Five FUN Facts about SONG OF THE SEASONS with Picture Book Author Glenys Nellist

Today, I’m thrilled to be a part of the SONG OF THE SEASONS Insta Hop and Blog Tour. At this stop,  author Glenys Nellist shares five fun facts about her new book from Paraclete Press. Presented in sturdy hardcover with joyful text and colorful illustrations that capture the essence of each season, SONG OF THE SEASONS is a lovely addition to Glenys’ robust shelf of faith-based books for children.

Here’s an excerpt official blurb:

From bestselling author Glenys Nellist comes a rhyming, whimsical, faith-building journey through the four seasons — for early readers who love nature and wonder and the beginnings of all things. Based on Psalm 98 and written in flowing rhyme, Song of the Seasons explores the idea that all nature sings praise to an Almighty Creator.

Get a preview with the book trailer, then enjoy Glenys’ thoughts as she shares five fun facts about Song of the Seasons.

Five Fun Facts about Song of the Seasons

by

Glenys Nellist

Fun Fact #1: The Book Originally Had a Different Title… 

As a nature lover, acorn collector and tree hugger, I have always been inspired by Psalm 98 and the idea that perhaps all creation sings a brand-new song to God. I wondered, what would it sound like if the trees and the mountains and the oceans could sing praises to their creator? I remember sitting down, pen in hand, prayer in heart, to write Creation’s Song, a rhyming, lyrical ode that explored this idea. But when I met with my editor, she thought something might be missing. At first, I wasn’t sure she was right, but like all good editors, she pushed me to be the best writer I could be. In the creative process of reworking, I decided, instead, to encompass all the four seasons, and to explore how spring, summer, autumn and winter might sing to God. Thus, Song of the Seasons was born. 

Fun Fact #2: Song of the Seasons is a Circle Book

Several years ago, I was reading another of my books, The Wonder That is You, to a group of kindergarteners. When I reached the end, one of them exclaimed, “it’s a circle book … it ends the same way as it begins!” Up to that point, I had never heard that term before. Song of the Seasons is also a circle book, which I think is really appropriate, considering the fact that the four seasons are cyclical. It begins and ends in this way:

The earth sings God a brand-new song,

From grass to mountain peak,

And if you pause and close your eyes

You’ll hear the seasons speak.

Fun Fact #3: Something Surprising About the Illustrator…

As a traditionally published author, I don’t get to choose who will illustrate my books. That is the publisher’s job. How thrilled I was, then, to discover that Paraclete Press had chosen C. B. Canga to illustrate Song of the Seasons. If you take a look at the stunning scenes and colors used in its pages, you would never, ever guess that he has not experienced spring or summer or fall or winter in the same way as me! I live in Michigan, where all four seasons are diversely represented. C B Canga lives in California, where the climate is marked by two seasons: wet and dry. I do not know, then, how he depicted fall or winter so brilliantly, but I’m so glad he did!

Fun Fact #4: The Cornfield is a Real Place

A few years ago, when we lived on a small lake, I would ride my bike to a cornfield. It was always still and quiet. I would get off my bike and just listen to the birds and watch the sun peeping through the corn stalks. It was a place where I felt close to God. I took this picture, never realizing that one day, I would be able to include this special place in a book.

Fun Fact #5: Free Resources!

Since I was a teacher before becoming an author, I love to create resources to accompany my titles. For Song of the Seasons, I’ve written a five-day Creation curriculum that can be used for VBS or summer camps, a Parent Resource Pack and instructions for an immersive StoryWalk. All three resources are available as FREE downloads to anyone who orders the book. Just enter your order details at songoftheseasonsbook.com

For more free resources, visit this link: FREE RESOURCES | Glenys Nellist

Thanks so much for having me, Laura!

Thank YOU for being my guest, Glenys, and for sharing these five fun facts your sweet new book.

Learn more about Glenys at https://www.glenysnellist.com