Creative Landscapes, photo by Harold Davis.

In a family tradition, Katie Rose checks out my new book Creative Landscapes: Digital Photography Tips & Techniques.

Katie Rose was born prematurely almost three years ago at 24 weeks gestation, almost 16 weeks early. In the dark, hectic days in the NICU that followed, we would have been delighted to know how well she is doing today.

It was hard on all of us. I used photography as therapy to help me through it. I also realized that I had a unique opportunity to document the journey of a micro-preemie.

As Phyllis and I sat down with our boys and tried to explain what was going on with their new, very little sister in the hospital, the germ of an idea for a book about preemies for siblings was also born.

The book has had a difficult gestation itself. A major children’s book publisher almost picked it up, and then ultimately decided not to publish it.

We are pleased and proud that The Story of Katie Rose: A Preemie’s Journey is finally seeing the light of day. You can order a copy now from CreateSpace; it will be in the Amazon catalog and other distribution channels in the next week or so!

We’d really like to get our book with its message of hope to those who need it most: families with babies in the NICU.

Here’s the book description from the back cover:

The Story of Katie Rose is about a premature baby who was born very early. This book follows her journey as she grows in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is finally able to go home.

Often siblings of a preemie do not understand why their new baby brother or sister has not come home. The Story of Katie Rose is written for children and is perfect for reading aloud to help explain what is happening. Actual photos of Katie Rose in the NICU accompany the text and will help familiarize children with what they may see in the hospital.

The hospital machines, such as respirators, monitors, and incubators, can sometimes seem scary. These essential machines are explained in simple, easy-to-understand language that describes how they help Katie Rose.

The Story of Katie Rose is not just for siblings of preemies. Parents and grandparents, and anyone who is close to a preemie in the hospital, will find the simple, clear information about medical technology related to prematurity helpful and enlightening.

Follow the inspirational story of Katie Rose’s journey as she grows from a tiny, fragile baby who weighs less than six sticks of butter into a baby who is ready to come home.

• Written in simple easy-to-understand language
• Shows real photos of a premature baby and the NICU environment
• Gives advice to parents on how to start conversations with the siblings of preemies
• Includes a glossary of common terms used in the NICU
• The Story of Katie Rose has been reviewed by neonatologists, special care doctors, and a child psychologist for accuracy and appropriateness

Publication Date: Feb 10 2011
ISBN/EAN13: 1460924797 / 9781460924792
Page Count: 48
Binding Type: US Trade Paper
Trim Size: 8.25″ x 8.25″
Language: English
Color: Full Color with Bleed
Related Categories: Juvenile Nonfiction / Family / New Baby
List price: $19.99—Purchase now.

In keeping with family tradition, Katie Rose and Phyllis check out an advance copy of The Photoshop Darkroom 2: Creative Digital Transformations. The publication date for the book is February 15, 2011—so copies should be available in a month or so.