Julie Winterbottom Shares her Creative Point of View on uGROnews

uGROnews is on Substack written by kidlit authors, Joyce P. Uglow and Kathy Groth

From Julie's Point of View

Julie Winterbottom, author of MAGIC IN A DROP OF WATER

Julie Winterbottom was born in Princeton, New Jersey. Growing up, she loved to explore the streams and the woods near her house, much like the subject of her picture book, Magic in a Drop of Water. She is the former editor-in-chief of Nickelodeon Magazine and the author of the humor books Pranklopedia and What a Blast! She lives on the shores of the Hudson River in New York.

Julie’s website: https://www.juliewinterbottom.com/

From Julie’s Creative Point of View

Published by Penguin/Rocky Pond, Release date: March 25, 2025

P: POTENTIAL POWER OF YOUR BOOK:

Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution, by Julie Winterbottom, illustrated by Susan Reagan

When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she looked at a drop of pond water under a microscope and became entranced by the diversity of life it contained. That early fascination with nature never left her. She became a pioneering ecologist at a time when there were almost no women in science. Long before Rachel Carson drew attention to the environment, Ruth Patrick was studying how pollution affects rivers and streams. Her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity gave scientists the tools they needed to do something about water pollution. This is the story of how Ruth’s childhood passion for nature led her to become an ecology hero. Lyrically written, exquisitely illustrated, and full of fascinating details, it’s a biography that will inspire young readers to follow their passion and curiosity.

O: OPINION: The number of books published for children each year is mind-boggling. What did you do, and what can other creators do to make their projects irresistible to agents, publishers, and ultimately to book buyers?

I think it helped that I chose a subject that I felt very passionate about so that I could keep going when the research and writing was challenging. I attended a lot of craft webinars, read a LOT of mentor books, and kept trying to apply what I learned to draft after draft of the manuscript. I also think it helped that no one had written a book for kids (or adults!) about Ruth Patrick, and that I had a catchy opening sentence.

What an incredible first line! “When Ruth was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum.”

My book is about how Ruth Patrick followed her childhood fascination with the microscopic world inside a stream to become a pioneering river ecologist and one of the first scientists to warn about pollution—and do something about it. I think it can have multiple impacts on readers.

It can show them that what you are passionate about when you are very young can become your life’s work. It also lets them experience what it’s like to be a scientist at work in the field. Lastly, it shows through poetry and beautiful illustrations the rich community of species in a healthy ecosystem.

I: INSIGHTS GAINED:

I had never read anything about Ruth Patrick before reading your advance reader copy. I’m glad that kids will have the opportunity to learn about her and her impact on the world.

What insights can you share about researching, writing, and/or illustrating this book? How can a person put their interests and/or background to work in creating a project?

One insight I had about the research is that you need to give it the time it requires (it took much longer than I expected).

And don’t be shy about contacting experts. 

I interviewed scientists and historians of science, and each interview made the book–and especially the science—stronger and more accurate. As for the writing, it helped me to try writing the book as a poem early on. I didn’t stick with that version, but it helped me find the language I wanted.

N: NOURISH YOUR CREATIVE SELF: It must have been a joy to dive into the research behind MAGIC IN ONE DROP OF WATER.

I love the health and creative benefits of walking outdoors and pausing at a “Sit Spot” along the way to connect with nature. What are ways that you nourish your creative self?

I read and reread picture books that I love and let them inspire me. I go for LOTS of walks and let my mind wander. Sometimes interesting ideas pop up. And sometimes they don’t. But it’s a good way to relax my mind.

About illustrator,Susan Reagan

Author and illustrator SUSAN REAGAN’s work can be found on greeting cards, in magazines, and numerous children’s books. Her inspirations and positive attitude come from helping others. Most days she can be found working in her studio or volunteering. She… More about Susan Reagan

Read more by Julie!

T: TAKEAWAY:

What is the vital idea, takeaway, or message your readers will come to understand after reading your book?

I think the biggest takeaway is that you can tell if a place in nature is polluted or healthy by looking at who lives there–a diverse community means a healthy place. 

I didn’t have that takeaway in mind when I started–I was mainly excited by the idea that an important scientist discovered her passion when she was five years old. But as I learned about her work, the “takeaway” changed. Of course, everyone will take away something different!

VIEW: What’s next for you, Julie?

I am working on a bunch of picture books, some of them nonfiction, some of them humorous.

Thank you, Julie!

I am thrilled that you had some time to stop in to chat at Creatives’ Point of View here on uGROnews about writing and publishing. I am excited that the March 25, 2025 release date for Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution almost here. Clean water, research on water pollution, and celebrating important women in history who have made a difference are essential for citizens of this planet. My review this beautiful book is on Goodreads. I can’t wait to wade into your next projects!