Author Updates

Washtenaw County Farm Bureau has been busy sharing educational resources throughout the community for Michigan's Food and Agriculture Month. Thanks to their efforts, Bawk Bawk in the Backyard is now available to library patrons in several areas! If you happen to stop by any of the following Michigan libraries, look for Bawk Bawk in the Backyard among the farm bureau's beautiful displays: Chelsea District Library Milan Public Library Manchester District Library Ypsilanti District Library Saline District Library  I love knowing that so many kids in our community will have a chance to learn about chicken keeping! Attention librarians: the second edition of Bawk Bawk in the Backyard is available in hardcover and paperback through Ingram ordering systems (ipage), and Baker & Taylor. I would be glad to arrange an order separately if you prefer, just send me a message!  Library of Congress Control Number: 2023901387  ISBN: 979-8-9876939-4-0 (hardcover)  ISBN: 979-8-98...

And the winner is...Georgia!  Look at her beautiful drawing and all of its wonderful details: the little eggs cracking open, the happy chicken, the flowers and heart, and the "Book of Bawks." It's clear she poured her heart into it, and now she will have her very own book of bawks - a signed copy of Bawk Bawk in the Backyard! Though the giveaway has ended, you can still access free coloring pages on my author website . I even added a new baby chick activity page today. Save 10% in my Etsy shop ! Enter promo code EASTER to save 10% at checkout. Find signed hardcover and paperback editions, plus a gift set which includes coloring pages and is gift wrapped. Order today in time for Easter!

Visit my Etsy shop for signed hardcover and paperback editions of Bawk Bawk in the Backyard, plus a gift set which includes coloring pages and is gift wrapped. Order today in time for Easter, and use promo code EASTER to save 10%! https://celinamariechase.etsy.com

Last night, the Lima Township Board authorized the Planning Commission to put together a backyard chicken ordinance amendment, which will allow more residents (like me!) to be able to keep chickens. Once the commission comes up with the proposal, the board will then vote on whether to approve it. We're one step closer to getting chickens!  Click  here  to read more about my backyard chicken political effort. Photo circa 2017, of our baby chicks in Ann Arbor.

This is my Grandma Diane. Today would have been her 81st birthday. She always encouraged me to write, and I once told her I would dedicate my first book to her. I was mostly kidding around because I never expected to actually write a book. Years later, when I began working on my children’s book, I told her about the project and said I would dedicate it to her. This was the perfect opportunity too, because the book was about chickens and my grandma used to tell me about the two bantam hens she once raised, and how they made the cutest little hardboiled eggs to garnish the top of her potato salads. Her kitchen was filled with chicken décor, little statues and paintings, some of which decorate my own kitchen now. I was devastated when Grandma Diane passed away a few years ago. I was still working on the children’s book, and though I used to send her updates and pictures of the illustrations, it broke my heart to know she wouldn’t get to see the finished product. I still can’t talk about i...

To celebrate the release of my new printable coloring pages, I've decided to give away a signed copy of my children's book! Simply subscribe to my email list, print and color one of the coloring pages, and send me a photo of your artwork. I'll add you to the drawing! How to Enter the Book Giveaway (Ends 2/29)  1. Subscribe   Sign up for email updates and gain instant access to free printable coloring pages (available as PDF files).  2. Print & Color  Complete the coloring the page of your choice, or get creative and draw your own chicken!  3. Share a Photo   Email me ( celinamariechase@yahoo.com ) a photo of your coloring page, or share it on social media and tag me ( @authorcelinachase on Facebook; @celinamariechase on Instagram). I'll add you to the drawing!  The winner will be randomly selected on March 1st to receive a paperback copy of Bawk Bawk in the Backyard. 1 entry per person. Must live in the contiguous United States. All ages welcome...

 “Do your local policies and regulations address the importance of local food supply? Has your municipality supported or identified locations for community gardens? Can your residents grow vegetables and raise hens in their backyard? Is produce permitted to be sold in residential districts?”  These are some of the questions posed in the Community Food Systems Guide created by the U.P. Food Exchange policy committee, in partnership with the Michigan State University Extension. I shared excerpts from the guide among other resources with my local planning commission last night. I’m happy to report they were receptive to the information and have committed to exploring ways to allow more residents to keep chickens! (Click here  to read more about my backyard chicken political effort.) I’d be lying if I said I was trying not to get my hopes up. It’s too late for that. I’m excited and hopeful!  My experience with the township has been wholeheartedly positive this time aroun...