Book Birthday Blog with Kristen Uroda

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Kristen Uroda on the release of Scientists Like Me: Stories, Advice, and Inspiration from 25 Trailblazers with Experiments to Try at Home

 

 

Your work includes a variety of genres, clients and projects, and this year, you have two new books releasing. How do you keep yourself organized?

My biggest secret isn’t fancy, I’m afraid! After more than a decade juggling illustration and graphic design alongside school or a full-time job, I’ve learned through trial-and-error what I can realistically take on and where my limits are.
 
For me, staying organized means being clear-eyed about what’s sustainable. Sometimes that means turning down projects to protect my health and sanity because I see this work as a marathon, not a sprint. So if saying no to a gig means I can enjoy dinner with my family tonight, sleep well, and avoid burnout later down the line, then that’s absolutely worth it to me.
 
Beyond that, I lean on project management skills I’ve picked up over the years that I definitely didn’t learn in art school! I’m normally a pretty optimistic person, but when I plan, I look at things with a very pessimistic mindset: I think about the unexpected hiccups like power outages, getting sick, or delayed feedback, and how I know I’ll always hit a few spreads that take three times longer than I expect. For editorial work, there’s fewer surprises because the turnaround is so tight, but for picture books I build in my own buffer time so I’m not derailed by the inevitable surprises and I can reasonably manage more than one large project at a time.

Which illustration is your favorite in the book and why?

It’s hard to pick just one because they were all such a joy to create! But Jane Goodall’s portrait stands out in my memory as I really admired Dr. Goodall as a child, so it felt especially meaningful to illustrate her. Throughout the book, we assigned each field of study its own color palette—Medicine, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and so on. Jane falls under Social Sciences, which was represented with purple. But of course, she’s so closely tied to the deep, green jungles where she did her pioneering work! Using the designated purple palette with hints of green was a fun creative puzzle, and I love how it turned out.

 

 

Jane Goodall

What do you hope readers will take away from the book? 

I hope readers come away thinking: science is cool! I love how this book highlights a wide range of scientists—both familiar faces and inspiring new voices so my biggest hope is that every reader finds someone they connect with and feels motivated to explore and ask questions, just like these scientists did. 

 

 

Karlyn Beer

 

 

Alan Turning

 

 

Nadine Caron

 

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

Hachette Book Group is handling most of the marketing and outreach, and I’m excited to see the book make its way to science fairs, classrooms, and libraries where curious minds can discover it.
 
But it’s available wherever books are sold! 

What's next for you? 

As shared previously, I’m currently illustrating my 5th picture book and continuing to illustrate covers for the Race to the Truth series with Crown Books. Last year was pretty busy, so I’m taking it slow this year to recalibrate a bit, think about some personal projects, and learn how to garden a little too. 

More about the book . . . 

Perfect for science loving kids, this book offers engaging profiles of twenty-five diverse scientists in fields ranging from physics to medicine to programming, paired with hands-on activities that let young readers jump right into the work.
 
From doctors and physicists, mathematicians and marine biologists, to AI experts and more, Scientists Like Me profiles a diverse collection of historic and contemporary scientists and encourages readers to discover their own scientific passions.



Written in partnership with the Kamin Science Center, Scientists Like Me is the perfect book for any kid who loves observing and discovering. It’s for any adult hoping to invigorate a young person’s interest in science. Most of all, it’s for anyone who’s ever wondered about the incredible world around us and wanted to find out more. 

Published by:  Hachette Book Group

More about the author . . . 

Kristen Uroda is a Michigan-based artist who creates vibrant illustrations that inspire people to dream, hope, and imagine a better, kinder world. 



Beginning her career in editorial illustration, Kristen has expanded her work to include publishing, creating picture books and illustrated book covers. Known for her light, joyful style and bursts of color, Kristen uses her art to spark joy, inspire connection, and renew moral imagination. 

