Can you tell us about where you grew up and what your childhood was like?
I was born in Brainerd, Minn., but spent most of my childhood in Hudson, Wis., raised by my strong and ambitious single mother. On occasional weekends, my father would take me to his cabin in Crosslake, where my grandfather owned Ye Olde Wharf. My grandmother would bring me to visit my great-grandmother at the nursing home, and I’d put on tap shows for her and the other residents, who were my cheering fans.
We didn’t have much growing up, but I was surrounded by love and special moments, especially with my extended family. My grandparents in Brainerd were like a second set of parents, always present in my life. Some of my favorite memories were visiting Deerland Forest, Paul Bunyan Land and Pirates Cove. I was also lucky to spend summers with my two aunts in Boston, Mass., which gave me a sense of adventure and exploration. My childhood was rich in imagination — I loved to dream I could jump into picture books and become part of their worlds.
What do you think are the biggest challenges kids face today?
As a mother of two, I see many challenges children face today. Technology is both a gift and a burden. Kids spend less time reading, writing, creating art, playing simple games, or just being bored. For me, boredom was where my imagination thrived and new friendships blossomed.
While my children have access to more information than I could have ever imagined as a child, there’s also a lot of outside influence — both positive and negative. As parents, we must strike a balance, using these tools in ways that help rather than harm. I work hard to ensure my kids can "just be kids."
How did you come to be the parent editor for the Hill & Lake Press Kids’ Issue?
Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about youth and children. Editor Craig Wilson kindly reached out to ask if I’d be interested in resurrecting the Kids’ Issue with him. As a member of a younger family in the neighborhood, I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to connect families and celebrate children, art, journalism and the incredible neighborhoods we share.
I was inspired by the work of the Hill & Lake Press founders and the children who contributed in past years. Over the last two years, I’ve connected with parents who contributed to the Kids’ Issue as children themselves and now encourage their own kids to carry on that tradition. I truly believe this has inspired more families to read the paper and sparked interest in journalism in the next generation.
What inspired you to write “Dahlia’s Make a Difference Day”?
The inspiration came from a conversation with my children about their dreams. My son asked, “What was your dream as a kid? Why didn’t you do it?” His question hit me, and I realized I wanted to show my children what it looked like to make a dream come true.
I drew inspiration from my neighborhood and community. Lowry Hill is full of “doers” who uplift one another. I was also inspired by my love of nature, animals in the city, children’s activism, and the generational family support that has shaped my life. This book celebrates all of that. I specifically wanted the lead character to be a little girl of color. As a mother, I’ve seen how impactful representation in books can be for children and their families. Stories that reflect diverse experiences connect children to the world around them and inspire them in powerful ways.
What is the key lesson or message you hope readers take away from the story?
The message is simple: acts of kindness don’t need to be grand. They should be small, frequent, and local. Greeting a neighbor, cleaning a storm drain, picking up litter or attending a community event can all make a difference.
Children often feel the weight of the world on their shoulders, but they should focus on what they can do in their own communities, here in Minneapolis. Kindness is contagious, and when we work together, we can all make a meaningful impact.
Do you have any upcoming book signings or events planned?
I’m excited to be featured on the podcast “Grrit.y kids.” We’ll talk about my book, the concept of making a difference, and how small actions can lead to big change. The podcast aims to break down stigmatized differences for parents and kids, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.
I hope to continue connecting with kids through storytelling, speaking, mentoring and celebrating them. I’m always eager to collaborate with my community and look forward to more opportunities in the future.
Where can people purchase “Dahlia’s Make a Difference Day?”
The book is available at Birchbark Books, the Guthrie Theater gift shop, and Flour & Flower in St. Joseph, Minn. Supporting local businesses and booksellers is incredibly important to me. Part of my dream is to sell this book through local relationships, building community along the way.
For those unable to visit these locations, I’m happy to ship copies through our website, www.gildedgato.com. While I may explore broader distribution, such as through Amazon, someday, for now, I’m focused on meaningful connections locally and beyond.
