Kelsey Gross Discusses Her New Picture Book, Fall—A Seasons Story, and the Beauty of Nature

Hello, book lovers!

Welcome to Blissfully Bookish, where I spotlight enriching children's literature. Today, I am thrilled to present Kelsey Gross, author of the enchanting nonfiction picture book Fall—A Seasons Story: A Cozy Autumn Tale for Kids, illustrated by the talented Renata Liwska and published by Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster.

As a special treat for readers, Kelsey is offering a giveaway: a signed book (U.S. only) or a picture book critique (up to 700 words). Enter by October 16, 2026!

The Inspiration Behind *Fall: A Seasons Story*

Kelsey Gross's journey to writing *Fall* began with the fascinating migration of monarch butterflies. "Monarchs are beautiful, kids love them, and their incredible journey makes for a good story," she explains. An inspirational memory with her friend Lauren, who nurtured an injured butterfly on Lake Superior, became the seed for this narrative. Kelsey draws upon her experience to depict woodland creatures caring for Monarch during its migration, beautifully illustrating the themes of friendship and empathy.

Character-Driven Storytelling

Kelsey emphasizes the importance of character in her books. While striving to infuse science and seasonal information into her narratives, she starts with characters to drive the story. Each title in her series reflects distinct seasons through relatable animal characters, ensuring an engaging experience for young readers. For instance, the focus on monarch migration in *Fall* provides a rich context for exploring the natural world.

Research plays a critical role in Kelsey's writing process. For *Fall*, she consulted a butterfly expert to capture the essence of monarchs' life cycles and migration behaviors accurately. This depth of understanding allows Kelsey's storytelling to resonate with factual richness.

From Single Title to Series

Interestingly, Kelsey’s journey did not begin with a series in mind. The first book, *Winter: A Solstice Story*, gained traction, prompting her critique partners to suggest expanding to summer themes. Following the success of her initial titles, Kelsey worked with her agent and editor to develop *Summer: A Solstice Story*, which led to a pivotal discussion about future seasonal books. This collaborative spirit helped nurture her vision into a full-fledged series.

Introducing *Fall* also became a chance to add a new character while retaining the friendship theme from earlier works. Though some educational content didn't make it into the final manuscript, its inclusion marked a selling point in negotiations, showing the potential for STEM-related themes within entertaining narratives.

A Glimpse into the Book

In an excerpt from *Fall*, Kelsey highlights the warmth of friendship in nature: “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!” The emotional resonance here underscores the significance of companionship amidst the beauty of seasonal transformations.

Kelsey’s Writing Process

When it comes to her writing process, Kelsey starts by gathering ideas and jotting them down in a notebook. For fiction, she outlines a basic plot, whereas, for nonfiction, her approach involves preliminary research to refine her angle on the topic. This helps her gauge her interest level, leading to further investigation and refinement before drafting.

Once she has a draft, Kelsey relies on her critique partners to fine-tune her work, reflecting her commitment to collaborative growth and improvement in her writing.

Influences and Advice to Aspiring Writers

Kelsey is inspired by lyrical nonfiction books that celebrate the wonders of nature. Titles such as I Am We by Leslie Barnard Booth and Alexandra Finkeldey, and River of Dust by Jilanne Hoffman and Eugenia Mello resonate with her artistic vision, showcasing the natural world's beauty.

For aspiring children's book authors, Kelsey offers invaluable advice: "Writing children's books is a skill that takes practice!" She advocates joining writing challenges and maintaining a playful spirit in the craft, emphasizing the importance of creating and enjoying the process. With a dedication to regular writing and the support from trusted critique partners, budding writers can find success in their journeys.

Bonus Tidbit!

In a fun twist, Kelsey shares that her book has a theme song titled Bye, Bye, Butterfly!, which she wrote herself. However, she also suggests that Randy Newman’s classic "You’ve Got a Friend in Me" aligns perfectly with the book's messages of friendship.

About Kelsey Gross

Kelsey is the author of several picture books including Winter: A Solstice Story, Summer: A Solstice Story, Fall: A Seasons Story, and the upcoming Spring: A Seasons Story. She aims to inspire young readers to cherish friendships and nurture the environment through her writing. To learn more, visit her website at www.kelseyegross.com.

Join in on the conversations and celebrations of nature with Kelsey’s work, which beautifully weaves together the joy of friendship with the wonders of each season.