Bluesky: @kristenuroda.bsky.social

 

 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Deb Pilutti

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Deb Pilutti on the release of Fish Don't Go to School

 

 

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

I was having fun drawing kids in different animal costumes in my sketchbook and made a sample piece of art that had a boy in a fish costume. I really liked the image and wanted to keep painting him. 

 

 

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

I want kids to have a fun time reading and laugh at the silliness of Henry wearing a fish costume. Maybe they’ll think about what they’d like to wear on the first day of school, or what favorite items they would tuck away in a secret pocket, or what they do if they feel like they need a hug, but my main goal is always to create a story that feels true to the characters that inhabit it. 

 

 

What was the most difficult part of writing and illustrating this book?  

Usually, the story comes first for me, but this time, all I had was the character to start with. Well, really, I had two characters—Henry and the fish costume! The costume became a character who didn’t always react in the same way as Henry. I needed to find a scenario where a boy wearing a fish costume felt natural. I also needed to find the heart of the story.  I wrote a few different versions before I found something that I thought worked.

 

 

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

Christy Ottaviano Books/Little Brown handles marketing, but I’ll post on Instagram and Facebook. The book will be available at bookstores and online.

What's next for you? 

MY BEST FRIEND IS A LION is coming out in early 2026 with Penguin/Putnum.

More about the book . . . 

Henry loves the way he feels in his sparkly fish costume. He wears it everywhere he goes: to the grocery store, at the dinner table, and even when taking his fish, Marigold, for a walk. On his first day of school, Henry is feeling anxious. He wishes he could take Marigold with him, but his mom says fish don’t go to school. That’s okay—Henry knows just what to wear to make himself feel braver. 

This heartwarming story follows Henry as he faces his fears and makes new friends, all while staying true to himself. 

Published by:  Christy Ottaviano Books, an imprint of Little Brown Books for Young Readers

More about the author/illustrator . . .

Deb Pilutti writes and illustrates books for children with humor and candor. She feels lucky to have a job where reading, playing with toys and watching cartoons is considered “research.”

Deb lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband, Tom, and Australian Shepard, Tater.  

Instagram and bluesky @dpilutti

Facebook @Deb Folta Pilutti 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Kristen Uroda

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Kristen Uroda on the release of Miss Betti, What Is This? How Detroit's School Lunch Lady Got Good Food on the Menu

 

You create illustrations that inspire people to dream, hope, and imagine a better, kinder world. Please describe your creative process for this inspirational book.

The creative part felt really smooth. Lela Nargi’s script was rich enough to help me think of a lot of concepts and imagery, but light enough that I didn’t feel pigeonholed into illustrating scenes literally. Additionally, everyone I worked with at Sleeping Bear Press gave me a lot of leeway and freedom to go wild.
 
Since this was more autobiographical, I started by doing some research on Miss Betti—trying to read articles about her work and videos and interviews she’s done. The first thing that became really apparent was her joy and love for nurturing children through healthy foods and meals. And her smile was contagious! I knew I wanted to bring her playful energy into the book with some small pieces of humor. One of my favorite spreads is the one with the principal cowering from children surrounding him with their protest signs, demanding a salad bar and Miss Betti just laughing in the back. I love being able to lean a little zany when I can.
 
But overall, I wanted to imbue this feeling of community care and celebrating healthy food in schools, which I believe is every child’s right and our responsibility as adults and caregivers to advocate for. And I hope that spirit comes through—because when we champion healthy food in schools, we're nurturing children, certainly, but also the minds and bodies of tomorrow's innovators, leaders, changemakers, and community builders, and teaching them how to care for the generations that will come after them.

What was the most difficult part in illustrating the book? 

There really wasn’t one! If anything, just balancing the bright, rich colors.
 
I originally started out planning to transition the colors from boring and beige to colorful as the children learned to love healthy food, but whenever there were scenes with the children and Miss Betti, her brightness, determination, and energy was just getting drained whenever she was surrounded by more muted colors. I went through a few iterations of trying to get the right palette and eventually abandoned beige and went all in on the color.
 
