AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Five Fun Facts about THE DANCE OF EASTER with Author Sally Cressman

Today I’m delighted to have debut picture book author Sally Cressman as my guest with five fun facts about her new faith-based Easter book, THE DANCE OF EASTER, published by Wren & Bear Books.

Here’s the official description per the publisher’s website:

The Dance of Easter sparks a spirited response of creation to Jesus’s resurrection through lyrical verse and expressive illustrations. This fresh retelling of the Easter story will introduce four- to seven-year-olds to what happened on the first Easter morning, show that Jesus rose from the dead, and celebrate the good news of His resurrection. 

Here’s my take:

Sally Cressman’s THE DANCE OF EASTER is a joyous, kid-friendly celebration of the good news of Easter. Little ones will enjoy all the animals she includes, as spread after spread, the animals dance for joy and repeat the wondrous refrain: “He lives! He lives! God’s Son is not dead. Yes, Jesus arose in three days like He said.” I think this would make a lovely “literary” anchor for an Easter basket and a great introduction to the joy of Resurrection Sunday.

Now enjoy this special post as Sally shares five fun facts about the book and writing. Thank you, Sally! 

Five Fun Facts from “The Dance of Easter”

by Sally Cressman

FACT #1: Initially, I titled this book “The Song of Easter” and pitched it as a companion to a Christmas book with the same title. When I showed the manuscript to a well-known author, she suggested I come up with another name for the Easter book. (She later became the senior editor of Wren & Bear Books and bought my manuscript!) I chewed on her suggestion and decided on “The Dance of Easter.” This was a risky title because an agent I admire suggested that conservative Christians might be offended by the word “dance.” We know that King David danced, and he was a man after God’s own heart. I also thought if rocks could cry out, a donkey could talk, and a large fish could swallow a man and spit him out, it’s not hard to imagine that animals and creation celebrated Jesus’ resurrection. (For the record, no people dance in the book.)

Fact #2: Once I settled on the book title, I researched the different dance styles and reworked the manuscript. I discovered the animals could naturally perform several of the dances. It was great fun imagining what the animals could or might have done. 

Fact #3: Wren & Bear Books asked me to send three or four samples of illustrators I thought would be a good match for the book. When I received my initial sneak peek of the sketches, I knew they had picked the perfect illustrator. At first, the badgers were my favorite illustration (maybe because I was raised in Wisconsin), but now the frogs make me smile every time I see that spread. Angela Edmonds, a former Disney employee, made the frogs’ faces and eyes hilarious as they hip-hop to the news of Jesus’  resurrection. Angela perfectly captured the joy in each animal’s facial expressions and body language.

Fact #4: I drafted “The Song of Easter” in 2020 when everyone was trapped in their homes. It went through seven edits with a freelance editor. After I changed the title to “The Dance of Easter” in 2021, it went through three more edits. I let the manuscript sit a year, then changed the first line of the book and one verb to a more sparkly one. My agent called with the good news (I always like receiving his calls). I signed the contract in July 2023, and the book was released on March 5, 2024. Once I signed the contract, the publishing process moved quickly.

Fact #5: I think in rhyme and love to write in rhyme when working on a manuscript, but some days, I want to pull my hair out, especially after an editing pass. My manuscript is always stronger when I struggle with it and let it rest a bit. The Dance of Easter was written in rhyme and includes a repeated refrain. I hope children will repeat and remember the refrain, “He lives! He lives! God’s Son is not dead! Yes, Jesus arose in three days, like He said.”

About the Author: Sally Cressman is the author of The Dance of Easter. She has written children’s Sunday school curricula, devotionals, and articles and has served in children’s ministry for over thirty years. Her publishing credits include LifeWay Kids Ministry, Focus on the Family, Moms in Prayer, and the Nashville Christian Family magazine. Sally and her husband of thirty-four years enjoy a relaxing rhythm in their home south of Nashville.

Social Media:

Facebook: Sally Cressman

Instagram: @sacressman

www.sallycressman.com

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[Note: Thank you to the Sally for letting me take an advanced sneak digital peak at the book.. The views and opinions expressed on this blog about books and other things are purely my own.]

FIVE FUN FACTS about THIS SPECIAL BLESSING FOR YOU with Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer

Today I’m pleased to have authors Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer here to share five fun facts about their new book This Special Blessing for You, published by Zonderkidz with illustrations by Denise Hughes.

Here’s the official blurb:

God is full of love for your children, and This Special Blessing for You empowers them to live out who God wants them to be in the world. Encourage the kids in your life to spread love and kindness with this engaging rhyming picture book.

This Special Blessing for You uses words and phrases that help children better understand what God wants to communicate to them. Each promise and declaration is based on the Aaronic Blessing found in Numbers 6:23–27: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

My take:

This Special Blessing for You is a beautiful rhyming adaptation of the Aaronic Blessing. Children will enjoy the warm affirmation of God’s love and purpose for them through each progressive spread. Eric and Meredith’s text pairs delightfully with Denise’s illustrations which are full of fun details for kids to explore and connect with as they ponder how God might use THEM to spread His love today. I think this book would make a wonderful addition to a home, church, school, or town library.

And now enjoy Eric and Meredith’s five fun facts.

Five Fun Facts about 

THIS SPECIAL BLESSING FOR YOU

by Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer

FUN FACT #1: This Special Blessing for You is an adaptation of Numbers 6:23-27. These words were given to the priests by God, through Moses, and spoken over the people at the end of their religious services. They are promises of what God will do and a statement of God’s great love for the people. The words of the blessing are: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” This Special Blessing for You is a rhyming adaptation of these verses so kids better understand what God wanted to communicate to God’s people. 

