that are hopeful, fun and filled with big-hearted characters. If my stories can make kids laugh, ask questions or express an opinion, then that’s a win for me.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

I have a product design background and love looking for ways to extend a reader’s story experience. For My Name Is Not Ed Tug, that means finding ways to celebrate names beyond the book! I designed a “Name Journal” for my book launch as an alternative to name tags. I wanted the process of learning names to be fun and meaningful for kids and adults. The first 50 guests will receive a blank pocket journal for collecting names (or sketches!) of people they meet at the book launch. I also designed a giant crossword style sign-in board for families to add their names to when they visit the bookstore. I can’t wait to see names connecting to others! I plan on taking the board to book events and school visits too.

What's next for you?

I have a few bookstore/library visits coming up. Dates and times are posted on my website. My book launch is October 15th at Sidetrack Bookshop in Royal Oak (if you preorder, please email me. I'll send you a fun giveaway gift: a delicious family soup recipe inspired by the book!). Future visits will be at Schuler Books, Serendipity Books and the Royal Oak Public Library. Outside of book events, I'm working on a new picture book I hope to submit in January 2023.

A little bit about the book . . .

Edimorwhitimormiligimmus Tug has a very special name. But his teacher thinks it's too long and hard to say. One day she shortens it to. . . Ed. But he loves his name just the way it is. So Edimorwhitimormiligimmus comes up with a plan—if he can teach everyone his name, maybe they'll love it too! Sweet and whimsical, My Name is Not Ed Tug empowers readers to own their identities and proudly celebrate who they are.

A little bit about the author . . .

Amy Nielander is a designer and children's book Author-Illustrator who loves creating playful stories for kids. Growing up, she had her name frequently misspelled by others. Her third picture book, My Name Is Not Ed Tug, is inspired by this experience and by her time volunteering in her children's classrooms. To learn more about Amy, find her on social media.

Social media handles:

Twitter: @nielanderamy

FB: @nielanderamy

Instagram: amynielander