Columbia Author Releases New Children's Book

Local artist and educator Carrie Shryock has published her latest 40-page children's title.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Botany

Columbia Author Releases New Children's Book

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Columbia-based author Carrie Shryock recently debuted her new children's book, Do You Like My Pants?, published by Dial Books for Young Readers. The release follows the completion of the project's text and illustrations in September 2025.

Why it matters

The publication represents a significant milestone for Shryock, who previously transitioned from an art education career to professional illustration and entrepreneurship. Her work now joins the competitive landscape of children's publishing.

The new 40-page title adds to a market where major publishers like Penguin Random House print approximately 15,000 children's titles annually. Industry data suggests that individual project submissions face a slim acceptance rate of roughly one in 1,000.

The players

Carrie Shryock

She is a Columbia-based author and former K-5 art teacher who previously illustrated The Secret Signs of Nature.

Dial Books for Young Readers

This publishing house is responsible for bringing the new title to market.

Writers House

This literary agency represents authors and illustrators in their negotiations with publishing firms.

Skylark Bookshop

This local establishment hosted the author for her recent book launch event.

The details

Shryock, a former Columbia Public Schools art teacher, received representation from the literary agency Writers House to secure the publishing contract. She celebrated the launch of the book with an event hosted at the Skylark Bookshop.

Carrie Shryock graduated from the University of Missouri in 2002.
The author co-founded the shop 1canoe2 in 2011.
Shryock sold her interest in 1canoe2 in 2015.
Text and artwork for the book were finished in September 2025.
A launch party occurred at Skylark Bookshop on October 14, 2026.

The Big Picture

This release follows the pattern set by the author's previous work, The Secret Signs of Nature, by demonstrating her continued commitment to professional illustration. It marks a shift from her earlier career in art education toward a sustained focus on literary production.

Readers can access the new book through major retail channels or by visiting local bookstores like Skylark Bookshop. The publication serves as an example of the professional transition from regional art education to national literary success.

The takeaway

Securing representation through an agency like Writers House is often a critical barrier for authors entering the traditional publishing market. Aspiring creators can look to this career transition as a roadmap for moving from instructional art roles to published authorship.