FUN FACT #2: The Hebrew idea of a blessing is that actual power is transferred from God to the people. The Hebrew understanding of “blessing” is that it is a “divine filling.” When the priests raised their hands and spoke these words, God’s Spirit flowed through the priests on to the people. With this blessing, God’s people were filled with power to live out who God called them to be in the world. This book can be used as a resource to speak God’s blessing over the children in your life. With this blessing, you will equip them with God’s power to live out who God is calling them to be and what God is calling them to do as they go through their day.

FUN FACT #3: One of Eric & Meredith’s most favorite word pictures in scripture comes right after the blessing. With this blessing, God told Aaron to “put God’s name on the Israelites” and in return God would bless them. When we play a sport, we often put on a jersey with our name on the back. The “picture” in this verse is that we put God’s name on our back and we get to carry God’s name with us wherever we go.God sends us out into the world so we can show everyone what God is like. 

FUN FACT #4: If you look closely, you find Eric and Meredith’s kids depicted in the book. This Special Blessing for You has beautiful illustrations by illustrator Denise Hughes that shows children of all colors and abilities loving God and loving those around them. They are living into who God called them to be and the activities God is calling them to be part of. To Eric and Meredith’s surprise, their illustrator included their two children Meryn (8) and Judah (5) in the illustrations. You will have to see if you can spot them. 

FUN FACT #5: Eric and Meredith have a desire to help children better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. Eric and Meredith have had the opportunity to travel to Israel multiple times and Eric leads study trips to Israel through his ministry, The Acacia Project. Through the illustrations in their other books, they show children what the lands and customs of the biblical world were really like. You can find these details in their books, The Youngest Disciple, The Mouse in the Manger, and in their Christmas activity set, The Wandering Wise Men. They are also authors of the flip board book, Hear, O Little One: In the Morning and in the Evening. 

About the Authors:

Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer are both storytellers at heart. Eric is an award-winning filmmaker and music composer. Meredith is an award-winning journalist and news anchor. Eric has his Master of Divinity and leads biblical study trips to Israel and Jordan through his ministry, The Acacia Project. Meredith is a certified enneagram coach and facilitator. Together, they launched Fresh Wind Studios, where they create resources that help children and families better understand the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible. They are the creators of the award-winning Christmas resource The Wandering Wise Men, and the award-winning picture books The Youngest Disciple, The Mouse in the Manger, and Hear, O Little One: In the Morning and in the Evening. Eric and Meredith live in Holland, MI, with their two children, Meryn and Judah.

Eric and Meredith’s books and resources can be found at www.freshwindstudios.com.

Website: ericandmeredithschrotenboer.com

Social Handles: @ericschrotenboer, @meredithschrotenboer

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3G0_z0G9_U

[Note: Thank you to the the publisher for a digital sneak peek of the book which I was under no obligation to review. The views and opinions expressed on this blog about books and other things are purely my own.]

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COVER REVEAL: COVER REVEAL: Rosanne L. Kurstedt’s STICK vs. STONE (Plus an Interview!)

COMING SOON! Picture book author Rosanne L. Kurstedt has a new picture book on the way. Published by Worthy Kids and illustrated by Agnes Saccani, STICK VS. STONES will hit shelves everywhere this coming March. The cover is just starting to pop up on the web, so I asked if she’d be my guest for a cover reveal and interview. She said yes!  

First, the official blurb from the publisher: 

Best friends discover that working together is more fun than being right in this hilarious picture book about a playdate gone wrong.

Sticks or stones? When best friends George and Georgina disagree over which is better, their argument escalates to shouts of “I don’t want to be your friend!” “No, I don’t want to be your friend!”, until two new friends show them a better way. As they argue, George and Georgina build grander and grander structures, resulting in delightfully whimsical depictions of castles and thrones built from sticks and stones. Perfect for kick-starting conversations about considering someone else’s point of view, and packed with wonderfully expressive characters and the humorously overblown emotions of a childhood fight, this picture book makes for a laugh-out-loud story time experience.

And now, the interview:

Laura: Thank you for joining me here today, Rosanne. What inspired the story?

Rosanne: It’s sort of a confluence of things. I’d been reading some fantastical books that included the characters one-upping each other, like Stuck by Oliver Jeffers and Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton. At the same time I’d been dismayed with the increasing polarization in the national conversation. So, I set out to create a simple yet over-the-top story of collaboration and recognizing another’s point of you. Ultimately showing that “and” can be such a  powerful word.

Laura:  I’m amazed, but not surprised, by how much thought you put into creating this story. It’s a fun story with oodles of kid-appeal, but also with an important reminder for all ages.  

Laura: What are you most excited about for its release in March?

Rosanne: I’m most excited to visit with teachers, students, and families and discuss with them ways they collaborate and try to see another’s point of view. I’m also excited to come up with some fun activities like seeing what people can build with sticks and stones.

Laura: Thanks again for joining me here today, Rosanne. I can’t wait for the book to release. I am certain it will spark rich conversation and creative collaboration.

Learn more about Rosanne and her books here:

Website: https://www.rlkurstedt.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RLKurstedtAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlkurstedt/

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/RLKurstedt

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Five Fun Facts about SHARE THE JOY with Author Valerie Ellis (plus a giveaway!)