Using more muted colors to make brighter ones pop more is certainly solid color theory advice, but sometimes you can be a rebel and break the rules. And because I had enough opportunities to play with facial expressions—boring or sad or grossed out—I didn’t need to ask the color to do the emotional heavy lifting of the story. Instead, I could lean into the bright blue of Miss Betti’s uniform and the rich “lunch tray” red.  

 

What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

I hope readers see Miss Betti's success story as proof that one person truly can transform an entire system. As her particular journey shows the incredible impact of having nourishing food in schools and the possibility of growing it ourselves through urban gardening, I hope readers feel inspired to get involved in similar advocacy—whether that's attending local school board meetings, advocating for urban gardens in city councils, or starting conversations about food justice in their own communities. Imagine the power of teaching upcoming generations not just to live in harmony with our earth, but to understand that caring for our environment and caring for each other are inseparable. Systemic change needs the momentum of many, but it can begin with one person's courageous action.

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

I’ll be working with Sleeping Bear Press to collaborate on the marketing together, but my hope is that, as it’s about a local Detroiter and Michigander, we can get this book in every school and library across Michigan—to start!
 
I also hope to distribute it to local urban gardens I've volunteered with, community centers, and food justice organizations as I think Miss Betti’s story is really lovely and inspirational and her story could be a great educational tool for leaders of those gardens and organizations.

What's next for you?

I’m currently illustrating my 5th picture book and continuing to illustrate covers for the Race to the Truth series with Crown Books. Last year was pretty busy, so I’m taking it slower this year to recalibrate a bit and think about some of my own stories I’d like to tell some day. :)    

More about the book . . .

Miss Betti knew wholesome, nourishing food. She also knew the kids in Detroit's public schools were not getting wholesome, nourishing lunches. Luckily, as Detroit's school lunch lady, Miss Betti had the power to make a change. She started small—with fresh apples and sweet potato fries—but soon she was filling lunch trays with a rainbow of tasty choices. And then, Miss Betti looked toward some of the empty city lots across Detroit. She started an urban gardening program to teach students about growing fruits and veggies—filling schools' salad bars with fresh fare.



A true story about big goals and small steps in America's Motor City.

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press 

More about the author . . .

Kristen Uroda is a Michigan-based artist who creates vibrant illustrations that
inspire people to dream, hope, and imagine a better, kinder world.
Beginning her career in editorial illustration, Kristen has expanded her work to
include publishing, creating picture books and illustrated book covers. Known
for her light, joyful style and bursts of color, Kristen uses her art to spark joy,
inspire connection, and renew moral imagination.

Bluesky: @kristenuroda.bsk.social

Book Birthday Blog with Kirbi Fagan

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Kirbi Fagan on the release of We Are the Scrappy Ones

 

You've created cover art for adult, YA, MG fiction and comic books, the picture book, The Summer of the Tree Army, and the middle grade novel, A Horse Named Sky. Describe your creative process and what inspires you. 

We Are the Scrappy Ones was a unique project. Living with an invisible illness since I was little, I knew first hand that capturing the heart of the scrappy ones is more than symptoms, diagnoses and wheelchairs. Inspiration for the illustrations came from every direction, the scrappy friends I've made along my journey, the team at Lerner and everyone involved in the making of the book. I hope my interpretations challenge the reader's assumptions about disability in every page turn.

What was the most challenging part of illustrating the book? 

The book is illustrated in a lot of different mediums. Pastel, crayons, colored pencils. There was a tremendous amount of scanning and digitally collaging involved to make the pages. Some areas of the text were also illustrated. The technical side of working traditionally is always an effort, but the overall scrappy style feels worth it in the end.  

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

I hope this book has the power to stir classrooms and bring new language to readers. The historical and impactful heroes is a great place of inspiration for readers to dig in.  

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

Scrappy Ones will be sold wherever books are sold! Check my website and facebook for videos and scrappy bonus material.  

