How Kellie DuBay Gillis’ Science Career Shaped Her Nature-Focused Children’s Books

Growing up in Bay City, Michigan, and now residing in Fairview Park, environmental scientist Kellie DuBay Gillis’ ties to the natural world run as deep as the Great Lakes she grew up around. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she pursued a career in environmental science and communications. Protecting watersheds is a large part of DuBay Gillis’ job.  

“After a rain, I’ll see how the clarity levels have changed,” DuBay Gillis says. “I’m constantly thinking about our local environment and watching the changes right in my own backyard.”

A lot of her work involves writing documents for local, state and federal environmental agencies, but her newest audience is a bit younger. In February 2025, she released her first children’s books, Big Bike, Little Bike and If You Find a Fawn. Her stories are filled with whimsy and teach kids about the natural world. We talked with DuBay Gillis about the inspiration behind her books and how her work shapes her writing.

What inspired the storylines for your new books?
If You Find a Fawn really goes back to my childhood, when I’d find baby birds with my neighborhood friends. We did what we thought was best to help, and it turns out we weren’t helping at all. As a parent, I’ve watched my kids and their friends go through the same thing. I realized the topic in the form of a picture book could empower kids to know what to do.

Why did you choose to write children’s picture books? 
I’m frozen at the age of 11 internally. Children’s literature was so important to me in terms of my imagination and the books I used for escape and play. I have fond memories of our children’s librarian just feeding us piles of books. I think everyone needs to tap into their childhood whether they’re 5, 35 or 95. Picture books are for everybody. They’re poetry, they’re magic and they’re science. They’re just amazing.

How does being an environmental scientist tie into picture books? 
I think the most fundamental way we can all become everyday environmentalists is to feel that bond with nature. I felt that way growing up on the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan — and now Lake Erie — and the connection to all the waterways near me in Ohio. We have to love something to want to protect it. I’m hoping kids will make that connection with my books and find their special nature spots.

For more information, visit kelliedubaygillis.com.

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