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

Congratulations to Lisa Wheeler on the release of Dino-Earth Day

The book is part of a series. What are the unique challenges or benefits of writing a series?

From the time I started writing for kids, I heard that you should never count on a series. When I wrote the first book (Dino-Hockey) it was a stand-alone title. But during the revision phase, I was asked to change the ending. I thought it would be fun to end the book with the promise of another season of sports—Dino-Soccer. After the revision was accepted, it occurred to me that it would be wonderful if they made this into a series. But I didn’t count on it.

It wasn’t until just before the release of Dino-Hockey that I was asked to consider writing Dino-Soccer.

I was thrilled! And then reality struck. I knew nothing about soccer. So, just like Dino-Hockey, I started researching.

Every one of the Dino-Sports books have gone the same way: excitement followed by terror, followed by research and the realization that yes, I can do this.

The first few books in the Dino-Holiday series were not research-heavy as I had experienced those holidays my whole life. But when asked to write Dino-Hanukkah and then Dino-Earth Day, I had to dig in, just like writing the sports books.

For Dino-Earth Day, I wanted to add lots of ways that kids could help clean up the environment. I went online and checked out books. Then, I had to narrow it down! I’m excited to add this book to my school visit programs.

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

Environmental issues are overwhelming. I want kids to know that they don’t have to solve the whole problem. They can help in small ways. Reuse shopping bags and water bottles. Recycle bottles, can and glass. Plant gardens. Compost. Shop in thrift stores. These are just some of the ways I show the Dinos helping out.

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

Dino-Earth Day will be featured on #Seasonsofkidlit.com. I’m also planning to incorporate this book into my school visits, which always helps with sales. Of course, I’ll promote on my social media.

What's next for you?

This year I have 4 more My First Dino board books coming out. Spring 24 will bring My First Dino-Swimming and My First Dino-Boarding. Fall of 24 is when we’ll see My First Dino-Thanksgiving and My First Dino-Hanukkah. Then, in Fall of 2025, I have a title coming out with HarperCollins tentatively titled, It Takes A Family to Serve.

More about the book . . .

The world needs help to keep it clean.
It’s Dino-Earth Day. . .
Let’s go green!
These dinos take care of the environment all year long—especially on Earth Day! Today they’re cleaning up a park, planting trees, learning how to recycle and compost, and using their creativity to turn junk into treasure. Go green. . .dino-style!

Publisher: Carolrhoda/Lerner

More about the author . . .

Award -winning author, Lisa Wheeler is passionate about children’s books. “I love everything about them, including the smell!” She’s written over 55 picture books in prose and rhyme, an easy reader series, four books of poems, and creative nonfiction for the very young. “As far back as I can remember, I’ve been a rhymer. Wordplay excites me!” Lisa's newest books are Baby Shower, My First Dino-Swimming, Dino-Earth Day, and Someone Builds the Dream. Lisa is a local author from, Addison, Michigan. Check out her website at https://www.lisawheelerbooks.com/

Instagram: @littlelisais6

Facebook: Lisa Wheeler Children's Books