Book Birthday Blog With Kristin Bartley Lenz

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Kristin Bartley Lenz on the release of The Art of Holding On and Letting Go, 10th Anniversary Edition

 

Please describe the path to publish the 10th anniversary edition of your novel?

Like most of my author career, the 10th anniversary path was bumpy and full of detours but with loads of encouragement along the way. The Art of Holding On and Letting Go had a great start thanks to the support of a hard-working small press, Elephant Rock Books (ERB). The novel earned honors, I was busy with events, and my agent was focused on selling my next novel. Then came the pandemic and everything ground to a halt. ERB closed in 2022, rights reverted to me, and soon the remaining books in bookstores dwindled until all that remained were used copies on Amazon. My agent thought we had a good chance of reselling it to another publisher, but like many submissions, that dragged on for years. Along the way, another small press contract was cancelled, and I questioned what to do. Maybe I should just let it be—the book had a great run. Maybe I should self-publish, just to have enough copies on hand for events. Finally in early 2026, an opportunity came out of left field. Left Field Publishing was a new small press led by industry veterans Kristen Gilligan and Len Vlahos. They rescued my orphaned novel and brought it back to life with a fresh new cover and a marketing plan to reach a new generation of readers.  

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

I hope readers find comfort in Cara’s journey of discovery. She navigates loss, makes new friends, deepens her relationship with her grandparents, grapples with her changing relationship with her parents, finds moment of joy and wonder and strength, and ultimately recognizes that home can be somewhere very different than where you started. This theme of holding on and letting go is universal – we all experience various degrees of loss as we navigate transitions in every stage of life. Cara might even inspire you to try rock climbing! 

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

My publisher has been busy advertising and sending ARCs to booksellers and librarians, and the book is now available wherever books are sold— bookstores and online retailers. But most importantly, I wanted this to be a book that gives back. I’m a social worker and it was hard to choose just one nonprofit to support, but I settled on Kids Empowered on the Move, a Metro Detroit organization focused on homelessness prevention. KEOTM provides targeted financial assistance, emergency shelter, rental support, and housing navigation to help families avoid eviction and transition into stable housing. I’m donating 25% of all preorders and launch day sales to this nonprofit, and some of my local events will also be fundraisers. 

On Oct. 21st, 6:30pm, I’ll be at Sidetrack Books in Royal Oak for a book launch/fundraising event “in conversation” with the executive director of Kids Empowered on the Move.

On Oct. 24th, 6:30pm, at Book Beat in Oak Park, I’ll be part of a Prose and Poetry event with five other YA authors. We’ll have short readings, a Q&A, a demonstration of the Metaphor Dice to spark stories and poems, free ARCs, and more!

On Nov. 21st, I’ll be signing books and speaking on a panel at the annual NCTE convention in Philadelphia.

What's next for you? 

I have a new novel coming out on March 9th, 2027! In The Door Swings Open, a sixteen-year-old girl searches for her missing friend through a runaway shelter and the streets of Detroit where buried secrets, trafficking fears, and a mysterious homeless boy force her to confront the hidden violence surrounding vulnerable teens. It’s a much different story than The Art of Holding On and Letting Go, and while the subject is darker, it’s also full of beauty, light, and hope. Here’s a sneak peek at the cover, and it’s available for pre-order now.

 

Thank you Christy and the SCBWI-MI blog team for having me here! 

More about the book . . . 

When tragedy interrupts her nomadic life, a teenage climber must learn the hardest balance of all—how to hold on to love, joy, and connection while letting go of what she may have lost. 

“When every piece falls into place, it’s like a dance, a delicate but powerful balancing act. The art of holding on and letting go at the same time.” 

Competitive climber Cara Jenkins feels most at home high off the ground, clinging to a rock wall by her fingertips. Raised by mountaineering parents, she’s grown up roaming the world, making the natural landscape her playground and the writings of Annie Dillard and Henry David Thoreau her guides. But when tragedy interrupts an expedition on an Ecuadorian mountaintop, Cara’s nomadic life is abruptly upended. 

Sent to live with her grandparents in suburban Detroit, Cara begins a year of unexpected discovery—finding friendship, first love, humor, and moments of joy alongside grief. As she navigates what she may have lost, Cara learns that healing doesn’t require certainty, and that love, connection, and even home can take shape in surprising ways, with moments of real sparkle along the way. 