Today I’m delighted to have debut children’s book author Valerie Ellis as my guest sharing five fun facts about her darling new lift-the-flap Christmas book SHARE THE JOY, illustrated by Sergio de Giorgi and published by Paraclete Press.. Here’s the official description per the publisher’s website:

It’s Christmas, and there is so much to be excited about! This lift-the-flap book helps kids explore and share all the fun, love, and true joy of this special time of year.This first book from author, speaker, and mom Valerie Ellis celebrates all the wonderful things that bring us joy at Christmastime! Charming rhymes and vibrant illustrations will entice little readers to lift the flap to learn even more about how they can help make Christmas special for others, and share the gift of Jesus’s birth with everyone.

Here’s the book trailer:

Here’s my take:

Sweet and interactive, I think this book is a wonderful addition to a family, church, daycare or preschool Christmas book collection. My kids are too old for it, but I’ve purchased one anyway to keep in our Christmas book basket to be enjoyed by young visitors and future (I hope) grand children.

Now enjoy this special post as Valerie shares five fun facts about the book and writing. Thank you, Valerie! (And remember to enter the giveaway at the end of the post.)

FIVE FUN FACTS

About

SHARE THE JOY

by Valerie Ellis

Fact #1: The flaps are more than fun. They hold meaningful surprises. Share the Joy! helps kids discover how wonderful it is to share and care. Above each flap, we see families engaging in favorite Christmas traditions like baking cookies or singing carols. Under each flap, kids are expanding those activities to give to others and celebrate Jesus! 

The idea behind these meaningful surprises is simple: connect sweet examples of service to the Christmas activities kids already love to inspire the next generation to put God’s love into action.

Fact #2: This wasn’t always a lift-the-flap book…

The desire to help kids embrace the true spirit of Christmas has been with me since I was a kid myself—knowing Jesus was the best gift and the greatest servant but also understanding how easy it is for those truths to get crowded out. When I began writing children’s books, I knew I wanted to create one to help kids make the connection between deeper Christmas joy and greater love for others. 

However…what I had originally planned to write was much different than the book you see now. I had the message, but something about it just wasn’t right. Then my agent suggested we turn the concept into a lift-the-flap book. After an initial brainstorming session, the ideas started flowing, the rhymes started clicking, and it was a pretty quick writing process after that! (Thank you, Annette!)

Fact #3: I had the privilege of suggesting potential illustrators, and I was so excited when Paraclete Press chose Sergio de Giorgi! From what I’ve heard, it’s rare for an author to be included in that process. In fact, early in my author journey whenever people would ask how I planned to find an illustrator, I’d always say, “Oh, the publisher does that. I may not even see the illustrations until the book is printed!” That would have been fine too, but I’m so grateful the Paraclete team invited my collaboration.  

One of the things that put Sergio on my list is how the kids in his images really look like they’re interacting with each other. I wanted this book’s young audience to easily understand the love-in-action displayed on each page, and Sergio pulled that off beautifully. Another element I love: the kids Sergio draws are so cute!

Fact #4: And speaking of the pictures, there are plenty of fun things to point to on every page, which makes for great read-again potential and meaningful conversations. Plus, families can search for Christian Christmas decorations like angels, nativity scenes, and advent candles. It’s fun to help kids recognize these beautiful symbols or maybe learn about them for the first time. 

I’ve been delighted to hear how many people have found something personal to connect with in the illustrations. One reviewer said she felt most drawn to the singing scene because her elderly mom is so happy when kids visit her nursing home. Personally, I love the poinsettias because we used to sell the beautiful red blooms to raise money for a local women’s shelter. 

Fact #5: Share the JoyI is my debut but not my first! It’s actually the second book I wrote and sold to a publisher. So, how did it become my first? I was pleasantly surprised when Paraclete said they wanted to release it just a year after the contract went through!

I can’t share too much about my “first” book right now, but it’s releasing in 2025 and, like Share the Joy!, it meets families at the intersection of faith and fun! Stay tuned!

Thank you, Valerie! I think Fact #1 is my favorite! I love how you used something as tangible and fun for kids as lift-the-flaps to plant seeds of kindness and sharing. I look forward to your next book too.

About Valerie Ellis:

Valerie Ellis is a children’s book author, speaker, and founder of the multi-author online resource Our Everyday Parables, which offers book reviews and parenting resources for families pursuing faith and compassion.

A certified teacher, Valerie is passionate about helping kids and parents connect with God and each other in the everyday moments. Her books—releasing October 2023 from Paraclete Press, February 2025 from Tyndale, and October 2025 from Waterbrook—are designed to serve families at the intersection of faith and fun.

Valerie is a member of MOPS/MOMSnext, SCBWI, and the Texas Library Association. She is also a nonprofit consultant, trainer, and grant proposal writer in the Houston area, where she lives with her husband, Josh, and their two boys.

For more information, visit OurEverydayParables.com for parenting and book resources, ValerieEllis.com for speaking events and classroom visits, and ShareTheJoyBook.com for free “share the joy” resources. Valerie would love to connect with you at @iamvalerieellis.

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!! If you’d like a chance to win a SIGNED copy of  SHARE THE JOY (Paraclete Press, 2023) follow this blog and post a comment below letting me know. (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) Thank you, Valerie, for providing the winning book. This giveaway ends Friday, 11/17/23 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be announced the next day! 

NEW BOOK SPOTLIGHT: An Interview with Courtney Siebring about LITTLE SPARK OF LIFE

When my son was born at 24-weeks, he was already a little person – a precious gift from God. Weighing in at 1 lb 9oz, he was tiny, to be sure, but he had all his body parts and, as we soon, discovered, a feisty disposition. He was also very sick, so the night he was born he was whisked away to another hospital with a higher level NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and I didn’t get to see him for four long days.

