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 Summer: A Solstice Story
Your debut book released in October 2023. What are the challenges with having two books released within a few months?
It’s working out surprisingly well – the excitement and energy has continued from one book to the next. I learned a lot from my first round of events for Winter: A Solstice Story and feel more confident and prepared for this launch. I’m also being more strategic this time by focusing on marketing/promotion tasks that I enjoy most, like library storytimes. That said, I’ll be ready for a breather in fall with more time for writing!
What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?
This book represents my wish for all young people. I hope they go into the world knowing they are loved and have their own special light to share. I also hope the book encourages readers to use their imagination and to connect with the wonders of nature in summertime.
What inspires you to write?
Picture books are so powerful. They help children explore new ideas, use their imagination, and open their hearts. Picture books also foster a special connection between a child and caregiver as they read together, which is so important for child development. I love the idea of having a small part in these amazing moments!
What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?
I’m doing some blogs and social media promotion, but I’m most excited about the events at libraries, bookstores, and nature centers, which will include storytime, a sing-along, and crafts to celebrate the summer season.
All events are on my website at kelseyegross.com. You can find Summer: A Solstice Story at your local independent bookstore or bookshop.org. It’s also available through Barnes & Noble, Target, and Amazon.
What's next for you?
I have a third picture book under contract and hope to share information soon. In the meantime, I’m working on more picture book manuscripts and experimenting with middle grade, board books, and poetry. You never know where a new creative path will take you!
More about the book . . .
It’s early morning, and the forest seems silent, but life is all around. As the sun shines through the pines, one by one the animals wake. Owl, Squirrel, Raccoon, Bear, Sparrow, Rabbit, Woodpecker and Deer gather to celebrate summer and offer loving wishes as they send their young into the world. Summertime is here for all to share!
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 family. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking or skiing in the woods. She is the author of Winter: A Solstice Story, also illustrated by Renata Liwska. Find her online at kelseyegross.com.
Instagram and X: @kelseyegross
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Congrats on your new book, Kelsey. It was interesting reading how your approach to marketing has changed since your debut book was released.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely book. Congratulations and all the best as your story goes out into the world, filling those young minds with wonder at the world around them!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Kelsey!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Natalie, Kathleen and Ann!
ReplyDeleteLove these two companion books. They're both beautiful. The summer solstice has always felt extra special to me, and definitely worth celebrating, so this is a subject dear to my heart. Making sure my library has copies of both books! Congrats, Kelsey!
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