Published by: Left Field Publishing

More about the author . . .

Kristin Bartley Lenz is a writer and social worker who has lived in Michigan, Georgia, and California. Her rock climbing adventures inspired her debut young adult novel, The Art of Holding On and Letting Go, which was a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Great Lakes Great Books Award honor title. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, an array of literary journals, and two anthologies (Rhyme & Rhythm: Poems for Student Athletes and Just YA: Short Poems, Essays, & Fiction for Grades 7-12). She also writes freelance for Detroit area nonprofits, teaches creative writing for teens and adults, and escapes to the woods and lakes in northern Michigan whenever she can. Look for her new novel, The Door Swings Open in 2027, and learn more at kristinbartleylenz.com.

Instagram: @KristinBartleyLenz

  

 

Book Birthday Blog With Rhonda Gowler Greene

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Rhonda Gowler Greene on the release of The Not-So-Silent Night: The Joyful Noise of the First Christmas

 

 

How did you come up with the idea and how long did it take you to write the book? 

A Scholastic/Little Shepherd editor asked me to write the story. It was the same editor who asked me to write my Mommy Loves Me and my Daddy Loves Me books that came out this past spring. The big difference is that this book is a 40-page picture book vs. the other two being 18-page board books. Too, for this, I signed a standard picture book contract vs. work-for-hire contracts.

In May 2025, the editor and I had a call when she shared the title and a basic idea of what she wanted— a whimsical rhyming nativity story with lots of onomatopoeia and a build-up of chaotic, but joyous noises from animals and angels. She wanted tension in the story—all these sounds would keep waking up newborn Baby Jesus. She said maybe make the story cumulative. The illustrator, Wazza Pink (lives in Vietnam), had already been chosen. 

I was given seven weeks to write the first draft. The book was to be released within a year and a half, so it was on a tight schedule. A few more months went by while I worked on revisions. 

 

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

I hope my book brings lots of joy to readers and listeners, not only because of the lively verses, but also because of Wazza’s stunning illustrations. I couldn’t be happier with the art! Too, I hope readers take away the message that God loves them so much that He sent his Son to Earth as their Savior that very first Christmas. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Having three editors on the manuscript was the most difficult part. My main editor who asked for the lighthearted, fun story left Scholastic soon after our May 2025 call. A different Scholastic editor acquired the book then. Too, my text was edited by a freelance religious editor whom Little Shepherd used at that time for biblical accuracy. When I got my manuscript back from the freelance editor, wow—so many edits! I didn’t agree with most of them, mainly because they totally threw off my rhythm. I felt my text had lost its playfulness. 

Regarding biblical accuracy, some of the religious editor’s suggestions seemed inconsistent. For example, I mentioned three camels, but she said the Bible doesn’t say there were three. She also said the Bible doesn’t say there were angels over the stable, which I had. But then, she suggested the little mouse (who sneezes in my story) could hold a harp. 

Panic set in. I went over her edits so many times trying to work in revisions she suggested. I finally sent long emails to my ‘new’ main editor with all my reasons for keeping every word or line that I didn’t think needed revising. In the end, I got to keep most of my original text. Phew! 

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

Besides announcing its release on my social media, I hope to do some bookstore events closer to Christmas. Since Scholastic is the publisher, it will be in their book clubs and fairs, get reviewed nationally, and be available on all the online bookstores (and, hopefully, at brick-and-mortar stores too). 

In August, the book got a nice review in Publishers Weekly— “…The rhyming text’s lively sounds and repetition invite reader participation, while cozy crowded scenes in a range of saturated tones signify a holy night with plenty of newborn bustle. The result is a ‘late-night hullabaloo’ featuring lots of ways to rejoice.”

And recent good news! The book has been selected for the Society of Illustrators 46th Original Art Show in NYC which runs from 10/31/26 - 1/30/27.

What's next for you?

Next year, on January 12th, my If You Want to See a Narwhal (Little Brown; illustrated by Xin Li) will be released. In Fall 2028, my The Trick-or-Treat Train (Bloomsbury) will be chugging into bookstores. An illustrator for it was recently chosen—Gemma Roman. I’m looking forward to seeing some spooky sketches soon!

