A few years ago, I had on my heart to write a counting story for littlest ones inspired by one of my favorite parables from the New Testament. I had always loved this particular parable because it was a visual and comforting reminder to me that no matter how far I wandered, or even if I lost my way, God would always be there – not just waiting for me, but actively seeking to bring me back to Him. I also loved this particular parable because it had sheep.
If you know my books, you’ve probably figured out that the book that was on my heart to write was LITTLE EWE. And my hope from the beginning for this particular book was that it would serve as a creative, playful way to introduce children to our Shepherd’s amazing love through the eyes of one fictional little lamb.
In the summer of 2019, the book was accepted for publication by Naomi Krueger, acquisitions editor at Beaming Books. I was thrilled and had lots of questions for her. I asked things like who would the illustrator be? Would there be any revisions? What was the anticipated publication date? But one thing I never outrightly asked, but have always wondered, was if she had the same deep hope for the book as I did.
Well, last week, I got my answer, when I was invited by Picture Book Look Podcast hosts Kim Chaffee and Kirsti Call to participate in a special chat about LITTLE EWE with my editor, Naomi Krueger! I’ve done podcasts and radio interviews before, but never a joint one like this. Kim and Kirsti asked great questions and I LOVED hearing about Naomi’s process and thoughts in acquiring and then bringing the book to fruition. I hope you will take a listen. (It’s under 16 minutes.) Here’s the link.
But even if you don’t have time right this minute so listen to the whole episode, here’s an “audio pinch” (a new phrase for me) from the interview in which we talk about our hopes for the book. And guess what? We did share the same vision for the book from the beginning and am moved by the depth of her response to the question.
Thank you, Naomi, for acquiring this story, and to the whole team at Beaming Books, along with illustrator Tommy Doyle, for bringing it to life so charmingly. And thank you to Kim and Kirsti at Picture Book Look for interviewing us. I hope LITTLE EWE is enjoyed by sheep of all ages (and their shepherds) for years to come.
Interested in adding a copy to your home, school, or church library? It’s available wherever books are sold.
Laura Sassi Tales 