I’m excited to have talented author Cathy Stefanec Ogren here on the blog today! Her latest picture book releases on October 20, 2026, and I was lucky enough to see it early.
Winter Solstice Hill is filled with Cathy’s poetic writing, along with warm, bright watercolor illustrations by Rebecca Evans. I love the relationship between Ella and Gramps in this beautiful book. A friendly dog trots along beside them on their adventure. Ella is excited to participate in the special solstice traditions of her farmland family, ones that go back over one hundred years. This will be her first chance to make a wish on a solstice star, but only if weather conditions are perfect. This is a heartfelt story of making the best of things even when disappointment might interfere. I don’t always appreciate snowy winters, but this special story is a wonderful reminder of how truly beautiful it can be outdoors and later finding warmth and coziness indoors. Interesting back matter about winter traditions tops it off. Fans of Owl Moon will especially love this sweet book!
When a book by a successful author is getting near launch time, they sometimes get asked to do a lot of interviews. And authors are busy people! Some interviews have similar questions the author has already answered or will be answering soon. So, rather than risking repetition, I’ve decided to try a new-to-me interviewing format. Quick, to-the-point questions that will help us learn more about Cathy without cutting into her schedule too much. Here we go!
Marcia Strykowski: When did you first call yourself a writer?
Cathy Stefanec Ogren: I first thought of myself as a writer when I wrote a humorous Christopher Columbus play that a group of 5th graders put on for the class. Truthfully, I felt comfortable calling myself a writer after my first book was published.
MS: How many books have you written, and do you have a favorite?
CSO: I’ve written six books that have been published plus many others that are patiently waiting to find a publisher. I love all my books, but I think my favorite is my debut nonfiction picture book, PEW! The Stinky and Legen-Dairy Gift from Colonel Thomas S. Meacham. It’s a humorous event in American history and lends itself to science, geography, social studies, math, and more. This link will take you to Teaching Activities for PEW! Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the K-5 Teaching Activities.
MS: Is there a character in your books you relate to most?
CSO: The Little Red Chair has two main characters, the antique chair and the little girl, Mia. The chair is my favorite character. It has tuffs that fluff and brass wheels that squeak its feelings – squeakity-squee, squeakity-whee, squeakity-sniff, squeakity-squish. It’s a fun use of onomatopoeia that kids can relate to.
MS: I’m so glad you mentioned these books, Cathy. Both PEW! and The Little Red Chair are among my favorite picture books — both are well written and beautifully illustrated. Speaking of favorites, what’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
CSO: I don’t snack while writing. It’s too messy. I fill a cup with ice and water to sip as I write.
MS: Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?🎶
CSO: Yes, I play music. My music choice during writing time is light classical or easy listening. If I chose rock, I’d be singing and rocking along to it and never get any writing done.
MS: Are there any themes you find yourself repeatedly exploring in your work?
CSO: Yes. Themes of family, friendship, imagination, new experiences, and humor.
MS: Did your picture book, Winter Solstice Hill, change much since the first draft?
CSO: I made a lot of changes as the writing and critiquing took place, but the characters and plot remained the same. Critique partners are a gift to writers. They see what the writer may not see and are very helpful during the writing process.
MS: Do you show anyone your work in progress? How do you determine when a piece is finished?
CSO: Besides my critique partners, I don’t show my work in progress to anyone else. I feel the work is finished when I’ve fleshed out all the areas that need help, and they are fixed. Then I put it away for a while. When I read it again, and I don’t see anything I can do to make it better, I consider it finished.
MS: What do you hope readers will take away from Winter Solstice Hill?
CSO: I hope readers feel the special bond of love that Ella and Gramps have and how family can lift the spirits of one another when things don’t turn out as they expect.
MS: Do you have any advice for a writer working on their first picture book?
CSO: Here is a list of my suggestions. Pick and choose what works best for you. Go to the library and read all types of picture books – especially newly published books. Find mentor texts to study writing techniques. Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers (SCBWI). Join the 12 x12 Picture Book Challenge. Find a critique group that fits your needs. If you have a passion for writing for children, never give up. I wish all picture book writers the best of luck.
MS: And now for some even faster popcorn questions! Please pick your favorite out of each three-word set and add a sentence explaining why. Are you ready?
CSO: I’m ready!
singing dancing marching
Dancing. I love to dance. When I was growing up, I used to choreograph dances in our basement.
hardcover paperback audiobook
Hardcover. The smell and feel of a new hardcover book is the best.
coffee tea milkshake
Coffee/tea. I drink coffee in the morning and decaf green tea in the evening.
baseball basketball football
Football. I’m a fan of the UW-Madison football team and the Green Bay Packers.
mountains ocean farmland
Farmland. I was born in Wisconsin and lived there on and off for many years. Rural areas with dairy farms, corn fields, and the sound of lowing cows make my heart sing.
paper laptop phone
Paper for jotting down ideas. Laptop for creating and writing.
jewelry books clothes
Books. Our family loves reading all kinds of books.
sweet sour crunchy
Dark, dark chocolate with crunch inside is my favorite.
MS: One last double question. What’s up next for you and where can people find you online?
CSO: Right now, I’m busy promoting WINTER SOLSTICE HILL. I do have something special coming out in the future, but that’s all I can say for now.
You can find me online here:
Author Website: https://cathystefanecogren.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathy.ogren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathyo.likes/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/CathySOgren
Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/cathyso.bsky.social
Great answers! Thanks so much, Cathy!
Good news for our readers: Winter Solstice Hill is available for preorder wherever fine books are sold! Rather than rushing around shopping for last minute holiday gifts, this special book gets you started right now. If you happen to preorder from The Bookery in Manchester, NH you’ll not only get a signed book by November, but surprise swag, too (US only)!
WRITERS' RUMPUS 