On July 1st, I sold my Way Up at the North Pole: A Christmas Counting Rhyme (Fall 2028) to Sleeping Bear Press. On July 20th, I sold my When the Animals Heard About You: Collective Nouns on the Move (Spring 2029) to Doubleday. I’ve never worked with Doubleday, so that was extra exciting. (The collective nouns book will be my 38th picture book.) 

And fingers crossed regarding selling more of my manuscripts that are currently out on submission.

ps… September marked my 30-year anniversary with Curtis Brown, Ltd. It’s hard to believe I’ve been with them since 1996! My first agent was Marilyn Marlow, who passed away in 2003. Elizabeth Harding, her assistant (and agent then too), acquired Marilyn’s clients. Last fall, Elizabeth bought Curtis Brown and is now the CEO (and still my agent).  

Thanks for the interview! And good luck to everyone with your writing and illustrating! 

More about the book . . .

A warm and whimsical story of the night when Baby Jesus is born. Though trying his best to sleep, the baby keeps being awakened by the boisterous sounds of stable animals, angels singing and playing instruments, sheep, doggies, and camels. In the end, they all become a joyous and merry Christmas choir welcoming the baby to Bethlehem.   

            By starlight, shepherds hurry.
            Sheep follow. The whole flock!
            A loud and rowdy cloud of them!
            Baa! Baa! Baa!...BOCK! BOCK! BOCK!
                        …But Baby is asleep. Shhh.
                        Try not to make a peep… 

Published By: Scholastic/Little Shepherd 

More about the author . . . 

Rhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over thirty picture books. She’s been published with several major publishers, beginning with her first sale (from the slush pile) in 1995 to Simon & Schuster. Her books have earned starred reviews and honors such as School Library Journal Best Book and Bank Street College Best Book. Rhonda holds a master’s in educational media and is a former learning disabilities teacher. She lives in Orchard Lake, Michigan, with her husband, Gary, in a house overflowing with books. They have four grown children and four adorable grandchildren—all voracious readers! Visit her online at https://rhondagowlergreene.com/

FaceBook:  Rhonda Gowler Greene
Instagram: @rhondagowlergreene 

 

Elizabeth Harding (left); Curtis Brown, NYC

 

Book Birthday Blog With Kate Rietema

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Kate Rietema on the release of Little Stable, Holy Night

 

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

Little Stable, Holy Night was inspired by our family’s love of hospitality. Many years ago, we decided to make room for others by becoming a foster home. In a way, I’ve always thought of our house like a personified character—opening her doors to others. With this image in mind, I thought, what if I wrote the Christmas story from the perspective of the stable? Sharing our home has always felt like special work, and I wondered if the stable would’ve felt the same as she welcomed animals, visitors, and baby Jesus.   

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

In this story, the stable offers the invitation of “Come,” which points towards Jesus’ invitation to each of us.  I want readers to feel that warm invitation, and then be inspired to extend that invitation to others—with open arms and open doors—just like Little Stable. 

 

 

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

You can find my book on Amazon or B&N, ask for it at your local bookstore, or request a copy from your library. 
 
Working with the wonderful marketing team at Paraclete Press, we created an activity pack and educator guide available on my website at https://www.katerietema.com/. There will be story time events at a couple of my favorite book stores, including Baker Book House in Grand Rapids on December 5—so consider yourself invited, I’d love to meet you! I also have a handful of school visits on the calendar.

 

What's next for you? 

In January of 2027, Paraclete Press will release the partner book for Little Stable, Holy Night called Holy Morning, Little Tomb, which is the Easter story told from the perspective of Jesus’ tomb.
 
I also have an unannounced poetry book and unannounced board book series that will hit shelves in 2027 and 2028, respectively. 

More about the book . . . 

One evening, as a star rises high in the lavender sky, Little Stable feels cold and empty. She invites more and more animals and visitors to curl up in her shelter, but it still feels like someone is missing. When she hears the cry of a baby, Little Stable knows that He is the one she’s been waiting for.  

Published By: Paraclete Press 

More about the author . . . 

