Author Lisa Rose says writing children’s books isn’t as simple as it looks.

“It is always a challenge to tell a story in as few as words as possible. Every word has to earn its weight,” says Rose, a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators of Michigan.

The West Bloomfield resident is author of “Schmulik Paints the Town,” “The Pocket Picture: A Story About Separation Anxiety” and the “Star Powers” series. To date, she has published nine books, including her latest, “A Zombie Vacation,” released Sept. 1.

Born in Royal Oak, Rose is a graduate of West Bloomfield High School. She earned her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Michigan and her graduate degree in reading and English, as well as an early childhood endorsement from Oakland University.

“I actually had to go to through two major revisions before the story was even accepted by the publisher,” Rose says. “This means the story was submitted, but an editor requested revisions before she could offer a contract. This took many months of working and waiting to hear back from the editor. Then, I had even more revisions once it was accepted. I’m sure I have well over 50 drafts. But I never count my drafts. I just date them.”

In “A Zombie Vacation,” a zombie needs a vacation because he (or is it she? Rose deliberately kept the zombie gender-neutral) wasn’t scary anymore. So the zombie takes a trip to Israel — and, of course, the Dead Sea.

“The Dead Sea is the perfect place for a zombie!” Rose exclaims. “I wanted to write about the disappearing Dead Sea. We are losing more than a meter a year. I originally wrote the story as more of a travel brochure to hurry up and go to the Dead Sea before it disappears.”

“A Zombie Vacation” is illustrated by Angeles Ruiz, marking their first collaboration.

“We were matched by our publisher,” Rose says. “I actually have only spoken with her after the book was complete on social media. This is how traditionally published books are created. Writers and illustrators are matched through publishers, and any feedback needed is given through editors.”

Fellow children’s author Kelly DiPucchio of Macomb Township praised Rose’s work.

“Lisa Rose has an extraordinary gift for lighting up every room she enters with her brilliant smile and playful spirit,” DiPucchio says. “She imbues that same exuberant energy and passion into her stories. Writing books for kids and encouraging young readers to discover their own unique spark is truly Lisa’s calling.”

For Rose, the best part about writing “A Zombie Vacation” was the humor.

“This is a FUNNY book!” Rose enthuses. “I think everyone needs humor right now. I’m scheduling virtual author visits and one of the things I’m doing is asking the kids to dress up as zombies. The kids love seeing their friends as zombies. Silliness makes things better.”

To learn more about Rose and her books, visit lisarosewrites.com.