Update - Winner Announced! Head Back to School with Michelle Lord!

9/4: Congrats to Jennifer Merrifield  on winning Michelle Lord's giveaway! We'll be in touch soon with more details.

A special thanks to everyone who joined us for our Back-to-School event!

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Hi, readers, writers, and ocean lovers, too! You're in for a special treat today. We have the extremely talented Michelle Lord with us sharing her beautiful and timeless picture book, The Mess That We Made. The Mess that We Made, told in a rhythmic and building crescendo, follows a group of kids as they observe the ocean and the mess that the humans made in it. Follow along as her book perfectly illustrates just how far a little mess can go and how huge the impact of pollution can be. Want to know more about Michelle, her beautiful book, PLUS want to hear a writing tip and enter to win a copy of her book? Read on...

Q: Hi, Michelle! We’re so excited to have you at #SeasonsOfKidLit for our Back-to-School event. We can’t wait to hear more about you and your book, The Mess that We Made! Can you share a little bit about yourself and your journey in becoming a published children’s author?

A: I have loved books ever since I learned to read. When I was hospitalized as a five-year-old, books were my greatest comfort, especially Frog and Toad Together, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and I’ll always adore how Frances sang about her love of jam in Bread and Jam for Frances. 

In second grade, Mrs. Pither read Charlotte’s Web to us. I couldn’t wait to go to school each day and hear about the exploits of Wilbur and Charlotte. My imagination went wild. Teachers rock!

When I read to my own children many years later, I appreciated the combination of words and pictures. I wondered if I could write my own book…

I read, researched, wrote and rewrote. I took classes and joined SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators). Eventually, I wrote a book.

Q: The Mess that We Made is a rhythmic crescendo which shows a garbage-filled ocean and how it impacts the creatures that live inside it, encouraging readers to do their part. 

This is such a delightful and informative read. Can you tell us a little more about the book and the inspiration behind it?

A: One of my favorite vacation activities is exploring tide pools. The waves. The colors. The textures. Nature was my inspiration for The Mess that We Made. I wanted to engage children with nature and show how we are all interconnected.

It was the intent with my book to demonstrate how many small actions can lead to big results. I try to cut down on single-use plastic. If I bring my own bag to the grocery store, less plastic bags will reach the ocean to be mistaken for food by sea turtles.

Let’s take care of the oceans as if our lives depend on it, because they do. -Sylvia Earl, marine biologist & oceanographer

What excellent advice - thanks for sharing!

Q: I love how your book has calls to actions and ways for readers to get informed about ocean pollution! What kind of research went into writing it and what advice do you have for adding backmatter to stories?

A: My first stop for research is the public library to check out a stack of books on my topic. Then I read articles from reliable outlets such as National Geographic, Smithsonian and the United Nations Environment Programme. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association provided information on garbage patches and marine debris. I learned the following: during a 2017 beach cleanup, volunteers found “Most of the items needed for a wedding, including a wedding dress, wedding ring, veil, top hat, bow ties, wine glasses and flowers.” At a similar event in 2018, the strangest things removed from the beach were a couch, Christmas lights, and a clown wig. How can you not get enthused by those facts? The hunt for new information keeps me excited about my project.

Backmatter is a great place for an author to use the research that did not fit into the main story. Adding backmatter to your picture book provides greater interest for more age levels and allows children to explore the subject matter on a deeper level. It gives parents and teachers multiple ways to engage with young readers.

Q: Why is The Mess that We Made a perfect read for classrooms or any setting?

A: First of all, Julia Blattman’s illustrations are amazing. People of all ages will enjoy them.

Water covers 71% of the earth’s surface. Everyone has interacted with water in some way, so I feel that The Mess that We Made is relatable to all. When I first saw Julia’s images of the polluted ocean, the impact of the Garbage Patch on sea life hurt my heart.        

I hope that the Calls to Action emphasize the connection between single-use plastic and pollution. Our daily actions create our world. I hope young readers are inspired to make a change

Water is life, and clean water means health. -Audrey Hepburn

We love Julia's illustrations, too! Readers, check out this amazing artwork.

Q: What was an exciting surprise that came from the publication of your book?

A: I felt honored that both Sarah Ferguson (Fergie), Duchess of York, and actor, Kathryn Hahn, read my book aloud. How thrilling!             

BONUS QUESTION: What was your favorite thing about heading back to school as a child? 

A: I loved getting a new box of Crayola crayons each year. And access to all those books in the school library!

Thanks again for joining us, Michelle! We loved hearing all about you, your book, and more about how to keep our ocean clean.

Readers, want to know what we thought of Michelle's book? You can find our reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Q: Would you like to leave a tip or a treat for our readers?

I'd like to leave both!

For the tip, I suggest paginating a manuscript, separating the text into pages, as part of the final revision process. I then print it and create a dummy booklet. I read my story aloud and turn the pages. This helps me understand the rhythm and pacing. When I fumble over words or passages, I know that changes are needed. 

When possible, I arrange cliffhangers at the page turns. This encourages young readers to wonder what happens next… 

I initially resisted pagination because it seemed like an extra, unnecessary step, but it really helps me polish my manuscripts.

And, for the treat, Flashlight Press is giving away a copy of my book, The Mess That We Made, to one lucky reader.

What a sweet tip and treat! Thanks again for joining us, Michelle!

Giveaway Instructions: Readers, to enter this giveaway please 1) like and share/RT this post on social media and 2) thank Michelle and Flashlight Press for stopping by and for their sweet treat! You'll get an extra entry for each place this is shared so let us know where it was shared, too. Back-to-School and/or ocean themed GIFs are appreciated and welcomed.

Giveaway winners will be drawn and announced on or about 8/30!

Note: Books will be shipped in the US only. Winners must have a US address.

About Michelle Lord:

Michelle Lord grew up in Carson City, Nevada, the oldest of three sisters. Ever since she could talk, she never stopped asking questions. These questions led to a passion for reading, research, and writing. To this day—to her family’s dismay—she still interrupts movies, musicals, and conversations with Who? How? What? Where? When? Why?

To purchase Michelle's books on Amazon or to leave a review for them, click here.

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