Kate Rietema is the author of several children’s books including When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful and All the Babies: A First Book About Adoption. Kate also loves writing for magazines—she’s a regular contributor for Highlights High Five, and has nearly 100 articles, poems, and stories in a wide variety of print publications. When she’s not writing, Kate works as a labor/delivery nurse, hikes with her dog, and reads to her kids. She lives with her husband and five daughters in a happy red house in Michigan. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paracletebooksforkids/, https://www.instagram.com/paracletepress/, https://www.instagram.com/katerietema/, https://www.instagram.com/bbbbruno_art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paracletepress, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKateRietema

Website: https://www.katerietema.com/ 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog With Natalia Iacobelli

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Natalia Iacobelli on the release of Painting the Light

 

 

 

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

Berthe Morisot began taking up residence in my imagination as a possible children’s book idea about six years ago. My children were very young, and I became enamored with the picture book biography art form—the interplay between text and image, that synergy between words and art. My background is in art history, and I went looking for a picture book about Morisot to read to my kids. When I discovered that it didn’t exist, I took it upon myself to write the book! The story was already pulsing with life—it was just waiting to be told.

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

My hope for the book is that it continues the conversation sparked by Linda Nochlin's 1971 question: "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?" I want to get people thinking, and asking themselves why Morisot, one of the founders of Impressionism, has been left out of the narrative, while artists like Monet, Renoir, and Degas are so well known. I also hope Morisot’s personal story of resilience manages to strike a hopeful chord with young readers, reminding them that setbacks can be overcome with determination, courage, and persistence. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? 

The most difficult part was two-fold. First, it was telling Morisot’s extraordinary life story in the digestible format of a book for children. There were so many details I had to chisel out to get to the heart of the story and craft a compelling narrative in sparse but beautiful prose. Second, it was finding the throughline for telling her story. My first few iterations, which described her life story without a strong underlying theme, fell flat. It was only after threading through the motif of light that this sort of alchemy took place.  

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

I plan to promote the book through a combination of outreach to bookstores and libraries, as well as engagement with communities interested in art history and women artists. I’ll also be sharing it through interviews, social media, and reader communities. The book can be found in independent bookstores, major online retailers, library systems—and hopefully in museum gift shops! 

What's next for you? 

I just signed a contract for another picture book, introducing a little-known slice of history, with another wonderful publisher. I couldn’t be more excited to tell this incredible story! 

More about the book . . . 

Ever since she was little, Berthe Morisot chased light. She found it in keyholes and flower petals, shimmering fabric and rustling leaves, and her dream was to paint it all. Living in Paris, Berthe was trained to copy the style of Old Masters and stay inside the lines. And more importantly, she was told respectable women could not become professional painters. The more Berthe painted, the more she yearned for the light that inspired her. One day, she met a group of rebel artists who, like her, were tired of art's rigid rules. Together, they led a movement, and Berthe shone a light on women's lives through art in ways no one had before. This powerful untold story details the life and legacy of the only female founder of Impressionism. 

Published by: Reycraft Books 

More about the author . . . 

Natalia Iacobelli is an author and translator with a passion for uncovering the overlooked stories of historical figures—especially women who made history with a paintbrush. She works with museums and galleries worldwide to bring art to life for international audiences. She holds degrees in art history and Italian literature and enjoys crafting picture books that bring real-life stories to young readers. She lives in Detroit, Michigan with her husband and three children. 

Instagram: @nataliaiacobellibooks

Bluesky: @nataliaiacobelli.bsky.social

X: @nataliaico

 

 

 

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 Dino-Helpers

 

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

We plan each title in the series, years in advance. When my editor asked me what titles I would like to write for the new Dino-World iteration (Same dinos, new things to do!), I wrote out a list of fun topics I’d love to see the dinos explore. My publisher then decides which book I should work on next.

During the pandemic, we all experienced how much we rely on helpers--the folks who are there, day and night, when we need them. 

In Dino-Helpers, I wanted to highlight those workers but also show how kids can be helpers in small ways.

 

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

I want kids to feel empowered by the book. When they read about dinos helping a friend who scraped a knee—a small gesture that shows kindness and empathy—I hope that they can see the hero inside themselves. Realize that it’s those empathetic, everyday gestures that make people beautiful. 

