Book Birthday Blog with Lisa Wheeler

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Lisa Wheeler on the release of Dino-Valentine's Day

 

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

When my editor at  Carolrhoda asked me to write Dino-Valentine’s Day, I began pondering what that would look like in the world I had created for these characters way back in 2006. With all of the Dino-Holiday books, I include a “gag” that carries throughout the book. So while all of Dino-world is celebrating the holiday, one dinosaur deals with a problem or worry about the holiday. In this one, I decided that throughout the book readers would see Minmi making Valentine gifts for several different dinos and wondering if they would be her Valentine. Readers find out at the big Valentine dance who Minmi has chosen and it’s sweet and fun for all.

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

This series is all about fun. I never want to let my readers down and the kids who follow this series call me out if I get anything wrong. So I try to stay true to the character's natures so I don't disappoint.

What inspires you to write?

Breathing! Seriously, I am inspired by everything everywhere and never know when my next idea will find me. I also find that a healthy walk through nature is always beneficial for my writer's soul.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

These books, which seem very simple, are deceptively hard to write. There's the rhyme and the dinosaur names to contend with and then when you mix in all of the Valentine's Day jargon, it gets hairy. I approach each title with trepidation--"I'll never be able to do this!" And then after some walks to clear the cobwebs, I'll see my gag and know that I can do it.

What's Next For You?

Next year, I have three Dino books coming out. In February two more titles in the My First Dino series arrive--My First Dino-Racing and My First Dino-Wrestling. Then, next fall the dinosaurs will celebrate Dino-Hanukkah!

A little bit about the book . . .

Join the excitement as dinosaurs big and small decorate cards, shop for chocolates, bake heart-shaped treats, and boogie their hearts out at the Valentine Dance. A humorous and heartwarming look at the sweetest holiday of the year!

A little bit about the author . . .

Lisa Wheeler is the award-winning author of over 50 children's books including Someone Builds the Dream, People Don't Bite People, and the popular Dino-Sports series. The Christmas Boot, was the 2017 SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner for Picture Book Text. Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum was the 2017 Michigan Reads! One Book, One State Children's Book recipient. Her awards include The Michigan Mitten, Texas Bluebonnet, and the Theodore Geisel Honor given by the American Library Association. Lisa shares her Michigan home with one husband, one dog, and an assortment of anthropomorphic characters. Check out Lisa's website at:

https://www.lisawheelerbooks.com/ 

 https://www.facebook.com/lisawheelerchildrensbooks

Instagram: @littlelisais6
Twitter: @LisaWheelerbook