BOOK SPOTLIGHT: FIVE Tips for Getting the Most out of Nancy Tupper Ling’s ONE PERFECT PLAN: THE BIBLE’S BIG STORY IN TINY POEMS

Today I’m delighted to have Christian children’s author Nancy Tupper Ling as my guest with five tips for getting the most out of her new book One Perfect Plan: The Bible’s Big Story in Tiny Poems (Waterbrook, October, 2023). With vivid illustrations by Alina Chau and spot on rhyme from Nancy, this book does an amazing of capturing the essence of God’s sweeping story of love and redemption in picture book format. My verdict? It would make a wonderful addition to any home or church library. And now, without further, ado, here’s Nancy with five book-expanding tips.

5 TIPS FOR ONE PERFECT PLAN

with Guest Author Nancy Tupper Ling

It’s hard to believe, but the first spark of an idea for my picture book, One Perfect Plan: The Bible’s Big Story in Tiny Poems, began back in 2007. It happened during an Easter service. I began to think about how our faith revolves around one resurrection—one stone being rolled away, one tomb being empty. I wrote the first poem, then another. Soon I was including lots of significant “ONEs” throughout the Bible. Soon I was writing other “one” poems about how a single event or person or plan made a world of difference in God’s book. Certainly, my hope in telling these stories through short poems was that families could explore the Bible and its overarching themes in one sitting. 

That said, here are FIVE TIPS to help young readers discover even more when reading One Perfect Plan. 

TIP #1: SEEK, AND YOU SHALL FIND: While you read One Perfect Plan, you can try to spot these objects in the book: dolphins, Little Dipper constellation, a rainbow, pyramids, a sling, jeweled bracelets, two angels, pita bread (yum!), a well, a donkey, bluebirds, and a crown. How many can you find? You can find more activities here, especially if you’d like to color one bookmark or two, and share with your friends. 

TIP #2: A POEM BY YOU, TOO!: I decided to write these beloved stories through short poems. What began as couplets (two lines each), changed into three-line poems in many cases so that they would fit nicely onto the page. Wouldn’t it be fun to try to write your own poems about a few Bible characters that you love? You could try rhyming couplets, too. Or write two line without rhyming, but use simile and metaphor. Maybe you can think about Heaven, and then write a few words for each of your senses. What do you imagine Heaven will look like, smell like, taste like, sound like, and feel like? Incorporate all those words into a “List Poem,” called “Heaven Is . . ..” With an adult’s help, you could search the Scriptures to see how Heaven is described in the Bible. I would love to see your poems when you’ve finished.

TIP #3: SIGN IT: Over the years, I’ve tried to learn some American Sign Language. Even now at dinner with my husband, we sometimes practice a word or two. We’re really not very good, but I hope we’re at least stretching our memory and skills. I was amazed when I saw that one family had not only read my book, but the mother uploaded a video of her son signing the words from the first page that reads:

One word—
then light breaks into darkness;
the sky, the seas, and life—how wondrous!

Maybe you can try to learn to sign a few of the words, too, like “queen” or “lion” or “cross?” I’ll see if I can learn as well. Another helpful book is written by my friend, Robin Curie, and it’s called The Very Best Story Ever Told: The Gospel with American Sign Language. 

TIP #4: WHO’S LEFT OUT: Of course, I couldn’t include all of the Bible stories in this tiny collection. I selected several to highlight, but there are so many more. I also wanted to make sure to include those amazing women whom God loved as well. When you finish the reading the book, you could ask one another which people were missing? Do you love the story of Sampson and Delilah? Was there a miracle that Jesus performed that you couldn’t find? You might be surprised how much you know about the Bible when you discover which stories were left out. 

TIP #5: BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE: In no way did I intend for my wee picture book to replace the original Word of God. It is meant to be a child’s introduction to the themes and stories of the Bible, such as God’s love for humankind; the gift of Jesus to us; and our redemption. On each page, there is a reference to the verse/s in the Bible. Along with this, the YouVersion Bible app has a “5-Day Reading Plan for Kids” to use with One Perfect Plan. So dive in and dive deep, to discover how fast God’s love is for us.

If you think of any other activities to do with One Perfect Plan, please send them my way. I would love to hear how you incorporate poetry and the Bible in your life every day. 

