Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!
Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.
Congratulations to Lisa Wheeler on the release of Dino-Birthday
Another Dino book! The book is part of a series. What advice do you have for creatives working on a series?
Unless you’ve been planning your series for a while, it may take you a few books to find your flow. Since I wrote the first book, Dino-Hockey, as a stand-alone title, I met with some bumps before I felt like I knew what I was doing.
It also took me time to realize that certain dinosaurs had stronger personalities than others. I used that in future titles. If I knew then what I know now—27 dino titles later—I would’ve outlined the characters and their traits ahead of time.
What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?
This series is all about fun, friendship, family and community. Yes, they are dinosaurs! But they represent all of the above. In Dino-Birthday, I want to celebrate everyone who’s ever been born.
What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?
Dino-Birthday (and all of the series) can be found at your local independent bookstore and online. On March 4th, Dino-Birthday’s actual book birthday, we had a little birthday party at Herrick Library North branch in Holland. It will also be featured next Fall @Seasons of Kidlit on Facebook. I’ll continue to promote it in my school visits.
What's next for you?
In August, the release of the first title in the new Dino-World series will be released. Dino-School takes us through each month in the school year of Room 3. So much can happen in a school year!
Then, in April 2026, I’m excited to finally see the release of It Takes a Family to Serve illustrated by David Sonam (HarperCollins Children’s Books). This book is a tribute to military families.
More about the book . . .
Every dino gets a special day each year to celebrate with parties, cake, presents, and friends. Blow out the candles and make a wish—this will be the best dino-birthday yet!
Publisher: Carolrhoda/Lerner
More about the author . . .
Lisa Wheeler is the award-winning author of over 60 children’s books including Someone Builds the Dream, People Don't Bite People, and the popular Dino-Sports series. The Christmas Boot, was the SCBWI 2017 SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner for Picture Book Text. Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum was the 2017 Michigan Reads! One Book, One State Children’s Book recipient. Check out Lisa’s website at: https://www.lisawheelerbooks.com/
Instagram: @littlelisais6
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawheelerchildrensbooks
.jpg)
Congrats on your new book, Lisa! It looks like a fun addition to your series.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natalie! I try to make each one fresh and fun for kids.
DeleteCongratulations, Lisa! What a wonderful series you have created! And The Christmas Boot was always a special classroom read-aloud in our school as well. I have such good memories of displaying your books in our school library and watching them get picked up eagerly at check-out time. You’ve done such good work! Congratulations to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth! I so appreciate our libraries and librarians. I even raised one!! (My youngest.)
DeleteYea, Lisa! This looks like another winner.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann. It was so good to see you the other day!
DeleteCongrats Lisa--and wow, 27 dino titles!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Buffy! I appreciate the love. It was wonderful to see you again.
DeleteCongrats, Lisa. Such a delightful series. And so many upcoming titles to look forward to as well. Can't wait to read them all!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marty! Sometimes i can't believe it myself!
DeleteCongratulations, Lisa! It's been fun to see the number of dino titles grow over the years!
ReplyDelete