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 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 Summer: A Solstice Story

 

 

Your debut book released in October 2023. What are the challenges with having two books released within a few months?

It’s working out surprisingly well – the excitement and energy has continued from one book to the next. I learned a lot from my first round of events for Winter: A Solstice Story and feel more confident and prepared for this launch. I’m also being more strategic this time by focusing on marketing/promotion tasks that I enjoy most, like library storytimes. That said, I’ll be ready for a breather in fall with more time for writing! 

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

This book represents my wish for all young people. I hope they go into the world knowing they are loved and have their own special light to share. I also hope the book encourages readers to use their imagination and to connect with the wonders of nature in summertime. 

What inspires you to write? 

Picture books are so powerful. They help children explore new ideas, use their imagination, and open their hearts. Picture books also foster a special connection between a child and caregiver as they read together, which is so important for child development. I love the idea of having a small part in these amazing moments!

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

I’m doing some blogs and social media promotion, but I’m most excited about the events at libraries, bookstores, and nature centers, which will include storytime, a sing-along, and crafts to celebrate the summer season.
 
All events are on my website at kelseyegross.com. You can find Summer: A Solstice Story at your local independent bookstore or bookshop.org. It’s also available through Barnes & Noble, Target, and Amazon.

What's next for you?

I have a third picture book under contract and hope to share information soon. In the meantime, I’m working on more picture book manuscripts and experimenting with middle grade, board books, and poetry. You never know where a new creative path will take you!

More about the book . . .

It’s early morning, and the forest seems silent, but life is all around. As the sun shines through the pines, one by one the animals wake. Owl, Squirrel, Raccoon, Bear, Sparrow, Rabbit, Woodpecker and Deer gather to celebrate summer and offer loving wishes as they send their young into the world. Summertime is here for all to share!

Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster

More about the author . . .

Kelsey E. Gross grew up in Wisconsin and lived in New Mexico and California before returning to the Midwest. She now lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her family. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking or skiing in the woods. She is the author of Winter: A Solstice Story, also illustrated by Renata Liwska. Find her online at kelseyegross.com.

Instagram and X: @kelseyegross

 

 

 

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 Winter: A Solstice Story

 

Congratulations on your debut picture book! Where did you get the idea for your story?

I’ve always enjoyed marking the change of seasons, and especially the arrival of winter. In early winter 2020, I found myself imagining how woodland animals might observe the winter solstice. Many traditional celebrations across cultures feature light, such as bonfires or candles, along with feasting, storytelling, and gift-giving.
 
An image of a “solstice tree” came to mind, with various animals offering well-wishes and gifts to decorate the tree. I was toying with this idea when Susanna Leonard Hill announced the guidelines for her annual Kidlit Holiday Writing Contest; that year, all entries had to focus on “helping.” The line, I can help to shine the light! came to mind, and I soon had a draft featuring this repeated line. I was thrilled to be a finalist in the contest and lengthened the story before submitting it to my agent. 

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

In the story, each animal offers a gift of hope and light for all creatures. In turn, I hope the book encourages children to think about ways they too can be a source of light, hope, and kindness in the world. There’s also a theme about our connectedness and the importance of welcoming others. Finally, I hope to inspire readers’ sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.  

What inspires you to write? 

In terms of story ideas, I find a lot of inspiration in nature, and I like to go right to the source by hanging out with little kids! I also read a lot of picture books. Reading others’ work helps spark my own ideas.
 
I’m motivated to write picture books because I believe they’re uniquely powerful. The combination of text and pictures intensifies the emotional impact, and there’s an amazing warmth and connection between a child and a caregiver when they read together. I am honored to think I might have a small part in creating those special moments.

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

The book is available through links on the Simon & Schuster website and wherever books are sold. I’m partnering with a few independent bookstores in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan to do winter-themed storytimes and book signings in November and December. In Houghton, I’ll do an event with the library on the solstice, and a story walk along a snowshoe/hiking trail in partnership with the Keweenaw Land Trust.
 
I also joined PBSpree, which is a group of 2023 debut picture book authors. We review each other’s books and boost each other on social media. It’s been wonderful to take a team approach to marketing and promotion. 

What's next for you? 

The follow up book, Summer: A Solstice Story (also illustrated by Renata Liwska) releases in 2024. I’ve seen some of the illustrations, and they’re absolutely stunning. It’s filled with warm, vivid colors and adorable fuzzy baby animals! I can’t wait to share it.

More about the book . . .

Deep in the forest, it is dark and cold, and the quiet of winter is all around. Owl watches sunlight dim to a shimmer. Who can help Owl to shine the light and share a gift of hope on this winter evening? Along come Deer, Squirrel, Mouse, Duck, Rabbit, Raccoon and Chickadee, and together they welcome a new friend to join in their winter solstice celebration. 

Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster

More about the author . . . 

Kelsey E. Gross grew up in Wisconsin and lived in New Mexico and California before returning to the Midwest. She now lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her partner, son, and silly, snow-loving pup. When she’s not writing, she looks for owls and other forest friends while hiking and skiing in the woods. Winter is her picture book debut. Find her online at https://kelseyegross.com/, or on Instagram and Twitter @kelseyegross.