 

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

The book can be ordered from your local independent bookstore or online. Many libraries will also have the title. I will be at the Sand Creek Arts and Crafts show on Nov. 20th. 

What's next for you? 

We continue with Dino-World titles. Fall of 2027 brings Dino-Construction. (It’s also the 20th anniversary of the Dino series!)
 
The following year brings Dino-Camping as well as a stand-alone title with RandomHouse Studios called Nobody Noticed Ghost. 

More about the book . . . 

When things go wrong, look for the Dino-Helpers! This dino-neighborhood is home to crossing guards, veterinarians, nurses, park rangers, and more.
 
Day or night, they’re always trying to lend a hand. Whether they’re finding lost puppies or fixing traffic jams, these dinos are here to save the day! 

Published by: Carolrhoda Books/Lerner 

More about the author . . . 

Award -winning author, Lisa Wheeler, is passionate about children’s books. “I love everything about them, including the smell!” She’s published over 65 books for children, including a series about fun-loving dinosaurs, an easy reader series, four books of poems, and creative nonfiction for the very young. “As far back as I can remember, I’ve been a rhymer. Wordplay excites me!” 

Lisa's newest books are It Takes a Family to Serve, Dino-School, and Someone Builds the Dream. Lisa lives in Michigan with one husband, one dog and an assortment of anthropomorphic animals. Check out her website at https://www.lisawheelerbooks.com/  

Facebook: Lisa Wheeler Children's Books

Instagram: @littlelisais6

 

 

 
 

Book Birthday Blog With Kelly Darke

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Kelly Darke on the release of The Geometree

 

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

Most mathematics teachers I know love a good pun. I recall early on in my teaching career seeing the play on words of a Geometree (a tree full of polygons and common geometric shapes) in a math cartoon. In 2018, I participated in picture book author Tara Lazar’s Storystorm Challenge where participants are challenged to come up with 30 picture book ideas in the month of January. During that challenge, the Geometree pun popped into my head as an idea for a picture book and I never looked back.  

What was the most difficult part of writing the book? 

When I began work on The Geometree, I was about one year into my Math Book Magic blog (currently this blog resides on my website: https://fairymathmother.com/ where I shared what I called magical math books that I read with my children. A magical math book is a book that inspires mathematical wonder and joy. With the blog, I had set a high bar for the type of book I sought out for my own children and students and for the type of book I wished to write. While I adored the books on my blog, my Geometree manuscript was falling short. 
 
The Geometree began as a picture book with the tree being the sole character in the book, sort of like the picture book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert. And I loved the math concept of a tree that could make EVERY shape.  I mean, come on, a magical tree that could make an infinite number of triangles, an infinite number of quadrilaterals, an infinite number of pentagons and so on and so on. As I worked on this idea, I couldn’t pass a tree on my daily walk without noticing the shapes of its leaves and thinking about the book. While I loved exploring the mathematics and idea of this magical tree, I could not figure out any endearing or engaging story that worked while I was focusing on only the tree.  
 
It took a while to find my way into that story, about five years and over forty drafts. After I introduced another character, a curious little girl named Mira, the story between the tree and the girl began to (pardon my pun) take shape. Even so, I still didn’t have a satisfying ending.  One more year of putting the book away in a virtual drawer, I had created enough space for the ending to come to me.  Once I got that, I felt like the book was ready to share with readers. 

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

I hope the story and illustrations will open readers' minds up to the infinite variety and wonder of geometric shapes. I hope they are inspired to notice and marvel at the wonderful leaf shapes they see the next time they pass under a tree. 

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

The Geometree just came out in early August, so I am right at the beginning of the marketing journey. In the coming month, I plan to visit some of the book stores in my local area to see if The Geometree would be a good fit for their store. I am lucky to have so many lovely bookstores within driving distance from my home. For now, The Geometree is available online at Bookshop.com, Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon.com.  I plan to be at different Michigan festivals and book fairs through the coming year to share the book with readers. The best way to find out which events and when is to follow me on social media. 

What's next for you?

During the school year I am quite busy with teaching and my own children (I have three children that play hockey and various other activities), however I hope to attend book events on the weekends and during next summer. Michigan has so many lovely book events, I’m looking forward to connecting with readers and sharing some math wonder and joy. Additionally, I plan to continue to share math book magic for years to come through my books and my website https://fairymathmother.com/.

