Harrisburg author, illustrator releases new children’s book featuring familiar city locations

On the pages of a new children’s picture book, local readers may recognize some familiar places. 

Harrisburg artist and author Lauren Castillo released her new book, “Just Like Millie,” on Tuesday, which features illustrated scenes from the city she calls home. 

Castillo, a Caldecott Honoree, has released several of her own children’s books through the years and has illustrated many for other authors, but her new book is the first that is set in Harrisburg.  

“I’d been itching to place one of my stories in Harrisburg,” she said. “This book was the perfect excuse to feature Harrisburg—the landmarks people know. The book is filled with Easter eggs.” 

“Just Like Millie” tells the story of a shy young girl who is overwhelmed by making friends in a new city. Things change when the girl meets Millie, a rescue dog, who helps her come out of her shell and feel more comfortable meeting new people.  

Throughout the book, the girl, her mom and Millie are pictured in familiar Harrisburg settings like inside Midtown Scholar Bookstore, outside of the Broad Street Market and near Elementary Coffee Co. and Raising the Bar bakery. A Sprocket Mural Works mural is also seen in the background of one page, and the characters are pictured living in a townhome on Green Street. Readers may also see a few friendly faces they recognize as illustrations. 

Castillo said that she has been exploring the city and sketching locations for the book for the past several years in anticipation of featuring Harrisburg in print.  

Her inspiration for the story came from interactions with her friend’s very shy, introverted son who would light up when his dog was by his side. 

“It was that support of his furry buddy that pulled him out of his shell,” she said.  

Castillo also realized that she too was most social when she would take her dogs for a walk. In fact, in the book, Millie is based on her beloved dog, Peanut, who passed away, and another dog in the book is modeled after her other late pup, Keiko. Castillo and her wife have since rescued a new dog. 

Castillo hopes that the book inspires children to step out of their comfort zones and even helps them relate the story to their own relationships with their pets. Castillo also loved the idea of showcasing Harrisburg as a great place to raise a family, as she and her wife are expecting a baby boy in a month and hope to raise him in the city.

On Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Castillo will host a book reading and signing event at Midtown Scholar in conjunction with Independent Bookstore Day. And for those inspired by the story of Millie the pup, Nirvana Animal Rescue will be onsite for the event with dogs and puppies available for adoption.  

“It should be a fun morning,” Castillo said.  

“Just Like Millie” is now available to purchase anywhere that books are sold. For more information about Lauren Castillo, visit her website.  

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