Kristine Kahanek loves everything weather! She’s a 20-year veteran television meteorologist and author of the celebrated children series Katie and the Magic Umbrella. Furthermore, she is a mom just like us, trying to do it all in 2010!
At this point in Kristine’s career, she has come to realize that her energy is best spent educating children about her passion, weather! She wants them to overcome their fear of storms. Her current venture brings Kristine inner strength and peace knowing that she is leaving something for future generations of her family.
This second release focuses on winter storms—perfect for February in Colorado. MHM spoke with Kristine this week about her latest release, Katie and the Magic Umbrella: On Snowflake Trail. We wanted to get the dish on her latest book tour in Denver, who has crazier weather, the adorable red locks and where we can catch a reading of her latest book.
Kristine: If my husband and I didn’t work in Texas, we’d live in Denver. We have very good friends in Denver and we love to ski, the outdoors and the mountains. Heck, we’d like to retire in the mountains someday. We just love Denver. It’s in the perfect location.
MHM: We think we have pretty interesting weather here in Colorado. Then again, you get some nasty storms in Texas. You update your blog constantly on Texas weather. But, you know we have some stiff competition when it comes to wacky storms. Who has the more severe weather?
Kristine: Mmm. . . between Texas and Colorado . . . well, everyone thinks they have volatile weather, it’s such a conversation piece. We certainly get our fair share moving over Dallas. But, you have instant changes because of the geography of your city. It’s snowing in the Dallas today, so you never know. It could be a tie.
MHM: Crazy weather is the theme of both your books and the merchandising line of dolls and accessories. Speaking of conversation piece, your children most certainly are a fantastic item to talk about from the books. We love how you integrate your own children into the book. It makes it so much more personal. Who’s got the adorable curly red hair in your family?
Kristine: (with a chuckle) I straighten my hair everyday. It photographs darker, but when I was on television, or if you see me in person, it’s red! All three of the characters are originated after my own children. Katie, the main character was created after the loss of my daughter 11 years ago. Katie watches over the other two characters in the book. Their names, Grace and Alex, come from the middle names of my children as do their looks.
MHM: What an interesting way of moving on from a lost child. We’re thrilled you found an outlet for her memory and also a way to combine it with your expertise—weather. We look forward to meeting you at your book signing!
Invitation to all Mile High Mamas! Meet Kristine Kahanek in person and listen to a reading of Katie and the Magic Umbrella: On Snowflake Trail.
February 19, 2010 4 – 6 pm
Lone Tree Barnes & Noble Booksellers
8347 S. Willow St (Shoppes at the Meadows)
Littleton, Colorado
303-706-9660
For more information on Kristine visit www.kristinekahanek.com. For more information on Katie and the Magic Umbrella books series visit www.katieandthemagicumbrella.com. To purchase the books visit www.barnesandnoble.com or www.amazon.com.
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Author: Julie B
