Trick or Treat with Author/Illustrator Rebecca Green + Treat Inside!

Happy October, and welcome to #SeasonsOfKidLit’s 4th Annual Trick-or-Treat Event, parents, librarians, book fanatics, writers, and readers of all sorts! 🎃 We’re thrilled to celebrate another spooktacular season filled with books, authors, tricks, treats, and plenty of Halloween magic.

Today, we’re kicking the festivities off with the incredibly talented author and New York Times bestselling illustrator Rebecca Green! She’s joining us to share her adorable picture book series, Henri & Miko.

In Henri & Miko, Henri the mouse and Miko the bee adore autumn. From the glow of the harvest moon and cinnamon donuts to ruby-red leaves, there is so much to enjoy—and these two friends make the most of it! They might even encounter a scare or two along the way. Eek!

Want to know more about Rebecca and her new book series, PLUS want to find out what treat she’s brought along with her? Read on, if you dare...🍂

Q: Hi, Rebecca! Thanks so much for Trick-or-Treating with SeasonsOfKidLit.com! We’re thrilled to connect with you and hear all about you and your new fall-tastic book, Henri and Miko: Autumn in Bosk Olivette, and its sequel, Henri and Miko: Winter in Bosk Olivette. What inspired your series, and can you share a little about your books’ paths to publication?

The initial spark of the story came from simply drawing a mouse and after loving that mouse, drawing her a companion - a bee. It was quite a random drawing but once they were there on the page, my mind was flooded with their stories, personalities, and conversations. When I began writing their stories, I was living in Japan as my husband was teaching there. It was incredible living there but I was also homesick. I missed my friends. I missed baking. I missed autumn and winter - two seasons that have always made me feel like myself. 

The books are first and foremost about the friendship between Henri and Miko and I think writing them was a balm for an intense loneliness I was experiencing. It took years to figure out exactly how these books would function and they went through many iterations, but in the end, we have four seasonal books, each with two graphic novel panel stories, a cutaway peek into Henri and Miko’s home, a recipe, poems, a drawing exercise and more. The books are little worlds and they felt quite cathartic to create! 

Q: What will readers enjoy most about your book, Henri and Miko: Autumn in Bosk Olivette? Why is it a perfect fit for the fall/Halloween season? And what can you tell us about its winter edition? 

A: I think readers will most enjoy the details of the world. There is a cutaway of the interior of their cider press home and it’s filled to the brim with seasonal treasures. Inside, you’ll find a trove of details in Henri’s studio, in the kitchen where Miko bakes, and even in their bathroom and living room. The cutaway is featured in a gatefold, which also showcases illustrations of all the friends in Bosk Olivette enjoying the season outdoors. 

I don’t think there’s a thing I can think of that happens in autumn that isn’t included in this book! It’s got fire, pumpkins, donuts, cider, a full moon, spiderweb scones, tiny ghosts, scary stories, cinnamon, bonfires, sweaters, apple crumb crumb. If it doesn’t make you feel like fall, I can’t help you!

Winter is the same - it’s chock full of details. Hot cocoa, slippers, snowcakes, snowsuits, snowballs, a feast at the community lodge. It’s so cozy! 

Q: Can you share a little bit about your illustration process with our readers? Which typically comes first for you — the illustrations or the manuscript? 

A: For Henri & Miko, the images and dialogue or story were completely intertwined throughout the entire process. This is why I love working on my own books so much, I don’t have to speculate how a certain text should be illustrated, because I can see it in my mind simultaneously, the words and the illustrations. The process of getting those images to paper though are arduous and taxing, especially working in a graphic novel style format, which was new for me. It’s quite demanding and I’ll probably never do it again! 

Thanks so much for sharing a look at your books and the process with us — it's fascinating! We absolutely ADORE the way everything turned out.

Q: Can you share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it was like working with your publisher? You have multiple books with them now, including the Henri & Miko series and How to Make Friends with a Ghost — another excellent read for spooky season! 

A: Yes! It has been an absolute joy to work with Tara and the team at Tundra. I sent Henri & Miko to Tara exclusively once they were in development because I knew she would ‘get it.’ She was willing to take risks with both books and she allowed me to work in a creative and indulgent way. None of these books are typical ‘stories,’ they feature recipes, activities, etc. and that wouldn’t have happened with some publishers, for fear of how the book might be received. I also owe a thousand thanks to the book’s designer John Martz. And of course, there are so many brilliant minds to thank at Tundra. It really takes a team. 

Q: What is your character’s favorite fall or Halloween treat, and why?

A: Oohhh Miko’s favorite Halloween treat would be all the candy. She’d bring a pillowcase bigger than her and she’d trail it around and while talking, pop little bits (we’ll say candy corn!) into her mouth. She’d share though, because she’s a giver. Henri is more sophisticated and would probably forego the candy for a nice slice of apple pie and some pumpkin tea. 

We love this! Thanks for sharing.

Q: And, speaking of treats, what is your favorite Halloween candy that you’d love to see in your goodie bag, and what candy would you immediately swap (or toss)?

A: Hah! CANDY CORN for sure! I love it. It’s so nostalgic (I just looked it up and it’s been around since the 1880s?!) I loved it as a kid and it’s still plentiful now and even though it’s way too sweet, I’ll still eat it by the mouthful. (I just add peanuts now to add some salty!) I would immediately swap out Dots, Whoppers, Blow Pops. Do people even get those anymore? I feel old listing them. 

I LOVE that you are another #TeamCandyCorn member! We rule. ;)

Q: Would you like to leave a Trick or a Treat for our readers?

A: A Treat! Tundra is offering a very special treat — a giveaway of both Henri & Miko: Autumn in Bosk Olivette and Henri & Miko: Winter in Bosk Olivette. 2 special winners will receive each a copy of both books.

Wow! What an Un-boo-lievable treat! Thanks again for joining us, Rebecca! It was simply fang-tastic getting to know you and getting a closer look at Henri & Miko.

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Rebecca's giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by, and 2) share her post on social media. Share a fall-themed GIF, too!

Please note: Rebecca's giveaway will be shipped within the U.S. only.

*Special Reminder: Those who like, leave a comment on, and share all posts will be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win:

• One (1) of five (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes, perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Editor Lynne Marie and Author Heather Macht and/or

• Books from Heather's Treat Bag (see below)!

Winners will be drawn and announced on 10/18. Head back to the blog then for the official announcement!

About Rebecca Green

REBECCA GREEN is the author and illustrator of the Henri and Miko series as well as the picture book How to Make Friends with a Ghost, which the Jim Henson Company optioned for a stop-motion animated series. She has illustrated many other books for children, including the New York Times bestseller Becoming a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery and Larissa Theule's Kafka and the Doll.  When she’s not making art, Rebecca loves to be outdoors around a fire, scouring an antique store or cooking up new recipes for friends. Originally from Michigan, she now lives with her little family in Central New York.

For more about Rebecca, check out the below links:

WEBSITE

Instagram

Patreon

Amazon

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REMINDER: The 2026 SOKL Book Awards Contest is LIVE! For more, visit: 2026 Book Awards | SeasonsOfKidlit