16 Sep Kate Rietema, CHEETAHS RETURN TO INDIA: THE STORY OF AASHA AND PAVAN and a GIVEAWAY!

EL: Today, I’m happy to welcome author Kate Rietema to the blog.  One of my favorite aspects of writing this blog is meeting all the wonderful authors I encounter. Welcome to Writing Outside the Lines, Kate!!  I really enjoyed reading your newest book, Cheetahs Return to India: The Story of Aasha and Pavan. It’s beautifully written and complemented by Ash Roy’s lovely illustrations.  I think everyone will enjoy this true story, but those who love nature and care about endangered animals will feel a special kinship with it.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of this story, will you tell us a little about what you do when you’re not writing or researching?

KR: I have the five best daughters in the entire world and a husband who makes me laugh every day. Aside from that, I work as a hospital nurse, volunteer at our county jail, hobby as an amateur potter, pretend to go for runs—but then end up walking, and hang around at the campground we own and operate in Allegan, MI.

EL: You do all that AND write kids’ books?! That’s incredible! I noticed that this book is a bit of a departure from your others. What made you decide to write about Aasha and Pavan and the plight of the cheetahs?

KR: I couldn’t help it—the story sucked me right in! My brother lives in Namibia—an African country known as the cheetah capital of the world. A few years ago, he posted a news article on social media about a collaborative plan to reintroduce cheetahs from Africa back into India. (Previously, cheetahs had been regionally extinct in India for 70 years!) I knew this would be groundbreaking work, and I had to know more!

EL: After reading your book, I learned so much that I didn’t know. What was your research process like for Cheetahs Return to India? 

KR: I love hands-on research, so travel was the best part of making this book!

Although I wasn’t able to get to India, I did travel to Africa. Since my brother lives in Namibia (where the first set of cheetahs are from), I took two of my daughters with me to visit cousins and research cheetahs. My brother planned a five-day self-guided safari through Etosha National Park, where we were lucky enough to spot wild cheetahs. Our trip ended with a visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a world-renowned research and educational organization whose mission is the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. I had emailed the director prior to our trip, letting her know about my book and the dates we’d be visiting. The director surprised us with an in-depth tour of the facilities and dinner with the head cheetah keeper. It was amazing!

Additionally, I gathered information from news articles, newsletters, videos, observing cheetahs in the wild, and speaking with primary sources including Dr. Laurie Marker, who is considered the world’s leading expert on cheetahs; Lea Petersen, head cheetah keeper at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia; and Eli Walker, who photographed and monitored the cheetahs upon their release in India.

EL: It sounds wonderful!  Along with the story itself, the pictures and back matter are amazing.  Would you please discuss your path to publication?

KR: I began writing with the interest of becoming a picture book author in 2020. Since then, I’ve found a wonderful agent, published a board book, two picture books (with another three under contract), and have written nearly 100 stories and poems for magazines like Highlights, Cricket Media, and The School Magazine. I’ve been involved with writing organizations like Storyteller Academy, 12×12, and SCBWI. I submitted this manuscript for a critique through an SCBWI regional event, and after revision, Sarah Rockett from Tilbury House acquired it. Yay!

EL: That’s really wonderful. Congratulations! Thank you so much for visiting, Kate!

Learn more about Kate at her website at  https://www.katerietema.com/ 

Now it’s time for a

Kate is happy to offer a book to one lucky winner. To get in the running, please comment on this post and let me know if you’re a subscriber or if you have shared this post to get an extra chance to win.

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On a personal note, I’m currently scheduling school author visits for the 2025-2026 school year. I’d love to visit YOU or a school near you! Please check out  https://EllenLeventhal.com.   

Here’s a review! Ellen Leventhal is an amazing presenter who tailors her presentations to meet the needs of all students and age levels.  I am amazed at how she can talk about her love of writing, how to become a writer, encouraging students to do what they love and how we can all be kind into a 45 minute presentation. A school visit from Ellen Leventhal is a treat for everyone!  Suzanne Ritchey:  Carroll T Welch Elementary School Clint, TX

Until next time,

Ellen