Book Birthday Blog with Lisa Wheeler

 

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 It Takes a Family to Serve

 

 

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

The initial inspiration came on Veteran’s Day of 2020. While visiting my dad—my favorite veteran—I saw a post on social media of my cousin and his family. Bryan, who is career Air Force, had been deployed six times while raising his family. I knew that his wife, Melissa, often had to be the one to move the whole family from state to state, look for a new teaching job, and have everything handled when Bryan returned. The kids also had to be flexible, always starting new schools. But they have an amazing family, and I’d always been impressed with how they functioned. I recall looking at that picture and thinking, It takes a family to serve. That was how the book idea began. 

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

That behind every service man and woman, there are those that love them, that sacrifice for them, that support them.  The book shows vignettes of different types of families engaged in different types of service. Whether it’s sending cookies to the base, taking care of pets and children, or widening doorways for a wounded vet, each person plays their part in supporting the troops. 

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

The book will be sold nationwide in both independent bookstores and online venues. Throughout March, I’ll be touring various indie bookstores that are located close to bases. The first being at Blue Dog Books in Springboro, OH on March 2nd. This store is close to Wright-Patterson AFB. I’ll also be in Winnetka, IL at The Bookstall and then traveling to schools close to the Great Lakes Naval Base in IL. We’re still working out dates. 

What's next for you? 

Next Fall is the release of the second book in the Dino-World series. I also have been asked to do a few library programs this summer because summer reading is Unearth A Story and features dinosaurs. 
 
I sold a book last Fall to Random House Studio, a new publisher for me. It’s called Nobody Notices Ghost and is to be illustrated by Christopher Thornock. That was exciting! It won’t be released until 2028, that feels so far away but I know time will fly. 

More about the book . . . 

Celebrate military families and all they do when their loved ones are away on duty in this lyrical and timeless tale.

Whether in the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army or Marines, the brave people serving the country also have family serving in important ways back home. With beautiful text and gorgeous watercolor paintings, It Takes a Family to Serve shines a light on the work and dedication of families waiting for their loved ones to come back to them, while they take care of a beloved pet, attend a special event or raise a grandchild. 

Published by: HarperCollins 

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. Her awards include The Michigan Mitten, Texas Bluebonnet, and the Theodore Geisel Honor given by the American Library Association. Lisa shares her Michigan home with one husband, one dog, and an assortment of anthropomorphic characters. Check out Lisa’s website at:  https://www.lisawheelerbooks.com/

FB: @LisaWheelerChildrenBooks
Insta: @littlelisais6