What's next for you? 

This fall I'm going to be celebrating a new book with Lerner again but this time as an author-illustrator. The title is called, The Big Empty: A Sagebrush Survival Story.



People passing by call this land the big empty. / But I call it home.



In spare, poetic text written from the point of view of big sagebrush, readers are transported to the vast landscape of western North America. This incredibly resilient plant, which can live as long as one hundred years, provides food and shelter as well as shadows to conceal both predators and prey. After a wildfire passes through, it grows again and will thrive once more. Author and illustrator Kirbi Fagan captures the beauty of this essential plant in her lyrical words and richly detailed illustrations.

More about the book . . . 

We are the scrappy ones. / We live, we adapt, we defy. / Made of stardust and grit, we are spectacular.

Children with disabilities experience the world in all kinds of ways. Yet one thing they share is navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for them as they are. Existing on the edges can feel unfair—and downright exhausting. And at the exact same time, it can also foster creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability. In a word, scrappiness.

Author and disability advocate Rebekah Taussig has written a groundbreaking anthem of belonging that celebrates the wide range of disabled children and affirms their worth, just as they are. Luminous illustrations by Kirbi Fagan portray a diverse cast of characters living, learning, and playing. A warm, joy-filled book for disabled and non-disabled readers alike.

Publisher: Lerner/Carolrhoda

More about the author . . . 

Kirbi Fagan is a Michigan based, New York Best Selling illustrator. Her work includes the picture book The Summer of the Tree Army by Gloria Whelan (2021), We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussig (2025), A Horse Named Sky by Rosanne Parry (2023) as well as cover art in adult, YA, middle-grade, and comic books. Kirbi is driven to create books for readers like her. When she was growing up, arts and crafts were her lifeline as a way to cope with ongoing illness. Kirbi is traditionally trained as an oil painter, earning her bachelor's degree in Illustration from Kendall College of Art and Design. Her first author-illustrator project will debut fall 2025. 

For more about me and my work please visit: https://kirbifagan.com/

 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Dzvinka Hayda

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Dzvinka Hayda on the release of The Legend of the Dipper

 

 

You're the author and illustrator for the book. What was your inspiration for the story?

When I graduated from the Waldorf Institute with a degree in Waldorf Education, my Aunt Daria gifted me The Children's Hour, a book of children's stories. The Legend of the Dipper, written by American children's author Carolyn Sherwin Bailey in 1906, was included in this compilation of stories. I told this story to my students during my entire teaching career. I have now rewritten and illustrated the legend in my children's picture book.

You've written and illustrated your own books. What is your creative process? 

I think in pictures. The stories come to me as a sequence of pictures. First, I paint the images and then work on the words. The words are already there since I have told these stories many times throughout my teaching career. They do need to be refined and polished for the reading audience. There are 14 full-colored illustrations in each of my books, plus a cover, which I paint on canvas. With so much detail in the illustrations, it takes a tremendous amount of time. The text is revised multiple times and edited by several editors. Once done, everything gets turned over to my trusted designer for formatting. 

What was the most difficult part of creating the illustrations for the book?

I'm not sure if the word difficult applies. Since the Big Dipper is real, it was essential to illustrate it as it is. The illustration of the tin dipper rising into the sky and fixing itself amongst the stars gave me great pleasure as it came out just as I had hoped. 

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

I have used social media quite successfully. My book Little Angel's Journey sold over 5,000 copies and is going into its second printing. I have an outstanding seller, Bella Luna Toys, that caters to a gentle approach to childhood and promotes and sells my books. Ukrainian museums carry my books. Once a week, I blast new notices to FB groups, such as homeschoolers, libraries, and schools. I also post reviews on social media. I place my books on consignment at local bookstores. It is the social media that brings in the most sales. Kirkus Reviews also helps me get my books in front of readers.

What's next for you? 