I’ll never forget the moment we were reunited. The minute he heard my voice, he turned his head towards me and when I gently placed my hand in the incubator, he held on to my finger! He knew I was his mama because he’d been right there with me in my belly listening to my voice and hanging out with from the inside. He was himself – even before he was born!

Because this experience so much a part of me, when I read Courtney Siebring’s debut picture book, Little Spark of Life, I got goosebumps. Though it’s not a preemie story, it beautifully celebrates the miracle of life. Told through the lens of a mother conversing with her pre-school aged child as they expectantly await the birth of a new baby, the book is a beautiful introduction to the wonder and miracle of conception through birth. It’s a book I would have a read with my son over and over. Thank you, Courtney, for writing it!

And now, friends, enjoy the book trailer followed by an interview with Courtney with my questions bolded.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey into picture book writing.

 I’ve always written, since I was a child. In school I majored in Theatre and English, and in my twenties I wrote and toured a few solo performances on the Fringe Circuit.  Little Spark of Life is my first picture book and I attribute much of this venture to parenthood.

What inspired you to write Little Spark of Life?

The inspiration for Little Spark of Life came from a few places. It’s written in verse, so my long time practice of writing poetry heavily influenced the style. But in terms of where the actual idea came from, it’s a mashup of my then preschool aged daughter’s obsession with all things pregnancy and childbirth and the journey that my husband and I were delving into with the Pro-Life movement. I was simultaneously looking for age-appropriate books for my daughter about “where babies come from” and binging on content from organizations like Live Action and Students for Life. The poem that I wrote (that later became Little Spark of Life) was to my daughter, but also a response to all that I was learning in my research.

As one rhymer to another, do you find yourself thinking or talking in rhyme in everyday life? How has this shaped your writing, or hasn’t it?

What a great question! I don’t know that I’ve ever stopped to think about it before. Rhyme is something that I enjoy and especially finding rhymes and rhythms that aren’t “easy” or “obvious,” but I can’t say that I think in rhyme.  A lot of the poetry I write, most of it in fact, is free verse, so there is an emphasis on phrasing and cadence, but not rhyme. I am also a voice actor, so phrasing and the “music” of a sentence is something that has become second nature to me.  

 Can you tell us about the illustrator? What was it like seeing your text come to full color with illustrations? Do you have a favorite spread?

I was introduced to Camila Carrossine through this project. It’s so amazing to me that someone in Colorado Springs and someone in Sao Paulo can collaborate in this way. I think Camila did a fantastic job taking the art direction (which I had so much fun detailing!) and bringing it to life.  I had my daughter’s help in choosing the illustrator, which was a highlight for both of us in this process. I love the spread of mom and son cuddled up on the bed, him imagining a marching band drumming to the beat of his sister’s tiny heart.

What would you like readers to take away from this story?

I would love readers to know how purposeful their lives are and what a miracle it was that they came to be.  It’s important for parents to encourage their children’s natural awe and wonder for things that are awe-inspiring and truly wonderful.   I also want to preserve language that is presently under attack and being redefined –  baby, boy, girl – by using such words in their proper context. 

Finally, are there any special resources that go along with the book that readers might enjoy? 

Yes, Paraclete has done an amazing job of putting together resources specifically related to Little Spark of Life – a growth chart, coloring pages, Bible Verse cards, and a guide from me encouraging parents and caregivers to use this book as a jumping off point for some meaningful conversations in their homes.  Learn more here: https://littlesparkoflifebook.com

Thank you so much for joining me here on the blog. Best wishes for a fabulous book launch!

About the Author: Courtney Siebring is a creative artist currently living in Colorado Springs, CO, with her husband and daughter. Her devotion to Christ, background in theatre making, current work as a voiceover artist, and long time practice of writing poetry informs the way she sees and interacts with the world. Her children’s book, Little Spark of Life, is fueled by her passion for the unborn and their mamas as well as her experience as a foster and adoptive parent. 

NEW BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Joint Interview with Christian Children’s Authors Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley

Mornings have always been my favorite time of day. The chirping birds and the rising sun beckon, filling my heart with hope and joy. And for all of my adult life, my favorite way to start each morning has been to rise early, do some stretches, fix myself a cup of tea, and settle in on my sofa for precious Bible, prayer and journal time. This was true even when my kids were teeny. The only difference was that, back then, those sessions were a little shorter because, very soon, my children would come padding down in their footed pajamas to greet the day (and me) as well. And how did we start that day together? By reading!

So when I saw that the talented mother-daughter team, Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley have a new book out, my heart quickened because it’s about greeting the morning (and GOD!) with your children. Published by Tyndale House Publishers with text by Crystal and Teri and illustrations by Anita Schmidt, Good Morning, God Loves You is a rhyming ode to the new day and God’s love. Catchy rhyming verses are punctuated by the recurring refrain “Good morning, God loves you!” Across each spread different parent-child duos explore God’s beautiful creation and the new day. The very last line is my favorite but I won’t share it because I don’t want to spoil it for you. Let’s just say it’s the perfect response to God’s love. Well done, Crystal and Teri!

And now, I’m delighted to have Crystal and Teri here for an interview. So, without further ado, let’s get started with my questions bolded.

What inspired you to write Good Morning, God Loves You? 

Teri: When my kids were little and they first woke up in the morning, I would get them out of the crib and say, “Good morning, I love you!” It was such a sweet way to start the day with them, and it made us think of how God greets us the same way every morning. We thought it would be a blessing to share that message with young children and their parents. 

What a lovely way to start the day with your children and God! And the writer and mama in me loves how you took that memory and transformed it into a lovely book.

Were there any challenges along the publishing journey for this story?

