Forget partridges in pear trees; new author gifts pasties, brookies, and snow skis in this Christmas book celebrating Michigan Yoopers
Traverse City, Michigan—Other than extolling the virtues of universities State and Michigan, nothing gets Michiganders deeper in debate than the question: where exactly is “up north?” For residents of the Upper Peninsula, the answer is a firm, “once you’ve crossed the Mackinac,” the bridge that connects the state’s two peninsulas. Those Upper Peninsula residents, known as Yoopers (sound out U and P), are celebrated in Dana Saugstad’s debut book, The Twelve Days of Yooper Christmas, Mission Point Press, (May 20, 2025).
The playful twist on the classic Christmas carol is designed to delight children and adults alike as the well-known “twelve days” gifts are replaced with the traditions and culture of Yooper living—beef pasties, brookies, ten-pointers, snow skis, and more. Saugstad explained her book’s gift selections, “Pasties are a staple in the UP so it was a given that they be included. Other featured gifts reflect the area’s rich history and outdoor recreation opportunities. I was born and raised in Michigan but it wasn’t until I moved to the UP that I learned about the mining industry and abundant ski jumps. I wanted to present the area’s history and show how it shaped the state in a fun book that kids will enjoy as they celebrate the holidays.”
Alaska, Pasties, and History
While her book pays homage to the northernmost region of her home state, it took a 3,000 mile move to Alaska for Saugstad to develop her story. “I took a class at University Alaska Southeast taught by my best friend’s mom, Katy Spangler. The class, Alaskan Children’s Literature, was devoted to learning Alaskan history by way of children’s books. Moving back to Michigan, I searched for children’s books about the UP but came up empty-handed and the adult UP history books were dull and dry, like a pasty without ketchup or gravy,” Saugstad observed.
With the prose done, an illustrator was needed to create whimsical, vibrant details to engage young readers. “It was important that I find a UP illustrator and I discovered that Northern Michigan University had a fine arts and illustration program. Working with a school advisor, I was connected with Emmalene Oysti, a student in the program,” Saugstad shared. “During the creation of the book, I moved, got married, started a new job, had twins, and moved again; Emmalene’s flexibility and understanding was integral to our collaborative partnership.”
Saugstad is considering future stories to engage young readers, “I’d love to create retellings of fairy tales but with a Yooper twist. Maybe Snow White eats a poisoned pasty or Cinderella loses her Stormy Kromer hat. What I really hope is that someone reads The Twelve Days of Yooper Christmas and wants to make their own Yooper-inspired book.”
The Author
Dana D. Saugstad, a librarian and educator, brings Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to life in her debut children’s book, The Twelve Days of Yooper Christmas. Originally from Scottville, Michigan, Dana returned to the UP after living in Alaska, where she fell in love with children’s books. Now based in Quinnesec, Michigan, she enjoys family time, nature walks, and audiobooks. Dana hopes her book inspires families to explore the charm of Yooper culture.
The Illustrator
Emmalene Oysti, a fine artist and illustrator based in Marquette, Michigan, holds a BFA in illustration from Northern Michigan University and a BA in art history from Arizona State University. Working with traditional media like watercolors, gouache, and colored pencils, her layered mixed-media creations feature vibrant colors, rich textures, and realistic details.
The Book
The Twelve Days of Yooper Christmas
Dana D. Saugstad
36 pages, 8.5 x 8.5 inches, color, illustrated by Emmalene Oysti
Juvenile Fiction, Holidays, Christmas, Michigan Upper Peninsula
ISBN: 978-1-965278-27-7, $24.95 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-965278-25-3, $17.95 (Softcover)
Mission Point Press, May 20, 2025
Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its May 20 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at dana.saugstad@gmail.com.
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