Carla M. Flanders has spent her career planning celebrations from cozy gatherings to bustling festivals, but her newest creation may be her most personal tribute to life’s big moments.
Flanders, a longtime West Michigan entrepreneur and the owner of CMF Marketing & Events, has released her first children’s book, “On the Day You Graduate.” The illustrated story traces the journey of a child and their guardian from birth through the milestones of growing up, culminating in graduation, a symbolic moment when it’s “time to fly.”
“This short but meaningful story is a perfect gift for young readers and graduates tackling new life adventures,” Flanders says. “It can be a keepsake from the very start of school, or a thoughtful gift for a graduating student looking back on how far they’ve come.”
The book invites interaction with space for loved ones from parents to teachers to share personal notes and words of encouragement, making each copy unique.
Flanders was inspired by her family’s story and the idea of capturing life’s lessons in a way that could grow with a child.
Flanders brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, strategic planning, and public relations to her role as CEO of CMF Marketing & Events. Known for building community through her work, she hopes her book will help families do the same.
“On the Day You Graduate” is available now. Books can be purchased online at
https://onthedayyougraduate.com or via Etsy at
cmfmarketingevents.etsy.com. Books are also available at The Bookman in Grand Haven and Blended Furniture Market in Norton Shores, with more locations to come.
The Lakeshore caught up with Carla M. Flanders to talk about her book and its connection to her longtime work in Muskegon.
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Courtesy Carla FlandersCarla Flanders
The Lakeshore: What inspired you to write "On the Day You Graduate"? Was there a specific moment or experience, perhaps connected to your life in Muskegon or your role as a mother, that sparked the idea for this book?
Carla M. Flanders: I have often been asked why I wrote this short story, or what made me decide to take it to the next level.
To understand the “why,” you’ll need to understand the “how.” The story started as a letter to my son who was graduating. I had often thought throughout his life, as many parents might, Will we ever be able to leave him alone in a room by himself? Will we ever be able to go out to eat again without this child running all around? How will he manage his first day of school? How will we manage now that he is in middle school? How is it possible that he is now old enough to drive? Will he be safe? Will he be OK? And so on. Based on these questions and thoughts, the inspiration behind the story was recognizing the growth both with our son and within us as parents — growing together, hitting milestones, experiencing life, love, laughter, and sorrow throughout the years.
When my second son graduated, I wanted to give him something special, something that no one had seen before, so I gave him an updated version of this short story. We set the story out at his graduation and asked that people write special notes next to the story: words of wisdom, thoughts of encouragement, memorable times spent together, etc.
As I attended other graduation parties, I often wished I had something more to give recent graduates — something unique and fun, a keepsake that could be given as a gift, either for graduation or given to the child at the beginning of their school years. That way, each school year, teachers or guardians could write down their fun memories, hopes, and dreams for the student.
Then the idea was born. After much research, and not seeing anything on the market quite like this, the book “On the Day You Graduate” came to life. Not only is it a story of a child growing, learning, and experiencing life, it’s a keepsake where a student can add their thoughts. It’s a place where teachers, parents, friends, relatives, and coaches can add their messages for the very special graduate.
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Courtesy Carla FlandersCarla Flanders' new book "On the Day You Graduate."
TL: Many Muskegon families are looking for meaningful ways to celebrate their children’s milestones. How do you envision your book becoming a keepsake tradition?
CF: “On The Day You Graduate” is a great keepsake for newborns and parents as well as young readers and recent graduates who will appreciate the colorful illustrations that will entertain and delight. The book is great for students just starting school, acting as a constant companion throughout their education and life journey. For graduating students, it allows the student to reflect on their journey.
There are additional pages towards the back of the book where the student can record their favorite moments. The last few pages are set aside for family, friends, mentors, and teachers to provide words of wisdom, notes of encouragement, and fun memories. For a child just starting their journey in school, this space would be ideal for a teacher to write a little note at the end of each school year. For students graduating, this book would be a perfect keepsake to set out during a graduation party for people to sign and provide a personal message.
TL: As someone well-known in Muskegon for organizing community events, how did your experience with CMF Marketing & Events shape your approach to storytelling and audience connection in your debut book?
CF: I think the book captures the essence of watching a child grow and demonstrate simple, yet significant, life moments throughout their journey. The book culminates with the child graduating, a major milestone. As an event coordinator and a mother, I have attended and hosted many graduation gatherings. At these events, the common theme is pride for the child, hope for a successful future, joy in reaching this milestone, and reflecting throughout the years. This book envelops all of those emotions and more.
TL: Muskegon educators and parents play vital roles in children’s lives. What kind of feedback have you heard from people who have bought the book or have received one?
CF: Here are a few quotes that capture the essence of what people are saying:
“With a senior in high school, I wanted to provide my child with a unique gift that they will enjoy before, during, and after graduation. This fun and interactive book allows for teachers, family and friends to write words of inspiration while also sharing a sweet story of growth and development. I can’t wait to give this to my child when they graduate.” – Lisa Hovinga
“As a mother of two and a high school special education teacher for nearly 30 years, I believe this is the perfect book for any graduate, regardless of age or ability. Its inclusive message and timeless appeal make it a gift to cherish forever." – Gina Tedesco, Educator
"Carla has created a book that journeys through memories of a child's years growing up and culminates in an interactive reflection that engages both the graduate and their community—teachers, friends, family members. The result will be a treasured keepsake for graduates as they walk into their next chapter."
– Sarah Rinsema, programs manager, Muskegon Area District Library.
“As a new parent, this is a wonderful book to have already, as we look to the future and all the exciting things ahead for our child. I also look forward to gifting this to family and friends to celebrate special graduates." – Rachel Gorman, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce president
TL: You’ve built a career bringing people together through events. Now, with this book, you’re bringing generations together through story. What’s next for you as an author, and do you have any upcoming Muskegon events where readers can meet you or pick up a copy?
CF: As an author, I have a few more ideas up my sleeve for future book ideas. However, right now, I am focused on “On The Day You Graduate.” I have two upcoming events scheduled with more on the way.
Meet the author
Carla M. Flanders has two local events scheduled for next month.
May 1, 10 a.m. at Play Muskegon, 280 W. Muskegon Avenue, Muskegon: Flanders will do a reading of “On The Day You Graduate” and sign books during one of Play Muskegon's play sessions. Books will be available for purchase.
May 13, 5-7 p.m. at The Bookman, 715 Washington, Grand Haven: Flanders will be at a meet-and-greet and book signing event. No registration is required.
Books can be purchased online at
https://onthedayyougraduate.com or via Etsy at
cmfmarketingevents.etsy.com. Books are also available at The Bookman in Grand Haven and Blended Furniture Market in Norton Shores, with more locations to come.
For more on the book, go to Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/OnTheDayYouGraduate/ or Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/onthedayyougraduatebook/.