Author Kelsey Gross on Monarchs, Friendship, and Fall- plus a GIVEAWAY! « Lydia Lukidis
Author Kelsey Gross on Monarchs, Friendship, and Fall- plus a GIVEAWAY!
Hello world!!
Welcome to my kidlit blog, Blissfully Bookish. This week, I’m delighted to feature a beautiful nonfiction picture book that celebrates the magic of fall and the changing world around us. I’m especially happy to feature this book because this author is a member of one of my book promotional groups. Please say hello to Kelsey Gross, here to tell us about Fall―A Seasons Story: A Cozy Autumn Tale for Kid illustrated by Renata Liwska and published by Beach Lane Books / Simon & Schuster.
BUT first- YAY! Kelsey is generously giving away either a FREE signed book (U.S. only) OR a picture book critique (up to 700 words)- contest ends October 16, 2026.
Please describe the journey to publication and inspiration for Fall: A Seasons Story.
As I brainstormed ideas related to the fall season, monarchs’ migration seemed like a perfect fit. Monarchs are beautiful, kids love them, and their incredible journey makes for a good story.
I remembered a day on Lake Superior with a special friend who was around eight 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 makes a stop on her migration journey.
I love how you make the science and seasonal information accessible to children by turning the animals into characters. Did you start with that character driven approach, or did the content and research come first and the characters develop from there?
For all the books in this series, I started with a character-driven approach, but the science/seasonal information gave me boundaries. For example, in Winter, I featured animals that winter over in the north woods. In Summer, I wrote about young animals who are ready to venture out on their own around that time of year. Fall is focused on monarch migration.
I always do some research to make sure I have the details right. For Fall, I spoke with a butterfly expert to learn about monarchs’ life cycle, food, conditions for flying, etc. to make sure the story aligned as much as possible with real monarchs’ journey.
You’ve now created a series with Solstice & Seasons. How did the original book lead to a series deal, and what do you think helped convince the publisher that these characters and this concept had room to grow into multiple books?
Each book was a separate deal – they weren’t originally contracted as a series. After Winter: A Solstice Story came out, one of my critique partners offhandedly asked, “You’re doing the summer solstice too, right?” I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it! I wrote Summer: A Solstice Story and my agent pitched it to my editor, who luckily agreed to publish it. I think we were all imagining the gorgeous summer scenes Renata could create and pictured it as an ideal companion to Winter.
Later, my agent and I approached my editor about doing a fall or spring book. She agreed to consider it, but there was no guarantee. I created Fall using a similar structure and friendship theme as the other books but included a new character – Monarch. This added interest and made the story distinctive from the previous titles. I also included back matter about monarch migration. While the back matter didn’t make it into the final book, I like to think the tie to STEM content was a selling point for the publisher (some of that info now lives on my website). I also added a new character for Spring, which comes out in 2028.
Please paste a short and compelling excerpt from your book.
The ending spread reads,
“Owl draws everyone close for a cozy hug. Even when you’re miles apart, friends are always in your heart. Nature’s changes in the fall are special gifts for one and all!”
What is your writing process and does it vary depending on the project?
I start by jotting ideas in a notebook. Then, when I’m ready to start a new manuscript, I choose a topic or idea that I keep coming back to, or that’s pulling me in some way. For fiction, I sketch out a basic outline and begin writing.
For nonfiction or informational fiction, I do some cursory research before writing. If other picture books have been written on the topic, I’ll think about ways to rework my initial idea so it’s a fresh take. Most of all, the initial research helps me gauge my own interest. If I don’t feel fascinated while researching, I let that idea go.
If I decide to proceed, I’ll do deeper research and begin writing, cycling back and forth between writing and research as I need additional information or clarification. When I have a draft, I share it with my wonderful critique partners, who help guide the revision process.
Please share your favorite nonfiction books that inspired you.
I love lyrical nonfiction picture books that evoke the beauty and wonder of nature. A few of my recent favorites include I Am We by Leslie Barnard Booth and Alexandra Finkeldey, River of Dust by Jilanne Hoffman and Eugenia Mello, and Twelve Daring Grays by Nora Nickum and Elly MacKay. Kate Messner’s Over/Under series is also wonderful!
What is the best piece of advice you would give to other writers?
Writing children’s books is like any other skill – it takes practice! I’ve been a member of the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge for several years and still aim to draft one picture book per month. It gives me an opportunity to experiment with different styles and structures. Sometimes I make challenges for myself and see where that takes me. Even if I don’t develop the story any further, it always gets my creativity flowing and I learn something in the process. It also reminds me to keep writing FUN!
So, write, write, write — then find good critique partners who can help you find the real gems to polish.
And a bonus question just for kicks! What song would be the theme song for your book?
I actually wrote my own theme song for the book called Bye, Bye, Butterfly! You’ll find a link for it under “Activities” on my website! But otherwise, I think it’d be “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman because of the sweet way the friends take care of Monarch.
Bio
Kelsey is the author of the picture books Winter: A Solstice Story, Summer: A Solstice Story, Fall: A Seasons Story, and the forthcoming Spring: A Seasons Story, all illustrated by Renata Liwska and published by Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane. Kelsey aims to write books and poems that inspire readers to take care of one another and the natural world.
Links
Website: www.kelseyegross.com
Instagram: @kelseyegross
Bluesky: @kelseyegross.bsky.social