Crystal: In our first draft we started the story with the morning but then followed the child throughout the day and ended with the next morning. Our editor at Tyndale thought it would be stronger to make the entire book about the morning and she was right. We love how the characters visit so many different places and in each location they sense creation saying, “Good morning, God loves you!” 

I agree. Focusing on just the morning makes the story sing!

Tell us a little bit about the illustrator. Do you have a favorite spread? 

Teri: Anita Schmidt is a German illustrator and she was also selected to illustrate another one of our books (not related to Good Morning, God Loves You) after this. It seems like we were meant to work together! We love the warmth of her art, the way she captures expressions so beautifully and how she shows the parent–child relationship in such a sweet way. We also love her use of light in her artwork. My favorite spread is the one of the mom and kids on the beach collecting seashells. 

I love that one too. And here’s another that your mom shared.

What do you hope little ones and their families will take away from this sweet book?

Crystal: The message of God’s love is so important for everyone, no matter how old or young we are. There is no better way to start each day than by acknowledging how much God loves us. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. 

Amen! Finally, since this book focuses on mornings, do you each have a favorite spot where you meet God in the morning? 

Teri: I have a tufted gray chair in the corner of my room where I read my Bible and pray in the mornings. It is such a beautiful time for me to be still in the quiet of the house before my family is awake and we get ready for school and work. It has become a beloved and sacred space for me. 

Crystal: My favorite spot is outdoors in God’s creation–similar to the message of this book. I love nothing more than going for a brisk morning walk and talking to God the entire time. I feel so close to Him as I see the beauty that surrounds me. 

Thank you, Crystal and Teri, for joining me this morning. I have a feeling this book will be a part of many, many morning reading times!

About the Authors

Teri McKinley is the bestselling, award-winning co-author of more than a dozen children’s books. She is the creator and co-author of Our Daily Bread for Kids, Our Daily Bread for Preschoolers, and Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts. Her newest releases are My Arms Will Hold You Tightand Good Morning, God Loves You, by Tyndale House Publishers. In addition to her love for writing, Teri enjoys playing tennis with her two boys and tackling home renovation projects with her husband.

Crystal Bowman is an award-winning bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and families. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music, stories for Clubhouse Jr. magazine, and is a writing coach for children’s writers. Her greatest desire is to teach children that God loves and cares for them very much. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their married children and eight huggable grandkids. Learn more at https://crystalbowman.com.

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR SPOTLIGHT: An Interview with Ginny Neil in Celebration of THE GLORIOUS FOREST THAT FIRE BUILT

Today I’m delighted to be interviewing author and illustrator Ginny Neil in celebration of her debut picture book THE GLORIOUS FOREST THAT FIRE BUILT. Published by Amicus Ink, THE GLORIOUS FOREST THAT FIRE BUILT is a lyrical, rhyming ode to the life cycle of a forest. Told in the cadence of “This is the House Jack Built”, it’s a captivating introduction to the wondrous stages of forest birth, maturation and regrowth. Not only is it told in a way that children can grasp, Ginny’s illustrations are realistic and inviting with lots to notice and explore. I felt transported into the story! This is a must-have book and would make a great addition to any collection. Now, without further ado, please join me for this special interview with Ginny with my questions bolded.

What inspired you to write and illustrate THE GLORIOUS FOREST THAT FIRE BUILT?

When I was a teenager, I spent my summers at a great Christian camp in Virginia. The leader, John Ensign, loved the forests. I never forgot the walks we took with him where he shared his vast knowledge and passion for God’s good plan. That was a very early seed for the book.

As a teacher, I always tried to share that same enthusiasm for the cyclical way the world works with my students and, as a farmer surrounded by acres of mountain forests, I developed a real love for trees and the gifts of clean air and water that they share with us. Plus who doesn’t love hugging trees?

Then, forest fires started becoming nightly news. I had a manuscript in progress called, “This is the Forest that Wind Built” but I turned my focus to thinking about what happens to a forest after a fire. My research confirmed that God’s good plan works if we don’t mess with it. Forests regenerate. And, so a book was born.

You are Master Naturalist. What is the mission of this special job and how has your love for nature influenced your writing and art?

Master Naturalists are tasked with helping us remember why nature matters. Education is the key to understanding it, and understanding it is the key to loving it. My book fits into that mission. But, I have always painted and drawn the natural world. I have sketchbooks and unframed art all over the house and in my studio that reflect that love. My writing naturally follows that interest.

Your illustrations of the life cycle of a forest are glorious. I love how you play with light and angle. And your attention to the smallest details, including tiny forest creatures that children can hunt for as they read, is stunning. How did you create such a magnificent world? Did you sketch/paint in the actual settings?

Well, since I live in the actual setting, yes, although technically most was done from looking out my window and my memories and pictures of walks through the various habitats. I am so glad you noticed all that detail. I wanted children to feel as if they had walked through these glorious versions of a forest. Every plant and animal accurately reflects something that would be found in that place and in that season of the emerging forest.

Part of the art of picture book writing is pairing text with image.  Since you are both artist and poet for this book, I’m curious as to what your process was. Which came first and how did you decide upon the rhyme and rhythm for your text?

Whenever I write, I always see pictures in my head, but I wrote this first and then created a dummy. The rhyme and rhythm were based off of “This is the House that Jack Built.” The use of the same end rhyme gives a sort of reassuring continuity that I hope supports the message in the story.

 Although my agent submitted the dummy with the manuscript, I didn’t dare to dream that I might get to illustrate this. In fact, after the art director and I put the final touches on it and the book went to print, I immediately enrolled in a class about illustrating books because I knew how big the holes were in my process. I have learned so much.

