Book Birthday Blog with Amy Dua

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Amy Dua on the release of Woe is Me...It's Summer!

 

  

What was the inspiration for your book? 

Woe is Me…It’s Summer! is the fourth book (season) in the Woe is Me: The Seasons series, so it has been such a fun book to write and illustrate. Each of the books follow different animal and insect characters that teach the reader about their life cycle. There are always fun facts that I didn’t know before I started researching them so I try to include those facts to make it entertaining for the adults as well as the kids. I love writing these books because I learn so much myself and it is fun to share new information about the things we see around us that we never knew in this fun and creative way. 

You wrote and illustrated the book. What was the most difficult part? 

Honestly, trimming down the manuscript. I noticed that with each book I found myself wanting to include more and more information about each of the characters because it is all so interesting. It was difficult choosing what lines to eliminate, so I think I may have to release a collector’s edition with extra fun facts that I didn’t have room for in the original versions. 

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

I hope that children enjoy time reading with loved ones and friends and learning these fun facts that they can share with others. It is important to understand the world around us and I think that these books really accomplish that in a fun and entertaining way. 

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

It is available for pre-order and as of June 2nd, 2026, it is available everywhere books are sold! Amazon, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/, local bookstores can order if not on the shelf, or you can order direct from my website (which also sells the matching plushie of the cover insect) at www.aftermanyyearsllc.com . My website also offers fun free downloadable coloring sheets, crafts and activities for kids.

What's next for you? 

At least one more children’s book is in the works about a boy (my son) who goes to the zoo. So of course you can expect to learn a lot of fun facts about the animals we see at the zoo. 

More about the book . . .

Have you wondered how the woodland animals and insects that we see every day prepare for the summer to arrive? We see these animals all of the time, but what do we really know about them? When the temperatures heat up and the summer arrives, do they run for the shade or bask in the sun? Find out in this fun and informative book that teaches children about the seasons, as well as, the work that each of the animal and insect characters have to  do during that season to carry on the cycle of life. With colorful illustrations and clever educational rhymes, children and even adults will learn some interesting facts about the creatures around us and what they do when the seasons change. 

Published by: After Many Years Publishing (self-published) 

More about the author/illustrator . . . 

Amy Dua is an attorney and children’s book author and illustrator. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Amy moved to Michigan for law school at Michigan State University, and remained there after graduation. Amy has always had a love for children, whether caring for her own four children, or representing children as their legal advocate, children have always played a huge role in her life. Writing and illustrating the Woe is Me: The Seasons series has been a beautiful culmination of all of the loves of her life…children, writing, nature, education and creativity. Through these books Amy has been able to share her gift of writing in rhyme and drawing, to make learning fun for children everywhere.  

Instagram: @aftermanyyearspublishing

Facebook: After Many Years Publishing