Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!
Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.
Congratulations to Kate Rietema on the release of Cheetahs Return to India: The True Story of Aasha and Pavan
What are the unique challenges of writing a non-fiction book? Please describe your research approach.
This was tricky because my research was happening in real time. In fact, my agent submitted this manuscript to Tilbury House before Aasha had her cubs—so it wasn’t until after the book was acquired that I added the spread about her litter. Then, after final edits were complete, I learned the sad news of Pavan’s death. Although we couldn’t add his death into the story, we did include it in a timeline as part of the backmatter.
For my research, I gathered information from news articles, newsletters, videos, visiting the Cheetah Research and Education Centre in Namibia, observing cheetahs in the wild, and speaking with primary sources.
Because this story is about a current event, I tried to have as many primary sources as possible. This included personal and email contact with Dr. Laurie Marker, who is considered the world’s leading expert on cheetahs; Lea Petersen, head cheetah keeper at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia; and Eli Walker, who photographed and monitored the cheetahs upon their release in India.
Although I had success in contacting several helpful sources, it’s important to note that I hit a few dead-ends, too. In response to an inquiry of India’s forest and wildlife departments, I received a handwritten response in Urdu! (Eventually I was able to translate the letter, but it still didn’t prove helpful.)
How did you come up with the idea for the book?
My brother lives in Namibia—an African country known as the cheetah capital of the world. A few years ago, he posted a news article on social media about plans to reintroduce cheetahs from Africa back into India. I knew this would be groundbreaking work and I had to know more!
What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?
Last fall, I had the extreme privilege of visiting the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, Africa. While there, I had dinner with the head cheetah keeper, Lea Petersen, and I asked her what she wants readers to know. Lea said, “Even if our work is really tough, and even if we don’t get the results we hoped for, we still need to try.” Reintroducing cheetahs into a country where they’ve been regionally extinct for 70 years is an enormously bold move. There is no guarantee this plan will work, but there are conservationists who have dedicated their lives to saving cheetahs—and they’re not afraid try. Like Lea, I hope readers feel inspired to try new things—even if it’s hard, and even if it might not work.
What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?
I’m looking forward to all the usual visits at bookstores and schools, but because of the subject matter, I’m also reaching out to zoos. I sent mailers to every zoo in the United States and Canada who keep cheetahs, suggesting my book for their gift stores. I’m also working to set up a couple interviews with zoos that host podcasts.
You can find my book in all the usual places—Amazon, Bookshop, and hopefully at your local bookstore. If it’s not in stock, please request it! You can also request it at your local library and check it out for free!
What's next for you?
I’m thrilled to share that I have three more picture books releasing in the next two years! I have two holiday books with Paraclete Press—one for Christmas and one for Easter. I also have a free verse poetry collection about seasons that will be published by B&H Kids.
More about the book . . .
Long ago, cheetahs roamed India's grasslands and forests. But as farms expanded and cities grew, India's cheetah population dwindled . . . to nothing. Now, seventy years later, cheetahs are back! From a selection of African cheetahs, Aasha and Pavan are chosen as the first cheetahs to be released into the wild. Will they survive in their new home? Will they thrive? Will India finally see a return of their beloved cheetahs?
Published by: Tilbury House
More about the author . . .
Kate Rietema is the author of three children’s books and nearly 100 stories and poems in publications like Highlights, Cricket Media, and The School Magazine. She lives and writes in a red house in Michigan with her husband and five daughters. Kate hopes that cheetahs will always survive, and that this book will inspire readers to learn more about wildlife conservation. You can find more about Kate’s books at https://www.katerietema.com/
Instagram & X: @KateRietema
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKateRietema
Website: https://www.katerietema.com/
Congratulations! I can’t wait to share this book with my students during our activism unit. I’m sure it will prompt someone to research cheetah conservation!
ReplyDeleteKate, it sounds like a fascinating story.
ReplyDeleteKate, this is a wonderful effort that you are promoting beautifully through your book! Encouraging awareness about conservation and the necessity of diverse species is very important, and I’m sure you will help accomplish this! Congratulations!
ReplyDelete