 Finally, teachers and parents are always looking for ways to tie picture books into the curriculum, and I think that’s especially true for a STEM rich book like this. Do you have any extension activities your readers might enjoy? 

Amicus Ink, my publisher, is putting the finishing touches on an educator’s guide that will be available on-line. But, parents can always explore nature with their kids, even if there are only a few plants to study.

Crayon rubbings are one of my favorite ways to do this. Take regular copy paper, a clipboard and an unwrapped crayon out into your space. Gather leaves from a variety of bushes or trees. Place the leaves between the clipboard and paper and then rub the side of the crayon across the paper. Cut the rubbings up into individual cards. Sort them by shape, or vein patterns, or edges, or by size. What do you notice? What do you wonder?

Thank you so much for joining us today! I hope your book is enjoyed far and wide. 

Readers, I invite you to learn more about Ginny at  https://www.ginnyneilwrites.com/. Now for the giveaway! 

TIME FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!! If you’d like a chance to win a fresh-off-the-press  SIGNED copy of THE GLORIOUS FOREST THAT FIRE BUILD (Amicus Ink, 2023) follow this blog and leave a comment letting us know. (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) Thank you, Ginny, for providing the winning book. This giveaway ends Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST.

[Note: Thank you, Ginny, for the chance to preview a digital arc. I was under no obligation to review. The views and opinions expressed on this blog about books and other things are purely my own.]

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: An Interview with Children’s Author Gayle C. Krause (And a GIVEAWAY!)

Today, I am delighted to welcome returning guest Gayle Krause in celebration of the release of her new rhyming picture book ZADIE AND THE WITCH’S TEA, a delightful retelling of Cinderella set in a whimsical witch-y setting. Gayle’s retelling would be lovely paired with other fairytale selections. Looking ahead to Halloween, it would be also a good choice for those looking for non-gory, non-scary books and would be ever so fun to read alongside books like ROOM ON THE BROOM by Julia Donaldson, or GROGGLE’S MONSTER HALLOWEEN by Diana Murray.

Here’s the synopsis: When a little witch’s two older sisters dash her hope of attending the biggest event of the Halloween season because she has no “witchy” magic, her determination and a surprising Fairy Godspider enchantment sends her as a special guest. The adult witches try to outdo each other to become the assistant to the most powerful witch in the land, The Grand Witch. But a kind gesture from the little witch wins the night and the title, and her sisters learn that kindness proves stronger than any magic they possess.

Now, enjoy the interview with my questions bolded.

Thank you so much for joining me today, Gayle. Let’s dig right in. First off, tell us a little bit about yourself including your favorite childhood fairy tale.

As a child I was a voracious reader and mostly read fairytale anthologies. My favorite fairytale was and still is The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Fast forward to my teaching career, training prospective educators for the Pre-K and Elementary classrooms. (I taught Children’s Literature at the secondary and post-secondary levels). And my Fairytale Seminar – BEYOND THE FAIRYTALE – which teaches prospective children’s writers how to reimagine a traditional fairytale and make it their own, and ZADIE AND THE WITCH’S TEA was born. 

As someone who also devoured fairytales as a child, I love how your childhood reading interests paved the way for this sweet story.  Zadie and the Witch’s Tea is a delightful retelling. How did you come up with the idea?  

My sisters and I tease each other about our “witchy” powers (when one calls, the other already has the phone in her hand). So, to celebrate our sisterhood and our sibling thought waves, we gather every summer for fun, food, wine, and of course, ‘dress-up.’ We call it our Witchy Weekend. (See picture.) And since I mentioned the tea party as a child, it was easy to stretch the idea into a child-friendly story. 

Oh, Gayle! You look like you could be part of Zadie’s story.

Were there any challenges along publishing journey for this story?

Zadie’s path to publication took many turns. First written in 2016, it followed the Cinderella tale closely, but had too many words. I revised to a lesser word count and submitted it to my then agent. She, in turn, submitted it to several publishing houses. Most loved the idea but asked me to rewrite it in prose. What?

 For picture books, I think in rhyme. I write in rhyme and am aware of good rhyme vs. bad. As you know, I belonged to The Poets’ Garage alongside of you for six years, was the assistant poetry editor for Beneath The Juniper Tree and served on Angie Karcher’s Rhyme Revolution Committee for four years, helping to write the rhyme rubric and selecting the “BEST” Rhyming picture book in the U.S. 

 After weeks of resistance, I did. My agent loved it, except again, it was too long. So, I took a break and used my creative time to design and sew Zadie, her sisters, and the Grand Witch. (See picture). Sometimes it helps to fill the creative well in a different way.

 You made those? Wow!

Kate Talbot’s illustrations pair charmingly with your text. I love the palette she has chosen and her sweet rendering of Zadie glows with kindness. Tell us a little bit about Kate. 

During my time at the agency, Kate and I shared the same agent. (Since then the agent left the business and Kate and I left the agency). But I love her whimsical illustration style and she was the perfect illustrator to bring Zadie’s story to life. 

 Kate is a Children’s Book Author/Illustrator who has a passion for quirky stories, especially when told in rhyme. (Perfect!) She has a degree in filmmaking and made the shift to children’s writing and illustration in 2011. She lives in New Zealand, loves being outdoors, and cannot resist a good tea party. 

It is indeed a great pairing! Do you have a favorite spread? What makes it your favorite?

I have two favorite spreads—when her Hairy Fairy Godspider casts a spell with her four wands to create a beautiful gown of spider lace (cobwebs) and Zadie at the boo-fae table. Both are beautifully illustrated, vibrant in color, and exude ethereal magic!

