For Astrid Sheckels, the old adage of a picture is worth a thousand words encapsulates how an illustration evolved into a full-fledged book. Her latest book, Sea Dog, began to take shape when a popular image she had crafted of a fisherman dog left people asking what the backstory was behind this lovable character.
The answer, it turns out, was just as popular as the source material. No stranger to Moonbeam Awards, Sheckels was once again recognized for her newest title, Sea Dog, with a Gold Medal in the 2024 Moonbeam Awards in the Picture Book – 4–8 Year Old category. She has also previously received Gold Medals in the 2010 awards (Picture Book – All Ages, The Fish House Door), the 2013 awards (Picture Book – All Ages, Nic and Nellie), the 2022 awards (Picture Book – All Ages, Hector Fox and the Raven’s Revenge), and the 2022 awards (Best Illustrator, Hector Fox and the Giant Quest).
We had a moment to connect with Sheckels to discuss the evolution of Sea Dog from illustration to story, what winning five gold medals in the Moonbeam Awards has meant to the author, and the fun that can come from following an idea.
What Winning a Moonbeam Award Means
Sheckels has been the recipient of five Moonbeam Awards for her work, but that does not diminish the excitement that each one produces. “I have been honored with quite a few Moonbeam Awards,” she says, “but each one has been a unique thrill to receive. I spend the day with a big grin on my face!”
Beyond the personal sense of accomplishment, the receiving of these awards has been validating for Sheckels’ work. “It is deeply encouraging that others can see the value and beauty of the books I am putting into the world. Each Moonbeam seal is a visual affirmation.”
The Making of Sea Dog
Sheckels highlights that many of her books begin with an image and then it grows from there. “In the case of Sea Dog, I had painted an illustration of a fisherman dog (inspired by the art of Homer Winslow) and created a greeting card with that image,” she says.
The illustration was intended as a standalone piece, but it intrigued people enough that they kept asking what the story was behind this maritime canine. “People kept asking me what story it belonged to, and I eventually got tired of saying that there was no story!” says Sheckels.
From there, the story of Sea Dog and its title character began to take shape. But as with most writing, the story itself often takes some revisions and adjustments to finally ring true. “It took some time to figure out exactly what his story was all about,” she says. “He went through a name change (from Chester to Walter, which sounds much more watery), he went from being a tough sailor to a little baker who has an unattainable wish of becoming a sea dog.” With these heightened stakes and mixing in some fantastical co-characters (including sea dragon, merpups, and the sea turtle king), the story was off and running.
Adventure and Making Your Own Way
Geared toward a younger audience, above all Sheckels intends for Sea Dog to be a fun read for all to enjoy. “I hope readers will simply be swept along with Walter on his adventure,” she says. Full of interesting characters and intrigue, the book is meant to be an entertaining endeavor.
Beyond the enjoyment, Sea Dog also hints at following your own path, as Walter does. “I hope readers will learn the same lessons that Walter learns,” she says. “That the crowd isn’t always right. That it’s okay to have dreams. That the answer to those dreams might not look the way we imagined–they may be beyond our wildest dreams!”
Looking Toward The Future
Readers of Sea Dog will be pleased to know that a sequel following the adventures of the intrepid Walter was just released this summer (2025), titled Sea Dog Rescue. Sheckels also points to a new work hitting shelves in October 2025 titled Flora and the Jazzers, a 1920s Jazz Age Cinderella story (with animals). Beyond that, Sheckels is also working on two other projects (a picture book and early chapter book) slated to be released in 2026 and 2027, so readers stay tuned!
Nothing to Lose — Turn Your Idea into an Award Winner
When asked about the value of submitting for a Moonbeam Award, Sheckels notes that authors have only to gain. “I would strongly encourage submitting your work.” she says. “Seriously, what can it hurt? It is a great way to build visibility for your work and it’s a simple step to take.” Along with the ease of submission, Sheckels highlights the variety of categories that are available for recognition. “A wonderful thing about the Moonbeam Awards is the breadth of categories offered. There is usually one that seems handpicked for your project.”
You never know where an idea for a story may come from! Whether it is an illustration that demands its own backstory or an idea that has been in the back of your mind, you never know where it may take you!
Think you have a story worth sharing? Consider submitting it to Moonbeam Awards. Like Walter the Sea Dog, you never know where a little adventure may take you!