I am in the process of creating three new books. One book is autobiographical but still geared toward young children. It is about my journey to the United States. The second is about how I grew up in a small town in the heart of Detroit and all the adventures that it offered. The third is a Ukrainian folktale about a Little Lame Duck. I have done my research on all three. Now it is the time to select which will be my next book to work on.

More about the book . . .

Katrusya and her mother love each other dearly. One day, the mother became ill, and since there was no running water in the house, Katrusya took a tin dipper and set off for the river to fetch water for her mother. She hopes to return home before it gets dark, but though she hurries as fast as she can, nighttime does come. 

By the time she reaches the river, Katrusya is very tired. Filling the dipper with cool water, she starts her journey home. Along the way, Katrusya meets a thirsty dog and a lovely lady. She must decide whether to share the water with them. She remembers how her mother always told her to be kind to others. 

Each time Katrusya shares the water, magical things begin to happen—the tin dipper changes to silver and then to gold.

But the most wonderful thing occurs when Katrusya's mother heals after drinking the water. Katrusya and her mother watch in awe as the dipper rises into the sky and glistens like diamonds amongst the million stars.  

Publisher: Trillium Forest Press

More about the author/illustrator . . . 

I was born in Kosiv, Ukraine, at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. I immigrated to the United States when I was seven and lived in New York's East Village. I began to draw as a young child and have not stopped since. I vividly remember my first box of crayons. It was so hot that the crayons softened and began to melt. They had to be placed in an ice box to harden. My family moved to Michigan, where I have lived since. I became a Waldorf educator, a system that teaches children through music and the arts. Part of the curriculum is oral storytelling. I would tell my students a story each day. Out of this grew a desire to write and illustrate these stories. Having limited time, my first book, Little Angel's Journey took several years to complete. Since then, I have published three more books, the newest being The Legend of the Dipper, which is making its debut. I established my own publishing company, Trillium Forest Press, and hired editors and book designers to do the work I was incapable of or did not have the time to do. I am a two-time winner of the Moonbeam Award—In 2007 for Little Angel’s Journey and in 2023 for Dzvinya’s Gift for Mama-A Ukrainian Story. This book also won the 2024 International Impact Award.  

https://www.dzvinkahayda.com/

Email: Dzvinbell@juno.com

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=dzvinya%27s%20gift%20for%20mama

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063481961087 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Amber Hawks Schaberg

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Amber Hawks Schaberg on the release of The Purple Dancing Triceratops

 

 

Please share a little about this book's journey. How did you come up with the idea?

I was the illustrator of the book. The author, Kimmie Gotch, found me after she read A Home For Spike, by Heather Vogel Frederick, which I illustrated. My direction for the artwork was for a younger, girly customer with a lot of pastel and sweet touches. I created a character with big expressions to help connect the readers with how Twinkle felt - her worry and her joy. 

What was the most difficult part of illustrating the book? 

Dinosaurs never danced, and to create them in anthropomorphic, graceful poses was challenging.  Their legs and wings don’t bend certain ways, so I tried to work around the natural way they could bend and move and push the poses to be more interesting.

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

Always be willing to try good, new things. You will be surprised at what you can accomplish!

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

Social media postings and school visits will be the primary marketing plans. It is available on Amazon and will be on other sites in the near future.

What's next for you?

I have written my own picture book manuscript and made a dummy book that I hope will find a good agent and publisher. And since we know it will be plenty cold in Michigan, we plan to get out of this frozen tundra and take the kids to Disney World this spring!

More about the book . . .

Twinkle sets off on a heartwarming adventure as she faces her fear of dancing. With the encouragement of her friends, Twinkle discovers that trying new things isn't as scary as it seems. This delightful story teaches children the importance of courage, friendship, and embracing the unknown.

Publisher: Gotch Media

More about the illustrator . . .