I agree. They practically glow! What would you like readers to take away from this story?

I would wish all my readers, both young and old, to know that belief in yourself and a little kindness are powerful tools to accomplish their dreams.

I think your story captures that message well, Gayle. Finally, what’s next? And where can interested readers find your books?

I’m currently putting the final touches on my new middle grade fantasy novel, FIREWILLOW, which is based on my first-place MG-winning entry I submitted to the 2022 Kid’s Choice Kidlit Writing contest. Once I hear back from my Beta readers, I plan to start submitting to literary agents again.

Zadie and the Witch’s Tea can be ordered from any bookstore or requested at local libraries. 

Thank you, Gayle, for joining us. Now for the GIVEAWAY!!!!!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Gayle is offering one SIGNED copy of ZADIE AND THE WITCH’S TEA to one of my readers (please follow my blog) who comments on Zadie’s story and shares news about her little witch on social media. She also have Zadie swag that will accompany the book. (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) Thank you, Gayle, for providing the winning book. This giveaway ends Monday, August 6 2023 at 11:59 pm EST. 

[Note: Thank you, Gayle, letting me preview the book digitally. I was under no obligation to review. The views and opinions expressed on this blog about books and other things are purely my own.]

GOD, I FEEL SAD: A Joint Interview with Co-Authors Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner

Today I am delighted to host co-authors Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner as we chat about their new collaboration with Zonderkidz, God, I Feel Sad. Michelle Nietert is a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years of experience and Tama Fortner has authored over 50 faith-based books for children and adults.  If you haven’t met them yet, you are in for a treat! But first, a little bit about the book.

From the Back Cover: “No one likes being sad, but God gave us sadness for a reason. Through kid-friendly text and bright illustrations, children can safely explore what it means to be sad, discover healthy ways to process their emotions, and learn that being sad isn’t something they need to avoid. In fact, it’s something that helps us grow closer to God and others.”

And here’s my take: In God, I Feel Sad, Michelle Nietert and Tama Fortner address sadness using language and examples that are relatable to a small child. The text is engaging, even poetic, and the suggestions are spot on. I can tell Michelle is a trained counselor and that both have a deep faith in God. This book would be an excellent choice to have on hand as a simple, engaging conversation starter about sadness in home, school, church or counseling settings. Thanks to the publisher for letting me preview the book which I was under no obligation to review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Now for the interview with my questions bolded. 

Thank you both so much for joining us. To get us started, please tell us a little bit about yourselves and what inspired you to write God, I Feel Sad.

Michelle:  As a professional counselor for twenty-five years, I’m seeing more and more kids coming into my office because they are struggling with their emotions. If unresolved, these struggles can lead to mental health diagnoses. That’s why I felt called to create a series of books that would empower parents to talk with kids about their feelings and to normalize those feelings so that kids don’t hide them from their parents or from God. I also wanted kids to have a book that would help them see how much God understands all that they’re feeling. As adults, we see that in the myriad of emotions expressed in the psalms, but kids at this young age aren’t really reading the psalms yet. 

I’m also a mom to two school-age children, so I’m living in the trenches. Our kids—like everyone’s—have gone through a global pandemic and have struggled with some intense emotions, including grief and the traumatic loss of loved ones.

While I saw the need for this kind of book, I also clearly heard from the Lord that I was not going to be able to be a practicing, professional counselor and learn how to write a high-quality children’s book. That’s why I’m so grateful that Tama opened an email in her junk box!

Tama: Michelle and I still laugh about that “junk” email, because that’s where her first message to me landed—and stayed for weeks before I found it. But I’m so glad I did find it. And I’m so grateful that God connected the two of us. (There’s no doubt in my mind that He orchestrated all of this!) 

As a mom (and even as a Sunday school teacher), I’ve seen first-hand the intensity of emotions that kids wrestle with these days. So when Michelle reached out and asked me to be a part of bringing this book into reality, I jumped at the chance! 

One of the things I love most about God, I Feel Sad is that it not only gives kids the tools they need to process their emotions, it also teaches them how to take those big (and small) emotions to the God who is big enough to handle them and who loves each of us enough to help us through them.

I can see this book being used a wonderful tool in home, counseling, and school settings. Do you have any specific tips to help caregivers get the most out of it?

Michelle: While I’m reluctant to ask people to purchase additional product, the audio version of God, I Feel Sad contains so much bonus material. It includes a Parent Talk that teaches parents how to talk to their kids about what they’re feeling, along with guided exercises set to calming music that they can listen to along with their kids.

Also, as caregivers are talking to kids about struggles with sadness, it’s crucial that they model how they deal with their own feelings of sadness in healthy ways. Be sure to keep the doors of conversation open—don’t shut them with “You’ll be fine” or other dismissive words. Give kids the time they need to express their feelings. Talk through the words used to describe sadness in God, I Feel Sad and help them develop a vocabulary for explaining what they’re feeling. And then join with the child in prayer—in turning to God for help—so that they learn how to actually do this. This will help them learn to entrust their emotions to God, rather than letting them overflow or stuffing them down and trying to ignore them.

One of the aspects I love best about the book is how you use imagery and literary devices to help kids understand what sadness is and how children (and grownups too) can work through it to a happier place. What was the thought process behind this strategy?

Tama: Kids—especially in the picture book age range—are such literal and concrete thinkers. That simply means that they understand things better when they can see, hear, touch, taste, or feel them. So when I want to explain something that is more abstract, like emotions, I’ve found that it’s helpful to connect it, or compare it, to something concrete that kids can see, hear, touch, taste, or feel. 

