I am so happy to feature author Catherine Ciocchi on the blog today. You can read my first interview with Catherine here. Her wonderful new picture book, MY SHADOW, illustrated by Aline Cardoso Macedo E Silva, releases from Lawley Enterprises on May 20, 2025. Catherine shares about the inspiration for her book (drawn from her work as an earth science teacher!), and chats about stories . . . creativity . . . and connection. Welcome back, Catherine!

1. STORIES – Discuss the inspiration for your ideas and stories, and share the process about your latest projects.

As an earth science teacher, I am always thinking about the natural phenomena around us, especially around my students. Hundreds of topics are discussed in class, in particular, what we experience daily. Science must matter to young people. Making it real is the only way to teach science as well as write about it.

2. CREATIVITY -- How do you showcase your creative side through writing/illustrating and other pursuits?

My daily lessons for my highschoolers hold as much creativity as I can generate. I also love decorating my house and planning fun things to do with my family, especially my grandchildren.

3. CONNECTION -- How do you connect to your young readers through your writing/illustrating, and how do you stay connected to the KidLit community? 

Connections come with familiarity. I make sure that young readers see themselves on the pages of my picture books. My new book, MY SHADOW, presents a universal phenomenon that everyone can relate too.  Shadows come, go, shorten and grow… always and forever!!  I’m a member of SCBWI and The Children’s Writers of Hudson Valley. I spend lots of time with a valued critique group too.  

CATHERINE'S BIO:

Catherine loves living in the beautiful Hudson Valley, New York. When she’s not teaching Earth Science, she’s writing, golfing, walking, or spending time with family and friends. Catherine enjoys a great view, the changing seasons, and the night sky. MY SHADOW is Catherine’s third picture book.

CONNECT WITH CATHERINE:

https://linktr.ee/CathCiocchi9