Amber had her first career in California as a fashion designer creating swimsuits for every clothing store you can think of. This gave her a keen eye for color palettes and patterns. Later, while entrenched in the role of a stay-at-home mom in Michigan, Amber got into the minds of her kids, their humor, and interests. This set her off on her original passion for drawing. She has illustrated seven children’s books, novels, and middle grade stories, and received honorable mention for “compelling use of image and typography, and engaging designs,” from the New England Museum Association (NEMA). Amber is a bird-feeding, jam-making, movie-going kind of lady.

Website: https://www.amberschaberg.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber.schaberg/

 

 

 


 

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 Winter!

 

 

What was the inspiration for your book?

My inspiration for this book was my love of children, nature, art and rhyme! With the publication of Woe is Me…It’s Autumn!, I was overwhelmed with joy seeing children’s smiling faces after reading the book to them, and their surprise at some of the new facts that they learned about the creatures we see every day. I knew right then that I had to keep going! Woe is Me…It’s Winter! is a beautiful continuation of the Woe is Me: The Seasons series, with adorable new woodland creatures to learn about. Kids discover interesting facts as to how each creature prepares for winter, and their life cycle throughout the seasons.  I absolutely love being able to teach kids about nature in a fun, colorful, rhyming way. 

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

With this book the most difficult part was deciding which facts I wanted to include and which ones to leave out.  I put a great deal of time into researching each character and in turn I myself learn so many interesting things that I want to share, that this book started out about 100 words longer than the other two. So trimming it down was the difficult part.  

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

I hope that children learn fun new facts about the creatures we see every day and what each new season brings.  Nature is fascinating, so for children to have fun learning all about it is truly accomplishing my goal.  

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

Woe is Me…It’s Winter! will be available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com, Walmart.com and everywhere books are sold on December 1st, 2024. These books are sold at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan, as they are also used in the educational programming at the zoo.  Additionally, they are available for purchase on my website along with free downloadable activity pages that coincide with the Woe is Me series. www.aftermanyyearsllc.com. 

What's next for you? 

This is the third book in the series, so I will be diligently working on Woe is Me…It’s Summer! next to complete the series. I am already looking forward to learning all about the next set of characters in the book. 

More about the book . . . 

Did you ever wonder what the woodland animals do when the cold winds start to blow and the snow begins to fall? Do they hibernate? Do they frolic in the snow? Find out in this fun and informative book about what animals, insects, and even humans do when the ground begins to freeze, the snow starts to fall, and winter arrives. 

Publisher: After Many Years Publishing

More about the author/illustrator . . .  

Amy grew up in Buffalo, New York and later moved to East Lansing, Michigan for law school at Michigan State University where she met her husband.  The majority of her legal career has been in child advocacy, as she has always had a great love of children.  Amy has four children with her husband, and it was with their love and support that she was able to follow her dream, to combine her love of teaching children, the beauty of nature and gift of rhyme and create the Woe is Me: The Seasons series.  

Facebook: After Many Years Publishing

Insta: @aftermanyyearspublishing

TikTok: After Many Years Publishing

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Martha Johnston

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Martha Johnston on the release of Iki and the Ocean Protectors

 

 

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

We knew we wanted to do another book in the Iki series, and as a board member of Regenerative Education Centers, which is a Hawaii based nonprofit, we’ve been working with the sea trees program for seven years, and it's been a really wonderful organization to partner with. Sea trees are native and restorative plants that can be planted along waterways and coastlines to protect the oceans and reefs from erosion, soot runoff and chemicals, so that we can keep our marine life safe and our ocean ecosystem safe.
 
With our regenerative agriculture projects on Maui, we've been planting 10s of 1000s of square feet of sea trees.  Which includes Our Mighty Ocean Protectors, mentioned in the book, Milo, Naupaka, and Vetiver and also coconut and other native plants. We wanted to teach families about how we can keep our oceans safe.