For example, as Michelle and I talked through the concept of how the sadness over a particular loss can come and go, we decided to compare it to “the waves at the edge of the ocean” that come and go. We explain that some waves are tiny—“just big enough to wet your toes,” while others are huge and “swirl around and soak you with sad all the way through.” Like those waves, sometimes the memories of a loss or a sad time are smaller, and they just brush across our thoughts and quickly go away again. But other times, those same memories swamp us.

Comparing the “known” of ocean waves to the “unknown” of sadness, helps children (and grownups!) understand how sadness can come and go and how it can be small or huge. 

God is woven into your text in a magnificent way, concluding with the uplifting verse from  Psalm 34 about how God is close to the broken-hearted.  Can you suggest any other passages that address sadness that might be good for further reading for families with young children?

Michelle: God’s Word is filled with reassurances and comfort for us. Here are just a few of my favorite passages:

God knows when we’re feeling sad: “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8 nlt).

God will lift us up again: “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3 esv).

God will surround, comfort, and protect: “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4 nlt).

Finally, what’s next?  Is this perhaps part of a series?  (I hope so!)

Tama: Yes! God, I Feel Sad is the first book in this series about helping kids bring their big emotions to an even bigger God. Up next—and just in time for the Halloween season—is God, I Feel Scared, which releases on October 3, 2023. It’s already available for pre-order from all the major retailers.

After that, Michelle and I have plans for additional books in the series, each spotlighting a different emotion. Because perhaps more than ever before, kids today have so much to process and to grapple with. We want to equip them to face it all—and to face it with God as their Guide.

Thank you both so much for stopping by today.  I look forward to collecting the whole series!

Learn more about the authors here:

TAMA FORTNER is an ECPA award-winning author with more than fifty titles to her credit, including her latest releases God, I Feel Sad and Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays. Tama has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for all ages. But her greatest accomplishments happen in a happy little home on the outskirts of Nashville, where she lives with her family and a feisty little pup who is convinced he’s people too. To learn more, visit http://www.TamaFortner.com.

MICHELLE NIETERT has been a licensed professional counselor for over 25 years and the coauthor of the award-winning book Loved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls, along with God, I Feel Sad, Managing Your Emojis, and Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life, as well as the soon to be released God, I Feel Scared. To learn more about Michelle, visit http://www.MichelleNietert.com.

[Note: Thanks to the publisher for letting me preview the book which I was under no obligation to review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]

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GOD’S EARTH IS SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR: An Inspiration Post by Author Amy Houts

Join me in welcoming talented picture book author, Amy Houts, whose newest faith-based picture book, GOD’S EARTH IS SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR (Bushel & Peck Books), releases this September. Beautifully illustrated by Kris Smolskaya and infused with Biblical references, this picture book effectively brings the concept of taking care of God’ earth (as He commanded us to do in Genesis) to the level a child can grasp. It’s an engaging and through-provoking call to action. After previewing it (thank you, Amy!) I couldn’t help but ask Amy what inspired her to write it. Here is her answer. Enjoy!

What Inspired Me to Write a Picture Book About God’s Call to Take Care of the Earth?

By Amy Houts

When Laura invited me to write a guest post on her blog, I thought about what inspired me to write God’s Earth is Something to Fight For. My picture book combines science and faith. I’ve narrowed down my inspiration to three facets of my life. 

Because my husband taught seventh grade science, we often read and discuss science topics. One important topic is the weather and changes in the climate. As the years went by, we observed more severe storms. People, especially the most vulnerable, were tragically affected. 

I am the type of person who loves to conserve. I even wrote a cookbook to reduce food waste. I work to get the very last bit of applesauce out of the jar. I wear clothes for many years. I reuse, repurpose, or recycle what I can. I save vegetable scraps, compost for the garden. But while what we do is something, I wanted to do more.

Most importantly, we have three grandchildren. I wonder, what type of world will they grow up in? What type of world are we going to leave them? Would they want to bring children into that world? 

And so, like a line in the book, I asked, what can I do? What is God leading me to do? The answer was, as I writer, I can write about it. I started writing God’s Earth is Something to Fight For about five years ago. My editor from Beaming Books tweeted she was interested in publishing a book featuring climate activist Greta Thunberg. So, I started doing research, but I found it hard to bring what I wanted to say down to a young child’s level. So I put it away. But I couldn’t stop thinking about the changing climate.

After I reread a childhood favorite, A Friend is Someone Who Likes You, I thought of the title, The Earth is Something to Fight For. I developed a picture book manuscript that included some of the rhythms of the Friend book. But an editor told me the market was glutted with books on climate change. So I mentioned the idea of showing climate change through a faith perspective. The editor said, “That hasn’t been done!” 

Writing this book through the lens of my faith has made it even more precious to me. I hope it will change hearts and minds to take care of Earth, the world and the people God created. It’s been quite a journey. I love the illustrations by Kris Smolskaya. I’m so thankful Bushel & Peck Books believed in this book. 

To pre-order, visit Amazon or the publisher’s website, Bushel & Peck Books.

About Amy: Amy is the author of over 100 books for children featuring early learning concepts. She writes for both faith-based and mainstream publishers. Amy’s faith-based books include God’s Protection Covers Me (Beaming Books) and The Giant Book of Bible Fingerplays for Preschoolers (Group Publishing). Amy’s educational books include 60 retold tales for the series, Compass Children’s Classics, 2020. Her 10 nonfiction science early readers for Highlights Press were released in 2020.

Find Amy Here:

Website: www.amyhouts.com

Twitter and Instagram: @AmyHouts

Facebook: “Author Amy Houts”