Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!
Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.
Congratulations to Kirsten Leestma on the release of Forest Bath
Congratulations on your debut picture book! How did you come up with the idea for your book?
Thank you! I came up with the idea of Forest Bath after reading an article about the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or Forest Bathing. The article spoke to Forest Bathing becoming more well known in the States and the physical and mental benefits of being in nature, being mindful, and stepping away from technology. I thought the idea of a child thinking it was a literal bath was a bit funny and the topic itself timely for our chronically online world.
What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?
I hope my readers will take away a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world around us and be ready to try a forest bath for themselves!
What was the most difficult part of writing this book?
I intentionally wanted this book to be more of a poem or almost a meditation. The teacher side of me also intentionally created stanzas using a group of verbs and one onomatopoeia. Putting the right words in the right stanzas and piecing it together like a puzzle was fun, but also the most challenging.
What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?
The marketing plans for my book include using social media and local in-person events. To kick it off, Forest Bath will be featured as a storywalk at one of our local parks! You can find Forest Bath on any website like Bookshop.org or Barnes and Noble. You can also check your local bookstore or order it through them if it’s not on their shelves!
What's next for you?
Right now, I am working on a few new manuscripts and submitting others to agents and publishers. I also have an incomplete idea brewing for a follow-up to Forest Bath, so stay tuned!
More about the book . . .
Take a forest bath with all your senses: breathe in nature, touch its beauty, listen to its sounds. This gentle tale invites readers to slow down and enjoy the natural world by walking, watching, smelling, and feeling. Water is optional!
Published by: Mission Point Press
More about the author . . .
Kirsten Leestma is a teacher and writer living in northern Michigan. She loves to read and to be on, near, or in one of the Great Lakes. She quietly adventures close to home and abroad, visits bookstores wherever she goes and takes a forest bath as often as possible. This is her first picture book.
Instagram & Threads: @kirstenleestma_writes
Facebook: Kirsten Leestma Writes
Website: http://www.kirstenleestma.com/
What a lovely idea to share with the world. All the best as your book journeys forth, encouraging kids and all of us to make the time to bask and bathe in the wonder of nature. Thank you, Kirsten, for sharing this gift.
ReplyDeleteThank you! ❤️🌲
DeleteA beautiful idea, and a very nice way to help lift kids into a greater awareness of their physical awareness of experiences. Best wishes going forward, and Congratulations on this beautiful book!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Kristen. It sounds like a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI love this idea! I wrote a poem titled Shinrin-yoku, and I include it in my social work teachings, but it never occurred to me as a picture book topic. Brava!
ReplyDeleteJust adding my name - didn't mean to post it as anonymous!
DeleteThank you so much! I absolutely loved The Art of Holding On and Letting Go! ❤️
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