 

 

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

Readers will take away inspiration and hope that we can protect our planet and ally with plants and animals to make the world a better place, and even little kids can play a part in this, and this can be an adventure for the entire family to bond and get closer and take part in a bigger mission. Also that many kids may not see underneath the ocean, they'll just see the surface and they don't realize there's a whole other world underneath the water. We think about trees on the land, and we are taught to plant trees. And under the water, there's a forest of seaweed and coral a variety of sea life. So the awareness hopefully builds empathy.

 

 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

The most difficult part of writing this book was making a more complex scientific process friendly for our littlest little ones, and to also frame something that can be sad with the things happening on our planet and show that there are actually solutions, so that we don't lose hope for the future. 


For illustrating the book, at first I was thinking the dogs would need snorkels and oxygen tanks, but because it's a children's book I took a little artistic license and pretended the pups were able to breathe underwater. I wanted to include animals that were both land animals and sea animals to transition the pups into the water. We chose playful mudskippers and puppy-like baby seal that could play on the land and ocean with the pups.  The baby seal was shy so the mother nudged the baby other to meet Ulu. Iki was acting a little shy too, hanging back behind the surfboard. The Coral reef needed to be highlighted since they are dying off due to global warming. So we created a queen ending with a celebration ala Esther Williams water ballet. 

 

 

 

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

One of our big marketing plans for the book, from the beginning, was partnering with a larger organization to help with the marketing for every book sold of Iki and the Ocean Protectors, we are planting one square foot of Sea Trees. And having an established relationship with this organization definitely made things easier. And we are really excited to be able to have this book be a way that the organization can get even more donations and be supported by a new group of people, because we are mentioning them directly, and because we're donating with every book, we're going to be included on their website and in their holiday guide that is sent out to their email list, which is much larger than ours. We're also publishing it on Amazon and sharing on our social media so that more people can be reached. You can find it here: https://shop.thedirtyalchemy.com/collections/iki-and-his-mighty-friends

What's next for you?

We plan on continuing our Iki and his Mighty friends. There's talk of Maui land mammals. Or a kid’s cookbook. Since the character Ulu is named after an Ulu tree, which we plant here on Maui, produces breadfruit. There are many Hawaiin culture breadfruit recipes.
 
And  if luck will have it, our little dogs will have puppies, and then there'll be a whole new cast of characters.

More about the book . . .

When pollution threatens the sea, it’s time for Iki and his friends to step up and protect their ocean home!
 
Iki the curious little dog, his friend Ulu, and regenerative farmer Eddy embark on an underwater adventure. As they explore the magical world of sea creatures, from playful pufferfish to gentle whales, they discover a big problem: pollution is harming their ocean friends!
 
With the help of Milo Tree, Naupaka Shrub, and Vetiver Grass—strong and heroic plants called "SeaTrees"—Iki and his friends learn how to protect the ocean. From planting SeaTrees to making eco-friendly choices on land, they show us that even small actions can make a big difference.
 
Through this beautifully illustrated story, children will discover the magic of the ocean and how they can help keep it safe and healthy for all its inhabitants. Join Iki and his mighty friends as they become Ocean Protectors!
 
Dive into a magical underwater world where tiny actions make a big difference.
 
This book supports SeaTrees, a program of Sustainable Surf, that helps protect and restore coastal ecosystems. SeaTrees works with communities to plant mangroves, restore kelp forests, and more, helping reverse climate change by protecting our oceans. Learn more about the power of SeaTrees, visit their website: https://seatrees.org/
 
For every book purchased, 1 square foot of SeaTrees will be planted, helping restore these critical ecosystems and safeguard the ocean for future generations.

Publisher: Dirty Alchemy Inc

More about the author and illustrator . . .

Martha Johnston is an artist, graphic designer, and dog enthusiast. Inspired by her dog-grandchild, Iki, and their Maui farm, she created the Iki series to share the wonders of nature with young readers. Martha lives in Michigan with her husband and three dogs. You can find her at www.MarthaJohnstonArt.com.
 
