Today I’m delighted to share an interview with Louise Aamodt about her book A Forest Begins Anew, illustrated by Elly MacKay. Louise’s book came out last month and she graciously answered a few questions, so check out the interview below.
Louise, please tell us a little about yourself!
Thank you so much for inviting me!
I’ve taught English Language Learners for 28 years, from kindergarten through high school. Elementary is my favorite age, though, and I’m lucky to currently teach K-5. I love finding ways to make complicated topics accessible to kids, and sparking their interests and love of learning. That hopefully transfers to my writing, but even so, it’s taken me twenty years of rejections (!) to finally roll out my debut picture book. I think I’ve finally found my niche in writing nonfiction picture books, especially if they’re lyrical or rhyming.
What inspired you to write this book?
One day I was looking over a book about lightning for my second grade weather unit. One page briefly mentioned how, after a fire, beetles chew the wood, which attracts hungry woodpeckers, which invites bluebirds to nest in old woodpecker cavities. I was immediately fascinated by this cause-effect relationship. The more I researched the history of fire suppression in the United States, and the complicated effects of different kinds of fires, I just had to know more and more. I’m so glad my editor was on board with including my many pages of back matter!
Did you encounter any challenges along the way?
At first, I was new to writing nonfiction, so as I learned more, I had to go back and research all over again to find reliable sources. Another challenge was when the editor requested a detailed timeline of events that happen after a forest fire. Accurately getting everything into chronological order was tricky.
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
I really wanted to balance equal parts science and optimism. Today’s kids are exposed to a lot of negativity and misinformation through social media, and that overwhelm can lead to paralysis. I want readers to walk away feeling more informed, but also like they’re fully capable of contributing to a positive change. I want them to know that we can work together and emerge from our challenges okay in the end.
Have you developed any additional activities or teacher’s guides to extend the learning experience when reading your book?
I’m so glad you asked! As a teacher, if I’m torn between two books to use in my classroom, I will usually choose the one with the most helpful supplemental materials. It was important to me to provide a variety of free materials to go along with the book. So far, I’ve created 15 free downloads you can find here.
Book Title: A Forest Begins Anew
Author: Louise M. Aamodt
Illustrator: Elly MacKay
Publisher: Astra Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-1-6626-2006-5
Release Date: May 12, 2026
Are there any other projects you’re excited about right now?
I have two other picture books under contract, but no solid release dates for them yet. Honestly, it feels like every book I’m currently working on is the one I’m most excited about. I love melding research and lyrical word choices, and if it’s got rhyming elements, I’m extra excited.
How can people get in touch with you or follow you on social media?
Email here through my website. I’m also at:
Author’s Facebook, Goodreads, Bluesky, X
Bonus question – What are you currently reading?
My regular diet is stacks and stacks of picture books. I usually have between 50-100 checked out from the library at any given time. They help me study the craft and follow trends, but mostly I just really enjoy them as an art form.
Thank you for answering my questions, Louise!
Check out my previous author interviews to learn more about recently published books, and check back for a sneak peek at my next picture book coming in September 2026!