More about the book . . .

One spring morning, curious young Mira discovers a mysterious tree unlike any she has seen before—the magical Geometree, a nearly extinct wonder with the power to create leaves in every imaginable shape. With each wish, Mira explores triangles, quadrilaterals, stars, snowflakes, and beyond, discovering the beauty of geometry all around her. Season after season, she and Geometree turn math into magic, blending nature, imagination, and design. A lyrical celebration of creativity and curiosity, The Geometree invites readers to play with patterns, explore STEM concepts, and discover that they, too, can be shape-makers.

Published by: Nightlight Stories the children's book imprint of Mission Point Press

More about the author . . . 

Kelly Darke holds a Doctorate of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Illinois Chicago, and has taught mathematics at both the middle school, high school and college levels. She currently teaches 7th and 8th grade mathematics at St. Hugo of the Hills School. She lives in West Bloomfield with her husband and three children and never misses an opportunity to admire the shapes her local American Basswood, Black Cherry and Sugar Maple trees make.  

Instagram: @kellydarkemath

X: @fairymathmother

Website:  https://fairymathmother.com/

 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog With Kelsey E. Gross

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Kelsey E. Gross on the release of Fall: A Seasons Story

 

 

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

I wanted to spend more time with the characters from Winter: A Solstice Story and Summer: A Solstice Story and imagined the gorgeous fall scenes Renata could create. Luckily, our editor agreed!  
 
The trick was coming up with an idea that would fit with the other books in the series but would also be unique. I wanted to add a new character and thought the monarch butterfly would be a great choice for the season.
 
As I started writing, I remembered a day on Lake Superior with a special friend who was around 8 years old at the time (shoutout to Lauren!). She found an injured butterfly, and together we built a comfy “home” for it using materials we found on the beach. I borrowed this idea for Fall, having the woodland creatures care for Monarch while she made a stop on her migration journey.  

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

As with the other books in the series, I hope it feels like a joyful celebration of the season. This book also emphasizes friendship – even across distance – and how to take care of others. 

What inspires you to write? 

Picture books are so powerful. I’m inspired by the joy that books can bring kids, and the special moments adults and children have when they read together. It is an honor to have a small part in that. 

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

I’ll be leading storytimes and doing book signings at a few fall festivals, and will visit bookstores, libraries and schools. I’m working on a hike and fall storytime with a local organization near my home in the U.P., which will be lovely.

What's next for you? 

We will finish the series with Spring: A Seasons Story in spring 2028, also illustrated by Renata Liwska. Get ready for another (adorable) new character and some sweet spring scenes!

More about the book . . . 

Fall is here, and so is a new friend! Monarch is making her way south before winter arrives, and she needs a safe place to rest. Owl, Mouse, Duck, Rabbit, Squirrel, Chickadee, and Raccoon are ready to lend a helping hand. Soon it’s time for Monarch to continue on her journey, but first a celebration of the season reminds everyone that even when things change, the friends will always have each other.

Published by: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster 

More about the author . . . 

Kelsey E. Gross aims to write books that inspire readers to care for each other and the natural world. She is the author of Winter: A Solstice Story, Summer: A Solstice Story, Fall: A Seasons Story, and the forthcoming Spring: A Seasons Story, all illustrated by Renata Liwska (Paula Wiseman/Beach Lane, Simon & Schuster). When she’s not writing, you can find her skiing or biking through the woods near her home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Find her online at https://kelseyegross.com/

Instagram: @kelseyegross

Bluesky: @kelseyegross.bsky.social

 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Pria Dee

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Pria Dee on the release of Me & My Long, Long Hair

 

 

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

Me and My Long, Long Hair is a heartwarming story that is inspired by my own journey! When I first set foot in the USA from India, my incredibly long hair became both a source of pride and a challenge as I navigated the complexities of American fashion. One pivotal moment came when a colleague shared his sister's courageous battle with cancer. Moved by their story, I decided to donate my hair to Locks of Love.  
 
Having lost loved ones to the disease, cancer awareness has remained close to my heart. My daughter, who followed in my footsteps and donated her beautiful hair,  encouraged me to raise awareness, and Sita’s story was born. It’s a story about the importance of community, kindness, and hope.  