Samantha Garcia is an author, digital marketer, and certified permaculture design specialist. She co-founded the non-profit Regenerative Education Centers with her husband, Eddy Garcia, in 2015. They live on their Maui farm with 2 dogs (Iki and Ulu), cat, sheep, peacocks, and a vibrant ecosystem of plants and animals.

Martha Johnston Instagram: @marthajohnstonart

Samantha Garcia Instagram: @thedirty alchemy

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Michele Beresford

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

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

 

Congratulations to Michele Beresford on the release of Leviathan Jones and the Sea Witch: Part 1

 

 

 

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

When I was about eleven, I started dreaming of characters who would come and tell me their stories. A favorite English teacher recommended that all of our class that year keep a journal by our bed so we could write down anything we felt was important before bed. I started writing down the stories that characters came to tell me. I’ve continued to do this throughout my life. For Leviathan Jones and the Sea Witch, it was Brody who first came into my dreams and told me of a boy who needed his story to be told.

 

 

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

As I wrote and then later illustrated this book, I came to see that this wasn’t just a book about good hearted robots and a boy. This story is about what a real family looks like. That’s what I want my readers to understand. This graphic novel is the first of 3 books that, on the surface tells a story of an epic sea adventure. As readers follow along, Leviathan is chasing this idea about what family is ‘supposed’ to be. He comes to realize that Brody, Grogan and the robots have shown him the meaning of friendship, loyalty and love. He sees that Brody may be made of metal but he would do anything for Leviathan. Families come in all shapes and sizes and colors and circumstances. It’s the love that counts. That’s what I hope readers will understand at the end of the series. 

What inspires you to write and illustrate? 

Since 2009, I have written other genres of books under a pen name. When Covid sent everyone into lockdown, my grandson, Finn inspired me to invent a rhyming game. We played it so much that it eventually became the book, Huggy, Muggy Do. Finn and I are listed as co-authors on that book. Since that book, I’ve found that I like telling stories for children of all ages. To get back to the question, what inspires me? I guess you could say this new generation in my family does. I also have a love of painting and drawing. Writing children’s and tween books lets me enjoy that part of me as well as an illustrator.

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

Leviathan Jones and the Sea Witch: A Graphic Novel Part 1 will be exclusively available as a printed novel through my website www.micheleberesford.com. The ebook will be available for Kindle. I usually publish all of my books with a very wide reach. This is my first graphic novel and I am hoping to do some book signings and meet my readers. Since I’m also the illustrator, I’m offering to do a drawing workshop featuring the characters from the book with every book signing. 

What's next for you? 

I am already working on drawing book 2 in this series. I hope to release book 2 for the summer of 2025 and then the final, third book will be available for Christmas/Yule of 2025. Since Leviathan Jones and the Sea Witch is also a novel, I am writing the sequel to that book which I hope to release in early 2026. Then, more graphic novels will follow. 

More about the book . . . 

The only thing that Leviathan Jones has known is a lonely life within Nautilus Castle. He’s been given the highest room in the tower away from the royal family. The townspeople whisper of secrets and the mysterious boy. Some say Leviathan is royalty. After all, he has a faithful robot, (Brody) just like the rest of the royal family. Some say the boy is dangerous; maybe even a sea monster.
 
Leviathan’s life changes overnight when a mystical package arrives addressed to him, followed by the song of mermaids. It will take an army of insect robots to help Leviathan escape the castle, retrieve the strange package and take the first step to knowing who he truly is. 

Publisher: Beresford Media and Barefooted Friar Publishing

More about the author . . . 

Michele Beresford is the author of several children’s books including, Huggy, Muggy Do, Mr. Kiwi: Trouble With Mr. Mow-It-All and Leviathan Jones and the Sea Witch (novel). When she isn’t writing and illustrating, she is a harpist and music teacher. Michele lives in Michigan with her family and her mysterious, black cat Gigi. She often leaves cake and tea out in her garden for the fairies (just in case) and loves to collect moonbeams in a jar during her evening kayaks.
 
https://micheleberesford.com/

Instagram: WriterHarpist