Interviews, Podcasts, and Blog Posts

12X12 Picture Books Challenge Blog

Much of what I’ve learned from my health challenges has supported me in publishing my debut picture book, KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE (Orca Book Publishers), illustrated by Emilie Leduc. In this post, I’ve shared my takeaways with the hope that these might resonate, help, or inspire.

Writing and Publishing Takeaways from Life with Chronic Illness


Interview with Connecting to Cure Crohn’s and Colitis

Lowell Dylan and I discuss my experiences with IBD and motherhood as well as KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE and how the book can be used as a framework for discussing chronic illness with children.

Interview with Alison McGauley, author of Kenzie’s Little Tree


The Backstory Blog

Author Andrew Hackett and I discuss the backstory and publication journey for KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE.

The Backstory: KENZIE'S LITTLE TREE


Picture Books, eh!

This is my featured post for the Picture Books, eh! launch group blog where I discuss the message of resilience and strength that is embodied in KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE.

We Can Do Hard Things, by Alison McGauley


49th Shelf Kids

I love reading—and writing—big-hearted stories for little readers. By big-hearted, I mean books that evoke strong emotions, feature important themes, inspire readers, and elicit thoughts and discussions. In this article, I list and describe eight such picture books.

Big-Hearted Stories for Little Readers


Maria Marshall’s Blog

Here I share about my publication process for KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE in tandem with Chelsea Tornetto, one of my PB25Vibes launch group members.

The Picture Book Buzz - PB 25 Vibes March 2025 Releases


Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog

Here I answer Susanna’s interview questions about the process and journey involved in my debut picture book, KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE.

Tuesday Debut – Presenting Alison McGauley!


Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In my section of the episode that follows Matt de la Peña and Loren Long, I discuss the need to have open conversations with kids about difficult topics and how KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE aims to both reflect the realities of families facing health challenges and provide a window for those who haven't had that experience.

Picture Books That Tackle Big Ideas


Arthritis Life Podcast

In this episode, I discuss my journey with inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis, reflect on the importance of talking with children about experiences, thoughts, and feelings, and share the crucial role of creativity as a coping tool.

The Power of Creativity and Storytelling in Alison’s Chronic Illness Journey


Tara Lazar’s Storystorm

I had the honor of being a guest on the Storystorm blog along with my launch group, PB25Vibes. Check it out to find out how we each wrote a story while keeping a feeling—or vibe—in mind.

PB25Vibes Shares the Vibes


Girls with Guts Blog

In this blogpost, I discuss my IBD journey, learning about the importance of family discussions, and why I wrote Kenzie’s Little Tree.

The Importance of Family Discussions


Mama’s Facing Forward Blog

Mariah Z. Leach, the blog’s creator, wrote a book review about KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE.

Children’s Book Review: Kenzie’s Little Tree


About IBD Podcast

Amber Tresca and I talked about my journey with IBD and arthritis, parenting with chronic illness, and my journey writing and publishing KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE.

Parenting With IBD – About IBD Podcast Episode 160 With Alison McGauley



Mama’s Facing Forward Blog

I wrote seasonal posts for the Mariah Z. Leach’s Mama’s Facing Forward blog, a site that aims “to provide resources, encouragement, and community for parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness.”

My posts feature chronic illness-friendly family activities for each season:


Writing While Impaired Blog

Carolyn B Fraiser invited me to contribute to her blog. The Writing While Impaired blog is focused on discussing “the difficulties of finding creativity while dealing with chronic health conditions and tips on how to overcome those barriers.”

Finding Energy for Creativity