When Julie Dickerson retired from elementary school teaching in 2010, she started thinking about writing a book. Fast-forward some 15 years and now she’s published! The teacher-turned-author recently sat down to share some insights on her first book project, “Beaches, Boats, and Birds: A Lake Michigan Alphabet Book,” illustrated by Rhonda McKinnon.
Michigan Blue: Why is reading important to you?
Julie Dickerson: My grandmother was a teacher who read good books to my father, who then read them to me. I absolutely loved reading and being read to, and going to the library. Getting a book of my own was a real treat. In turn, our grandchildren love to hear stories — so the seed of the joy of reading goes on through the generations.
MB: What were your goals for “Beaches, Boats, and Birds”?
JD: To inspire the love of reading and the love of playing outside, where children (can) engage in creative and imaginative play. I want families to be encouraged to visit beaches and get away from the screens. As for the illustrations, I was looking for watercolorists and I liked Rhonda McKinnon’s muted colors. She was just what I needed. She did a splendid job.
MB: You live in Jackson and, in the summer, Manistique. How have Michigan’s lakes inspired you?
JD: Firstly, my daughter, who has autism, was always so calmed by the waves and (enjoyed the) sensory experience of being at a beach. I hope the things the children do at the lake in my book will (inspire) other families to try a lake vacation for their children with autism or anxiety issues. I also hope the book will be a nice keepsake of a Great Lakes vacation. To share and tell others of our beautiful state and its lakes is a privilege.
MB: What are your favorite pages?
JD: The night sky up north, away from light pollution, is awesome in the real meaning of the word! Seeing the sky covered with so many stars that you’ve never seen before, and seeing the Milky Way so clearly, is just astonishing. Add the meteors in August, with the Perseid meteor shower, and it’s truly incredible entertainment. Also, I love the child’s view of the lighthouse. I really love
Find It
“Beaches, Boats, and Birds: A Lake Michigan Alphabet Book,” written by Julie Dickerson and illustrated by Rhonda McKinnon (2024, Mission Point Press), is available at Paper Mill Books in Manistique, Falling Rock Cafe in Munising, Blaney Park Antiques in Blaney Park, Indian Village gifts in St. Ignace, Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, Horizon Books in Traverse City, and other locations. Also through missionpointpress.com.
