Anna grew up on a small farm in beautiful Wisconsin, alongside her 5 brothers and 3 sisters. She enjoyed her days outdoors, from the smell of winter to the sounds of summer. Anna and her husband Brandon live close to that same small farm in Wisconsin, with their three beautiful children. They enjoy spending their time together, and teaching their children the values of each season. Anna has released her first children’s book, A Bunny’s Christmas Eve Adventure. Anna was recently feature in the December issue of Welcome Home. She generously answered a few questions about becoming a writer and what’s next for her!

1. Why did you become a writer?

I may not call it as much a writer, but a story teller. A story teller of imagination and adventure. I want to tell stories that warm children’s hearts, the way Christmas Day does to many. I hope to tell stories that make children look out their window with a sparkle of joy in their eyes, in hopes to catch a glimpse of an animal from The Oak Tree Adventures. – Anna M. Schumacher

Why did you become an illustrator?

The idea of illustrating my own children’s book has always been a desire of mine. ​I am a painter, and have tried to dedicate more time to my art in the last few years.  I have  always been inspired by beautiful illustrations, especially in children’s books, so when this opportunity came up I felt it was a great way to challenge myself and really push me into working harder at finessing my own work.  It was so fun creating the snowy, cozy world of tree house cottages, and vintage feeling Christmas cheer and tradition. – Jessica Rogers

2. What inspired your current book?

The simple beauty of frost covered windowpanes and the magic of the Christmas season. We want to bring children back to the simple Christmas season, and gently remind them what Christmas is truly about – faith, family, lending a hand, and the magic of Christmas.

3. What is next for you?

Jessica, and I have created The Oak Tree Adventures as an author-illustrator duo. We hope to bring more stories from the Old Oak Tree at the edge of the woods to the homes of children all around the word.