About Nancy Tupper Ling:

Nancy Tupper Ling is the winner of the prestigious Writer’s Digest Grand Prize and the Pat Parnell Poetry Award.  She draws her inspiration from the multicultural background of her family and the interwoven fabric of familial culture which is, on the surface, seemingly everyday.  She is the author of numerous books for children and adults, including the upcomingONE PERFECT PLAN: The Bible’s Big Story in Tiny Poems (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing/Penguin); FOR EVERY LITTLE THING (Eerdmans); THE STORY I’LL TELL (Lee & Low Books); FAMILY CELE- BRATIONS (Andrews McMeel); DOUBLE HAPPINESS (Chronicle Books) and more. She is also the founder of Fine Line Poets.

Learn more about Nancy at www.nancytupperling.com

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PICTURE BOOK SUNDAYS: Love Well, My Precious One (A Faith-Sparking Lesson)

When I was Children’s Ministry Director at the satellite branch of our church, I planned a Sunday morning children’s program called “PICTURE BOOK SUNDAYS: Sparking Faith Conversations using Picture Books and Scripture”. Each week, using an engaging picture book as the spark, along with games and a craft, children ages 3 – 10 delved into Scripture as we investigated what it means to be a beloved child of God. The children enjoyed the lessons so much, that I have decided to revive a regular series focusing on picture books that can be used as the spark for conversations about faith with our children. This month’s lesson uses LOVE WELL, MY PRECIOUS ONE (End Game Press, 2023), written by Jill Roman Lord and illustrated by Camila Carrossine,  as the picture book hook. I hope it sparks thoughtful conversations with your kids.

PICTURE BOOK SUNDAYS: A Faith-Sparking Lesson

featuring

LOVE WELL, MY PRECIOUS ONE

by Jill Roman Lord

PURPOSE:  To ponder the many ways we, as God’s precious children, can love others well using Jill Roman Lord’s LOVE WELL, MY PRECIOUS ONE and God’s Word as the tender calls-to-action.

OPENING PRAYER AND GATHERING GAME:  Musical Hearts 

Open in prayer, then explain that today’s lesson is all about learning how to love others well—the way God loves us! But first, it’s time for a love-themed game. To play, put on your favorite children’s kindness/friendship themed album. Then, using two heart-shaped pillows, instead of the more traditional “hot potato”, sit in a circle and gently pass the hearts in opposite directions to the music. When the music stops, the children holding the hearts each say something kind and affirming to the person holding the other heart. (Ex. You are funny. I like your striped socks.  You make me feel welcome etc.) Continue until everyone has had a turn.

INTRODUCE AND READ THE STORY:  Introduce the story by showing the illustration on the book cover.  Ask the children what they think the children on the cover are doing?  Next, have someone read the title. What do they think the words “love well” mean? What are some ways that we can love others well?  Ask them to be thinking about that as you read them the story.  Then read the story, pausing at each spread to ponder what is happening and how that is an example of “loving well”.

FAITH-SPARKING CHAT TIME:

Kick off  the post-reading conversation by showing the children a “mystery bag” that you have filled with various items that relate to how love was demonstrated on the spreads throughout the book. (Ex:  a comb for the first spread which depicted a child gently caring for her toys by combing the doll’s hair, or a baseball for the spread which depicted a child saying “Good job” when someone else hits the ball, even though they can’t ever seem to hit one.)  It’s not necessary to have one for each and every spread, just a half-dozen or so to prompt conversation.  

Next, have the children take turns pulling an item from the bag. For each item, ask “Who remembers seeing this in the book?  How is it a reminder to “love well”?  Once they answer, ask your kids to come up with other similar ways they personally might show love to others? For example, the comb might prompt a child to respond that they can show love by treating others toys or books well.  The baseball might prompt children to think of other ways they can cheer other on. 

Once you’ve unpacked the mystery bag, conclude with this final question: “How is it that we even know what love is?”  What’s the answer?  We know what love is because God first loved us! The love we demonstrate to others is our way of saying thank you, God, for loving me!

And where can we learn more about this love God has for us and which we can now share with others?  In the Bible!

DIG INTO SCRIPTURE TIME: 

Special note: For first grade and up, I recommend having several children’s bibles on hand so children can work in pairs to find the verses. They LOVE this and in the process learn how to locate biblical passages by book, chapter, and verse – a rewarding and important foundational skill for future bible study.

Spend some time together looking up verses about God’s love and how we can share it with others. Here are three to get you started:

 John 13:34

Ephesians 5:1

1 John 4:7

STORY-BASED ACTIVITY TIME:   Make a Fluffy Dandelion (from In The Bag Kids’ Crafts)

Opening Jill Roman Lord’s book to the very last spread, take a moment to ponder the illustration. What is the child in the pictures doing?  What do all those flying bits of dandelion fluff represent?  They represent how one act of love can spread and grow—like blowing on a dandelion!  

