Becky Walker Books

Author’s name: Cynthia Mackey

Illustrator’s name: Marie-Laure Couët 

Other book titles: If a Bumblebee Lands in Your Toe

What is your upcoming book title? Butterfly Sea

Date of release: January 30, 2026

Preorder or Order link:    https://utpdistribution.com/9781998426225/butterfly-sea/ 

Publisher: Tielmour Press

Agent: n/a

Agency: n/a 

Hometown: Victoria, BC, Canada

Social links: https://bsky.app/profile/booksbycindy.bsky.social  https://www.instagram.com/books.by.cindy/

1. What is the premise/pitch for your book?

Skip to the butterfly sea with sisters, one who seeks to photograph butterflies and another who wishes to play pretend. Readers will learn about butterfly gardening and exploring nature in this lyrical picture book. Even the smallest wings carry the biggest memories.

2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?

1. It’s a sibling story full of love and empathy. 
2. It’s about memories and intergenerational relationships. 
3. Nature lovers will enjoy this book. 
4. It will leave you with a sense of wonder.  
5. There’s an opportunity to learn about butterfly gardening. 

3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book?

1. Focus on the craft of writing and revising. 
2. Read widely in your genre. 
3. Working with critique partners is an important part of the process. 
4. Submit your work after researching which agent or editor is a good match. 
5. Promoting a book is part of being an author. 

4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?

1. I grew up on a mountain with lots of trees and wildlife, black bears, deer, and plenty of raccoons. 
2. I was the odd kid who never learned to ski in a neighbourhood where everyone had passes for the ski hill. 
3. One of my favourite things in childhood was taking a ferry to visit my grandparents. 
4. I thought it was fun to watch my younger brother’s soccer team run around after the ball like a swarm of bees. Haha. 
5. One time, we ordered a camera from a cereal box, and it actually worked. It was my first camera. 

5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?

I learned that I have gained more confidence in myself as a writer. Plus, I got to make connections with a lot of amazing people who helped me on the journey.