Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Kelsey E. Gross on the release of Winter: A Solstice Story

Congratulations on your debut picture book! Where did you get the idea for your story?

I’ve always enjoyed marking the change of seasons, and especially the arrival of winter. In early winter 2020, I found myself imagining how woodland animals might observe the winter solstice. Many traditional celebrations across cultures feature light, such as bonfires or candles, along with feasting, storytelling, and gift-giving.

An image of a “solstice tree” came to mind, with various animals offering well-wishes and gifts to decorate the tree. I was toying with this idea when Susanna Leonard Hill announced the guidelines for her annual Kidlit Holiday Writing Contest; that year, all entries had to focus on “helping.” The line, I can help to shine the light! came to mind, and I soon had a draft featuring this repeated line. I was thrilled to be a finalist in the contest and lengthened the story before submitting it to my agent.

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

In the story, each animal offers a gift of hope and light for all creatures. In turn, I hope the book encourages children to think about ways they too can be a source of light, hope, and kindness in the world. There’s also a theme about our connectedness and the importance of welcoming others. Finally, I hope to inspire readers’ sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.

What inspires you to write?

In terms of story ideas, I find a lot of inspiration in nature, and I like to go right to the source by hanging out with little kids! I also read a lot of picture books. Reading others’ work helps spark my own ideas.

I’m motivated to write picture books because I believe they’re uniquely powerful. The combination of text and pictures intensifies the emotional impact, and there’s an amazing warmth and connection between a child and a caregiver when they read together. I am honored to think I might have a small part in creating those special moments.

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?

The book is available through links on the Simon & Schuster website and wherever books are sold. I’m partnering with a few independent bookstores in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan to do winter-themed storytimes and book signings in November and December. In Houghton, I’ll do an event with the library on the solstice, and a story walk along a snowshoe/hiking trail in partnership with the Keweenaw Land Trust.

I also joined PBSpree, which is a group of 2023 debut picture book authors. We review each other’s books and boost each other on social media. It’s been wonderful to take a team approach to marketing and promotion.

What's next for you?

The follow up book, Summer: A Solstice Story (also illustrated by Renata Liwska) releases in 2024. I’ve seen some of the illustrations, and they’re absolutely stunning. It’s filled with warm, vivid colors and adorable fuzzy baby animals! I can’t wait to share it.

More about the book . . .

Deep in the forest, it is dark and cold, and the quiet of winter is all around. Owl watches sunlight dim to a shimmer. Who can help Owl to shine the light and share a gift of hope on this winter evening? Along come Deer, Squirrel, Mouse, Duck, Rabbit, Raccoon and Chickadee, and together they welcome a new friend to join in their winter solstice celebration.

Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster

More about the author . . .

Kelsey E. Gross grew up in Wisconsin and lived in New Mexico and California before returning to the Midwest. She now lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her partner, son, and silly, snow-loving pup. When she’s not writing, she looks for owls and other forest friends while hiking and skiing in the woods. Winter is her picture book debut. Find her online at https://kelseyegross.com/, or on Instagram and Twitter @kelseyegross.