Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw on the release of The Super Volcano: The Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park

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

In 2012, my family and I took a summer vacation to Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. One of our stops was Yellowstone National Park. Journeying through the park, I was in awe of the spurting geysers, gurgling mud pots, and colorful hot springs. As an elementary school teacher, when I discovered these incredible sites were created by a volcano lying below the park, I knew I had to share these wonders with my students. That year, I transformed my classroom into a miniature Yellowstone and immersed my students in books, videos, and projects revolving around the park. This was a new method of teaching for me and sparked a fire under my students by motivating and engaging them. Wanting to continue to spread the wonder of Yellowstone to more children, I penned my manuscript.

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

I want readers to learn about and appreciate Yellowstone’s amazing water features, animals, plants, and of course its supervolcano. Additionally, I offer readers to take a pledge and become stewards of not only Yellowstone, but also our beautiful planet. I hope readers embrace the pledge. Our world could use more superheroes championing the need to keep our environment clean, our animals protected, and our planet preserved for future generations.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Actually, this was the only book I’ve ever written that flowed out of my head and onto the page in close to the same form it is now. I credit award winning author Patricia Newman and the writing wisdom she imparted to me during my SCBWI-Michigan nonfiction mentorship experience with her.

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

Science, Naturally and I have been focused on a media campaign through reviews, bookstagrammers, interviews, videos, etc. We have passed the first couple of hurdles to get the book into Yellowstone and are hoping we pass the last one. Send good thoughts please. In the meantime you can find the book on the Science, Naturally website https://www.sciencenaturally.com/product-page/the-super-volcano as well as the Barnes and Noble and Amazon websites.

What's next for you?

In 2025, I have another nonfiction picture book coming out from Fifth Avenue Press. For the past few years, I have switched my concentration from nonfiction picture books to fiction middle grade and will be shopping publishers soon for my first fiction novel DECODING THE MOON.

More about the book . . .

A secret superhero lies beneath Yellowstone National Park…

In a wonder-filled trip through an iconic destination, discover the spectacular powers of the supervolcano hidden below the ground. WHOOSH! SIZZLE! BLOOP! Visit the volcano’s exploding geysers, boiling mud pots, and much more.

But what does a hero do best? Help others! The Yellowstone Supervolcano doesn’t just dazzle tourists. Learn how its superpowers support a thriving ecosystem, helping feed and protect the unique wildlife year after year.

Publisher: Science, Naturally

More about the author . . .

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is a children’s book author and former teacher passionate about growing young minds. Her writing credentials include the true-story picture books I Campaigned for Ice Cream: A Boy’s Quest for Ice Cream Trucks, Mighty Mahi, and The Super Volcano: The Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park. Suzanne enjoys speaking at schools about writing, leadership, and how kids can make a difference. When she’s not dreaming up new writing projects, you can find her kayaking on the lake, hiking the trail, practicing at the yoga studio, or comparing paint swatches at the local Sherwin Williams. To learn more about Suzanne visit her website at http://www.suzannejacobslipshaw.com/