What was the most difficult part about writing the book? 

Crafting a story that resonates with a young audience, especially when addressing a sensitive topic like childhood cancer, is not easy. I sought the perspectives of several young readers to beta-read my draft, and their invaluable feedback helped me refine the narrative. This story holds immense significance for me, as I’ve experienced the loss of loved ones to cancer. Because of this connection, I was particularly diligent about ensuring the illustrations captured the emotion and essence of the story. It took multiple revisions, guided by the insights of my editor and reviewers, to achieve the right balance, and I’m grateful for their support in this heartfelt journey. 

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

Here are a few messages I hope the book imparts;
 
Embrace Your Authentic Self: Be proud of who you are inside and out. In a world influenced by social media trends, we must remember that true beauty comes from authenticity.
 
The Power of Small Acts: Even the smallest gesture, like a smile, can make a significant difference. Our kindness can uplift others and enrich our own lives.
 
Cultivating Compassion: Let’s avoid judging others. Everyone faces unseen struggles, so let’s approach one another with empathy and understanding.
 
I hope my young readers will learn to celebrate everyone’s uniqueness, practice kindness, and create a compassionate community together. 

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

I'm excited to share that Me and My Long, Long Hair is now available on Amazon and IngramSpark! The feedback has been incredibly positive, with great reviews from Kirkus, BookLife, and Midwest Book Review, and I even received a “Get It” Award from Kirkus! 
 
To generate more excitement, I’ve scheduled a Goodreads giveaway for the Kindle version, which I hope will encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences.
 
I’m also planning to drop off free copies at local libraries, bookstores, and school libraries. It’s wonderful to connect with my community, and I’ve been working hard to grow my social media following. It can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s all part of the journey!
 
I can't wait to attend various book events to spread the word and share my passion for storytelling.

My book launch will be at Correanders bookshop at Gross Pointe on Sunday August 23rd at 2.30 pm. 

On top of that, I’ll be joining the “Walk for Childhood Cancer” for St. Jude’s on August 29, 2026, in Royal Oak, MI! I’ve formed my own team and would love for friends and family to join me in this effort to raise awareness for childhood cancer. 

What's next for you?

I'm currently busy with a lyrical bedtime book that celebrates the breathtaking beauty of Nature in Michigan! 
 
I've also sent out several manuscripts for critique, including a whimsical fairytale retelling that I can’t wait to bring to life. 

On top of that, I'm cooking up a couple of fun projects: a circular tale that’s sure to captivate and a book that explores a world of possibilities! 
 
A couple of middle grade novel ideas have taken root in my brain, and I can feel them growing. One has the elements of a fantasy series, and another a historical mystery series.  I can't wait to see where they take me! 

More about the book . . .

When Sita starts at her new school, she wishes she could blend in. But her long, gleaming hair makes that impossible. Everyone notices it. Everyone comments on it. And Sita isn’t sure she wants to stand out at all.

With gentle encouragement from her mom, she begins to see her hair not as something that sets her apart, but as something uniquely hers. Just as she’s learning to embrace it, Sita hears a story that changes everything — a child her age is battling cancer and has lost her hair during treatment.

Suddenly, Sita’s biggest insecurity becomes the source of her greatest courage.

As she wrestles with a life‑changing decision, Sita discovers that sometimes the things we’re most self‑conscious about can become the gifts that make the world brighter.

Published by: Self

More about the author . . . 

Pria Dee is an award-winning children’s author dedicated to creating stories that celebrate individuality, empathy, and the richness of human difference. In her picture book Me & My Long, Long Hair, she explores the experience of a young girl whose hair sets her apart, offering a heartfelt message about self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of a mother’s love.

Drawing inspiration from everyday life, current events, and her vivid imagination, Pria writes stories that encourage young readers to see themselves in others while appreciating the perspectives that make each person unique. She believes children’s literature should be both meaningful and relatable, helping readers build compassion, confidence, and understanding.

Through her work, Pria Dee has established a distinctive voice in children’s literature, one grounded in warmth, cultural awareness, and emotional honesty. Her stories are crafted to inspire children to embrace who they are, connect with others, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. 

