Book Birthday Blog with Lynn Baldwin

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Lynn Baldwin on the release of My Backyard Used to Be

 

 

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

I read Lesa Cline-Ransome’s Before She Was Harriet and knew that I wanted to write something in a similar, “going backwards” structure. I tried several stories, but none worked in that format. One day, I was in my backyard and remembered that a neighbor had mentioned how our neighborhood used to be a farm…and that was the spark I needed!

What inspires you to write? 

I’ve always loved to read and really enjoyed reading picture books with my teenage son when he was younger. The idea of creating something that other parents can share with their children is truly special to me. 

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

I hope kids realize that their backyards (or wherever they play) is “theirs” only for a while and that it needs to be taken care of so that someone else can enjoy it in the future. I also think it’s fun for kids to think about the history of their own backyards. 

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

I’m doing a launch event at Schuler Books Ann Arbor on September 27 and would love to see any local kidlit friends there. I also plan to do school visits. I’m lucky because Tilbury House is supporting me in the marketing of this book. 

What's next for you?

I have some other stories out with editors, so fingers crossed I have more good news to share soon! 

More about the book . . . 

Hit rewind on the view out your backdoor as this story zips back in time, showing readers how people, lifestyles, and land have changed over time. My Backyard Used to Be makes history feel current and accessible to young readers—and encourages them to discover what their own backyard used to be. 

Published by: Tilbury House Publishers 

More about the author . . . 

Lynn Baldwin is a picture book author who lives in Ann Arbor with her husband and teenage son. She writes in a purple office with a “Create with Joy” sign on her deck surrounded by trees. She loves being outdoors – whether exploring the world or in her own backyard. She is a long-time SCBWI Michigan member and the Critique Group Coordinator for SCBWI Michigan. 

@lynnbaldwinwrites on BlueSky and Instagram