Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

Congratulations to Laura Stewart on the release of Orchestra for Oliver: Even the Shortest Lives Are Special

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

After our family experienced a negative prenatal diagnosis in 2019 for our second grandchild, we banded together as a family to pray and make lasting memories. My original story has been compiled into a beautiful family photo book (using Snapfish) that I made for my son and his wife. Orchestra for Oliver: Even the Shortest Lives are Special is based on our story. It is a gentle way to prepare siblings and other family members of an unborn baby that may not survive. It thoughtfully guides families through making memories and opportunities for prayer during and after using a musical motif.

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

That they have more choices than they know. That continuing a pregnancy that is diagnosed “incompatible with life,” doesn’t mean termination. Families can find support if they aren’t receiving it from their medical community or from their extended family and friends. Education is vital and continuing a pregnancy even when the outcome may be tragic, helps the healing in the long term.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Staying sensitive to the topic in general and honoring my family’s story. Many of the families that will read this story may have already gone down this road and had a vastly different outcome. I also revised this many, many times to broaden the scope for marketing purposes. It goes from our family story to “based upon” our family story. Originally, I wrote it from Oliver’s perspective. It eventually was revised to come from his older sibling’s perspective to make it more child friendly and to enhance a broader marketing approach.

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

On March 16, 2026, Orchestra For Oliver became available through all of your favorite bookstore places.

Pauline Books & Media has hired a publicist and has a marketing team, so my job is to make myself available for interviews and forward any social media posts. I am used to putting myself out there because I’ve had to for the past two books. It still challenges me. The radio and on camera interviews totally freak me out, and I find myself going blank even though I practice. I can get in front of an audience for presentations no prob. But say the word interview, and "um, and so, and ya know" comes out of my mouth. I tank. I freeze. I go blank. It's humbling to say the least. Word of the year for me: Humility.

What's next for you?

Pauline Media will promote for one full year. During the next six months, I’ve decided to hold off on new submissions so I can fully give to the stories already published as well as the next family camping caper story that will be released in 2027. We also have a new granddaughter on the way, so I like to make myself available for whatever comes up.

More about the book . . .

Camile is delighted that she is going to be a big sister! But sad news from the doctor makes the family realize that they may not have much time with little Oliver after his birth. They decide to focus on spending well the time they do have, making intentional memories with him through trips and experiences tied to music.

Published by: Pauline Books & Media

More about the author . . .

Laura Stewart lives in Michigan with her husband and has homeschooled her children for over twenty-eight years. She is steadfast in her commitment to uphold the dignity of live by participation in life-affirming events, and by making and distributing “Life” bracelets to local pregnancy centers and individuals. Orchestra for Oliver is inspired by the short life of Laura’s second grandbaby. Laura’s other stories include Puddle Jumper (2013), Building the Bridge School (2024 Mission Point Press), and Clucky’s Week (2025 Lawley Kids).

https://laurastewartstories.com/

https://www.instagram.com/laurastewartstories/

https://www.facebook.com/laura.stewart.952050/

https://www.pinterest.com/laurastewartstories/historical-picture-books/

YouTube @LauraStewartStories

https://www.youtube.com/@laurastewartstoriesauthor