Author’s name: Marcia Strykowski
Illustrator’s name: Roch Hercka
Other book titles: MG novels: Call Me Amy, Amy’s Choice, Roller Boy + another MG novel in 2027 (we’re in the midst of changing the title).
What is your upcoming book title? The Puffin Who Whispered
Date of release: July 28, 2026
Preorder or Order link:
AND/OR
Publisher: Lawley Publishing
Agent: N/A
Agency: N/A
Hometown: New England
Social links:
Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/marciastrykowski/
Website = https://marciastrykowski.com/blog/
Goodreads = https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6857956.Marcia_Strykowski
Bluesky = https://bsky.app/profile/marciastrykowski.bsky.social
1. What is the premise/pitch for your book?
Abigale is a lonely puffin who has trouble making herself heard. She desperately wants to be friends with the other puffins, but she’s so shy they hardly know she’s there. After several disappointing attempts, Abigale thinks about giving up. Then disaster strikes, and an innocent puffin is at risk of being caught by a gull-a gull that eats puffins for lunch! Can Abigale finally gather enough courage to stand up and be heard? The Puffin Who Whispered is a story about daring to reach out without changing who you are inside, even if you’re a very soft-spoken puffin.
2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?
* In the United States, Atlantic puffins nest mainly on the coast of Maine, but they can be found elsewhere. For example, many are in Iceland, Norway, Canada, Greenland, Newfoundland, and the British Isles.
* In January 2027, this book will be published in Spanish, too!
* Puffins are NOT penguins. Puffins can fly (very fast!), but penguins cannot fly at all.
* Puffins can’t really talk, but who knows, perhaps they whisper…
* Sometimes being brave is the best way to make friends.
3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book?
* Read a lot, join a critique group, be open to suggestions, and don’t give up!
* Also, don’t be afraid of the blank page. Put any mishmash of words on it and then you’ve got something to polish.
4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?
* My first introduction to puffins was when I collected over 250 cereal box tops in order to adopt a puffin through Project Puffin. This small effort helped ensure puffins remain on the Maine coast. I named her Abigale.
* I like to enter contests. Years ago, when I won a homemade birthday card contest, I had to sing the inside verse on the radio. Along with a whirlwind trip to SeaWorld in Orlando, FL, to celebrate killer whale Baby Shamu’s first birthday, I received a certificate proving I was now her godmother!
* I’ve been dreaming of having a picture book for a long time, and The Puffin Who Whispered is my debut!
* I learned to play guitar as an adult and love to jam with friends.
5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?
* I learned that I was tough-skinned and very patient. You often have to be in order to finally see your work in print!
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