U-M Alumni Partnership Creates New Children's Book

A is for Auntie is a new children’s book with an origin rooted in University of Michigan collaboration. 

In 2023, Mallory Janowiak, a 2013 graduate of the U‑M Marsal Family School of Education, reached out to the Stamps alumni network in search of an illustrator for her first children’s book, A is for Auntie. Janowiak connected with Lauren Trail (BFA ​’22), who helped to bring the story to life. 

“A is for Auntie explores the extravagant but sometimes daunting role of the modern-day aunt in a rhythmic adventure through the alphabet,” writes Janowiak. ​“This alphabet book includes a story that follows an auntie and her escapades of spending time bonding with her nieces and nephews. Each page is a snapshot of their time together, giving the readers a better sense of the relationship she has with them. Balancing both the amusing and the demanding tasks, she makes being an aunt look fun and lively, and maybe a little exhausting. Although she’s not perfect and no replacement for their mother, she’s doing her best while trying to make their time together memorable. The love this auntie has for her nieces and nephews is woven through each page.”

A is for Auntie was published in fall 2025, and is now available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.