Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Amber Hawks Schaberg on the release of The Purple Dancing Triceratops

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

I was the illustrator of the book. The author, Kimmie Gotch, found me after she read A Home For Spike, by Heather Vogel Frederick, which I illustrated. My direction for the artwork was for a younger, girly customer with a lot of pastel and sweet touches. I created a character with big expressions to help connect the readers with how Twinkle felt - her worry and her joy.

What was the most difficult part of illustrating the book?

Dinosaurs never danced, and to create them in anthropomorphic, graceful poses was challenging. Their legs and wings don’t bend certain ways, so I tried to work around the natural way they could bend and move and push the poses to be more interesting.

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

Always be willing to try good, new things. You will be surprised at what you can accomplish!

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

Social media postings and school visits will be the primary marketing plans. It is available on Amazon and will be on other sites in the near future.

What's next for you?

I have written my own picture book manuscript and made a dummy book that I hope will find a good agent and publisher. And since we know it will be plenty cold in Michigan, we plan to get out of this frozen tundra and take the kids to Disney World this spring!

More about the book . . .

Twinkle sets off on a heartwarming adventure as she faces her fear of dancing. With the encouragement of her friends, Twinkle discovers that trying new things isn't as scary as it seems. This delightful story teaches children the importance of courage, friendship, and embracing the unknown.

Publisher: Gotch Media

More about the illustrator . . .

Amber had her first career in California as a fashion designer creating swimsuits for every clothing store you can think of. This gave her a keen eye for color palettes and patterns. Later, while entrenched in the role of a stay-at-home mom in Michigan, Amber got into the minds of her kids, their humor, and interests. This set her off on her original passion for drawing. She has illustrated seven children’s books, novels, and middle grade stories, and received honorable mention for “compelling use of image and typography, and engaging designs,” from the New England Museum Association (NEMA). Amber is a bird-feeding, jam-making, movie-going kind of lady.

Website: https://www.amberschaberg.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber.schaberg/