Book Birthday Blog with Katy Klimczuk

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Katy Klimczuk on the release of M is for Mackinac: A Nature Alphabet

 

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

I have been fascinated with Mackinac Island for quite some time. I think the seed was planted over the course of several trips while I was growing up. I got married on Mackinac 13 years ago and we have traveled back regularly. Since having children and beginning to homeschool, I have been inspired by the natural world. Seeing it through my children's eyes and learning about the incredible world right outside our door has motivated me to share this with others.
 
Mackinac Island has a reputation across our state for being a beautiful tourist destination. This conjures up images of fudge, Main Street, and bike rides for many. While I love all of these things, Mackinac Island has a diverse and unique natural environment that I find captivating. I wanted to share it with others and thought that the alphabet structure would be a great way to do so in an engaging and informative way.

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

I hope my readers will delight in learning about the natural wonders of Mackinac Island. Whether it is Mackinac or not, I also hope this book is a reminder that there is natural beauty all around us if we only stop and notice.

What inspires you to write?

Being a former teacher and a mother, children inspire me to write. Reading aloud to my kids is one of my favorite things to do. They approach the world with such wonder and awe and I love to expand their perspectives through books. Books are a safe way for children to learn about themselves, others, and the world. It is a true gift to be a part of their lives through my writing.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

Marketing the book has already been more involved than I thought, and the book isn’t even released yet! I have recently gotten word that the book will be featured in two regional magazines. I have also received fantastic advice from fellow SCBWI members about using social media, email marketing, and local events to share my book. My big event will be at the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island in June. I plan to sign books there June 10th and 11th, including a signing with illustrator, Kate Dupre! Check here to see the schedule of events: https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-Lilac-Festival-Schedule-of-Events-Updated-12622.pdf

What's next for you?

I will continue to market M is for Mackinac: A Nature Alphabet and hope to begin school visits next fall when 3rd grade begins their Michigan study in social studies. I also continue to write and pitch my ideas - from OCD to Antarctic plant life, there’s so much to explore! Michigan and its natural beauty will always have a special place in my heart and in my writing. 

A little bit about the book . . .

Take in the abundant natural beauty of Mackinac Island through rhythmic, informative text and beautiful illustrations in M is for Mackinac: A Nature Alphabet. Written for children of all ages, this book includes rhymes for your littlest learners and informational text for curious readers.

Publisher: Mission Point Press  

A little bit about the author . . . 

Katy Klimczuk is the author of M is for Mackinac: A Nature Alphabet. She has also been published in Walloon Writers Review, Beanstack’s 1000 Books Badge Book, and a handful of blogs. Katy homeschools her children and hopes to pass along her love of learning, nature, and stories to young readers. She lives in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, with her husband, two children, and two cats.  

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