Behind the Scenes: Watching On the Way Back Come to Life

There are moments in life that feel almost surreal, and seeing my very first children's book come off the printing press is definitely one of them.

Over the past several weeks, I've received photo after photo from my printer, each one bringing this dream one step closer to reality. Watching stacks of printed pages, freshly bound books, and completed covers has been such an exciting experience. It's hard to believe that something that started as an idea is now becoming a real book that children will soon hold in their hands.

But as with any big project, there were a few unexpected bumps along the way.

After receiving the original sample book, my printer discovered that one of the book's most unique features—the ten fold-out pages—would create challenges during large-scale production. While the sample copy looked beautiful, producing hundreds of books with that many fold-outs would affect the consistency and durability of the finished product.

Rather than compromise on quality, we took a step back and found a better solution.

Working together with my illustrator and printer, we redesigned portions of the book, transforming several fold-out pages into beautiful full-page interactive spreads while keeping four fold-out pages in the final edition.

Although these adjustments took a little extra time, they ensured that every family receives a book that is not only beautiful but built to last.

One thing I quickly learned through this process is that publishing is truly an international collaboration. My incredible illustrator is in Sri Lanka, my printer is in China, and I'm here in California. Even the smallest revision meant sending updated files across the world, waiting for changes to be completed, reviewing them, and then beginning the next stage of production. A change that might seem simple can easily add a week to the timeline, and after several thoughtful revisions, those weeks naturally added up.

Looking back, I'm actually grateful we took the extra time. Every adjustment was made with one goal in mind: creating the very best book possible.

And now for the exciting news...

The books have officially been printed and bound!

The printer has shared behind-the-scenes photos from every stage of production—from the large printing sheets to stacks of freshly printed pages, to rows and rows of completed hardcover books waiting for their dust jackets. Seeing hundreds of copies of On the Way Back: A Discovery of Nature lined up and ready for the final steps has been an unforgettable milestone.

The dust jackets are now being added, and once the books are packed, they'll begin their journey across the ocean to California.

Because of the extra time needed to perfect the production process, the original mid-July release date has shifted. I now expect the books to arrive around mid-August, and while I was initially disappointed to postpone the launch, I realized this timing actually creates an even better opportunity.

Instead of trying to host a launch party in the middle of summer, we'll celebrate on Saturday, September 13!

By then, families will be settling back into their school routines, and I'll have the opportunity to personally invite many of the wonderful students and families I've met through my Sprout & Blossom classes, museum programs, and after-school enrichment classes. I can't think of a better way to celebrate this journey than by gathering together with the community that has supported this dream from the very beginning.

To everyone who has encouraged me, backed this project, shared kind words, or simply cheered me on—thank you.

Your support has carried this project from a simple idea to a book that is almost ready to find its way into the hands of young explorers.

The next time I share an update, I hope it will be with boxes of books arriving at my doorstep.

I truly can't wait.

With gratitude,

Gloria O'Hare Author, On the Way Back: A Discovery of Nature