Websites:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18001718.Pria_Dee 

https://www.priadee.com/ 

Social Media:

https://x.com/authorpriadee 

https://www.instagram.com/priadeeauthor/ 

https://www.facebook.com/priadeeauthor 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog With Leslie Helakoski

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Leslie Helakoski on the release of Fake Gnus

 

 

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

The original idea for this story came in the summer of 2019 while I was hiking on Isle Royale, the national park in Lake Superior. The island is known for its moose population and as my group hiked we listened and hoped to spot one or two.
 
But every time we heard something, it turned out NOT to be a moose. And I would think…Fake Moose. At home I tried writing a story about spotting a moose but it didn’t feel original and it just wasn’t singing. For the next 5 years, off and on, I worked on different versions. Finally, I let go of the missing moose and decided to play around with GNUS and NEWS and the importance of media literacy. I thought the need for this topic was only increasing. Plus, when I got to the last pages, there was a perfect spot to end the book with a missing moose!

You wrote and illustrated the book. Please describe your creative process. 

The art for Fake Gnus is watercolor and pastel on Arches hot press watercolor paper. I start with a rough dummy to establish a layout  and design for the book. Then I choose my favorite illustration and transfer it to the Arches paper including the text as a design element. I use Windsor Newton watercolors and Rembrandt pastels along with cut newspaper to emphasize the topic of news. 
 
Then, I push myself to make all my subsequent illustrations just as interesting. 

 

 

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

I hope readers will be reminded to ask kids where information comes from and to question the source. This is important even for young kids. I was a big Encyclopedia Brown fan when I was young and enjoyed making this into a mini-mystery.

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

I have been posting on blogs and setting up book signings. Some of these dates below have not been finalized. 

                 I will be at McLean and Eakin in Petoskey, MI on August 11.
                 Highlights Foundation on September 15-19
                 Louisiana Book Festival, Baton Rouge, LA October 31
                 Cavalier Books in Lafayette, LA  November.
                 Barnes and Noble, Lafayette, LA November
                 Book People in Austin, TX in November
 
Fake Gnus is available in most bookstores or online at Bookshop (which supports independent bookstores) https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=helakoski
It is also available on Amazon.

What's next for you?

Next up…a book with Cathy Gendron called Crab Did It will be published by Charlesbridge in May of 2027. I’ve been a fan of Cathy’s work since we met years ago. We talked for years about collaborating on a project and when this came along, it was a perfect fit. Again, it is a mystery to find out who is pinching on the reef and who is not. No swimming to conclusions!

More about the book . . .

The gnu pen is empty! So where are the gnus? There are many different clues to follow, and it’s up to Scoop to decide if the evidence he hears and sees is true … or not! Someone tells Scoop they saw the gnus eating ice cream in Central Park. But this news site says they’re climbing the Empire State Building. And here’s a photo showing the gnus at a dairy farm. Can all of these sources be real gnus? Or are they fake gnus? Scoop reminds us that a fact is something that can be proven to be true. With every new source, Scoop always checks the facts! 

Published by: Groundwood Books 

More about the author . . . 

Leslie Helakoski is the author and sometimes illustrator of 17 picture books. Her newest addition is Fake Gnus, a School Library Journal selection (Groundwood Publishing). Recent titles are When the Rain Came Down (FSG) and Gator’s Big Mouth (Pelican). Upcoming titles are Crab Did It, and Crabby Claude (Putnam).
 
Leslie’s award-winning books are known for their humor and word play. Woolbur (HarperCollins) was nominated for book awards in 14 states, winning honors in Florida and Michigan. It was a Book Sense Hot Pick, a Gift of Literacy book in Oregon and a Great Lakes Book Award finalist. Big Chickens (Dutton) received starred reviews in SLJ and Kirkus, won the Michigan Reads One State One Book Award, the Great Lakes Great Books award and was nominated for awards in 5 states. 

Leslie served as a Regional Advisor for SCBWI Michigan and is now RA Emeritus. She runs a picture book workshop at Boyds Mills (Highlights) each summer. She divides her time between southern Louisiana and northern Michigan. See more about her books at https://www.helakoskibooks.com/.

Facebook: Leslie Helakoski
Instagram:  @helakoskibooks