Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Pria Dee on the release of Little Moe Can't Fly

Please share a little about this book's journey. How did you come up with the idea?

Michigan is resplendent with wildlife and natural beauty. I am fascinated by watching the flocks of birds migrate, return home, create families, nurture them, and then migrate again. Last spring, one little gosling particularly fascinated me as he had a limp and struggled to keep up with his family. Watching his determination inspired the story of Little Moe.

What was the most difficult part of writing the book?

Keeping the book short and appropriate for young readers was a challenge. I wanted to describe all the splendors of Michigan’s seasons and natural landscapes. Still, my editors and critiques convinced me that the audience would get all that from the pictures and that finding the right illustrator was key.

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

Moe’s story is a tale of perseverance. Everyone’s life is as unique as they are, the key is never to give up or stop trying.

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

I am doing a Goodreads giveaway, and I have both BookLife and Kirkus reviews planned. I am going to try using Amazon ads as well.

What's next for you?

Moe’s Story is my 10th book, so having hit that target in my writing journey, I want to focus on another genre and audience: a fantasy middle-grade book.

More about the book . . .

Little Moe is a gosling who cannot master the art of flying. With winter approaching, Little Moe is worried he won’t fly to the warmer southern shores before all the flocks are gone. His mother stays with him, encouraging him to keep trying to fly. With fall and frost on the ground, it seems an impossible task. Moe realizes that it’s up to him and he never stops trying until he finally soars up into the sky in flight.

Publisher: Self-Published

More about the author . . .

Pria Dee is an Indian American author who lives in Michigan. She has published several children’s books based on her own experiences and observations. Her love of animals and children is the focus of many of her books. Learn more about Pria at: https://www.priadee.com/

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