By: Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw, Author of The Super Volcano
Under the clear skies of Port Huron, the Blue Water Street Fair erupted into a vibrant celebration of music, food, and community spirit. Classic hits from the '70s and '80s filled the air as talented musicians set the tone for a day of fun. Women and young girls, dressed in imaginative costumes, posed as live mannequins, raising funds for local charities. The lively crowd sampled a diverse array of foods, while kids enjoyed a play zone where their faces were transformed into colorful works of art by local painters. Among it all, captivating book displays drew in young readers, who eagerly tugged at their parents to come take a look. The fair buzzed with energy, making it a memorable day for all ages.
Photos courtesy of the Blue Water Street Fair's Facebook page, featuring the event's main activities
As the volunteer co-chair for book-selling events with The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Michigan Chapter, I’ve experienced many wonderful venues, but the Blue Water Street Fair holds a special place in my heart! Set against the picturesque backdrop of sailboats preparing for the Bayview Mackinac Race—a race my husband and son have both participated in—the event is a cherished tradition. This year was particularly special as I was the one sailing into the fairgrounds, marking the launch of my pre-release campaign for The Super Volcano: A Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park (coming November 5 from Science, Naturally) ! This book takes you on an exciting journey through Yellowstone National Park, diving into the secrets of its hidden supervolcano. It breaks down natural science and geology in a way that's both engaging and fun, perfectly capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery that the event is all about.
You might wonder how sailboats and Yellowstone National Park are connected. At first glance, they may seem worlds apart, but both share intriguing hidden depths:
The vibrant, multi-colored sails of the boats evoke the stunning hues of Yellowstone’s hot springs.
Both locations feature rivers with color names: the Black River in Port Huron and the Yellowstone River in the park.
Both were established under the leadership of Ulysses S. Grant: Yellowstone having been designated as the first national park in 1872, followed closely by Mackinac Island—where the Bayview Mackinac Race ends—being named the second national park in 1875!
Interior sneak peaks of "The Super Volcano" alongside a photo of the sailboats found in Port Huron
The fair’s bustling rows of vendor booths attracted a lively and diverse crowd of families and friends, making it the perfect spot to capture the attention of new readers. While nothing can quite match the grandeur of Yellowstone, having my book as one of the highlights of the event had me bubbling over like a Yellowstone mud pot. The “oOohs!” and “ahHhs!” from the crowd as the boats embarked on their journey toward Mackinac Island echoed the awe I felt during my visit to Yellowstone.
The reactions of passers-by exploring The Super Volcano were truly heartwarming. Many were immediately captivated by the vibrant cover and interior illustrated by Brie Schmida, with its rich details and striking visuals. The unique font and detailed mapping also drew significant attention. Children were especially enchanted by the book’s playful design, with one young reader excitedly declaring, “It’s like a comic book—so cool!” The superhero theme struck a chord as well; one parent noted, “With the superhero connection, my son will be all in.” The additional details, like the invitation to join the “Yellowstone League of Superheroes” in the back matter, only heightened the excitement. Enthusiastic discussions about the book's potential bubbled up, with several suggesting it could be the start of a new series!
After a long, exhilarating few days, it was time to pack up and wrap up my first journey with The Super Volcano. The event's vibrant atmosphere made debuting this book even more thrilling, and the enthusiastic responses from everyone made the event truly unforgettable. If you’re ready to dive into a world of adventure and discovery, don’t miss out on the magic of The Super Volcano.
Preorder your copy TODAY and be among the first to embark on this thrilling journey beneath Yellowstone National Park. Let its pages spark your imagination and transport you to a realm of wonder and excitement!
About Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw
Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is a children’s book author and former teacher passionate about growing young minds. Her writing credentials include three published nonfiction picture books. Suzanne enjoys speaking at schools about writing, leadership, and how kids can make a difference. When she’s not dreaming up new writing projects, you can find her kayaking on the lake, hiking the trail, practicing at the yoga studio, or comparing paint swatches at the local Sherwin Williams.
To learn more about Suzanne visit her website at http://www.suzannejacobslipshaw.com/.