Inspired by that thought, have each child make their own yarn dandelion (or bouquets if you have time) using this marvelously simple and cute craft idea from In the Bag Kids’ Crafts:  https://inthebagkidscrafts.com/dandelions-easy-kids-craft/2/

WRAP UP:  As children are finishing their dandelion crafts, remember together the theme of the story—that God loves it when we love others! Close in prayer, with a petition that God will show each one of us how we can love others well.  

READ, PLAY and PRAY with MY TENDER HEART BIBLE Week SIX-Brave Queen

Welcome to Week SIX of Summer Bible Time as we Read, Play and Pray our way through MY TENDER HEART BIBLE (Paraclete Press, 2023). This week’s story is called “Brave Queen”. It’s the story of how God used a young girl named Esther to save His people from an evil plan.  

You can watch the video introduction on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/659125536120137

WEEK SIX: Brave Queen  Esther 4:13-17

SUPER HEROES and FAIRY PRINCESSES!

Today’s story overflows with kid appeal because, if your kids are anything like mine were (or like I was), they LOVE  imagining themselves as superheroes or brave queens or kings.  As a child I often imagined I was Wonder Woman, my son loved being a brave fire fighter, and my daughter spent many sparkly hours spreading peace and goodness with a wand and wings. Before reading “Brave Queen” maybe you will want to share with your children your own childhood memories of playing the hero or the heroine. And afterwards, let them share with you their super hero/ brave prince/princess aspirations.  Then, it will be time to—

READ, PLAY and PRAY! 

READ. Before reading “Brave Queen”, take a careful look at Sandra Eide’s illustration. Who are those people wearing the crowns? And who is that man in the back? Read the title. Using that and the illustrations together, can they guess who this story might be about? After guessing, explain that it’s the story of how God used a young girl named Esther to save His people from an evil plan.  

Then read the story, pausing along the way to talk about what is happening. Whenever possible, connect the story to their experience. For example, the first verse describes how Esther loved to spend her time. Ask your kids if they like spending their time that way too. In the third verse, Esther realizes that God has placed her in the special role of Queen because He has a special plan for her. Ask your kids if they think God might have special plans for them, too. (Hint: He does!) Finally, after reading verse six, ask your kids how Esther was able to save her people? Who did she put her trust in? And what can we learn from that? Close with the Heart Moment at the bottom of the page.

PLAY. Here are three ideas for playfully extending this week’s reading by taking time with your little ones to review the story in simple, but meaningful ways.

Idea #1: Make paper crowns. I made mine from a gold paper plate, using glue and sequins to embellish. These were all things I happened to have on hand. Other fun materials might include felt, foam core, stickers, foil and more. Whatever materials you decide upon, connect the craft to the story with this explanation: As the new Queen, young Esther got to wear a crown. It was a sign that she was the special chosen one. As children of God, we are chosen as well, not by an earthly king, but by our heavenly Father. And just as God had special purposes for Queen Esther, He has plans for you and your children as well. Ponder together how you might serve Him.

Idea #2:Bake some Purim treats. Purim is the Jewish festival celebrated in the spring of each year to commemorate the story of Esther. Learn more about Purim here, then with your children bake a Purim treat. This link will take you to several delicious sounding recipes created for kids. 

Idea #3:  Retell “Brave Queen” using pantomime. Pantomime is when you retell a story using only movement, gestures, and facial expressions.  First, verse by verse, brainstorm together what motions, gestures or facial expressions they might use to capture what Esther was feeling/doing. Then, have them pantomime the story as you re-read it aloud.  Afterwards, marvel together both over Esther’s bravery and God’s provision.  How might God be using us to serve Him?

PRAY. Thank you, God, for the gift of the Bible, Your Word to us, full of amazing stories that show Your love for us. Remind us this week to notice and thank you for all the blessings you send our way. We love you, Lord. Amen.

 Tip: To pray this together with your little one, break it down sentence by sentence or phrase.  Say that short and then have them repeat it  This is great modeling for how we can talk to God.

Tip: To pray this together with your little one, break it down sentence by sentence or phrase.  Say that short and then have them repeat it  This is great modeling for how we can talk to God.

Interested in purchasing a copy? Links to vendors here.

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Five Tips for Sharing MY TENDER HEART BIBLE with Littlest Ones

My newest book, MY TENDER HEART BIBLE, introduces littlest ones to twelve of my favorite stories from the Old and New Testament rendered in poetic rhyme which both individually and together point to God’s redemptive love. The book is inspired by memories of sitting with my own children when they were little to read or re-tell (in my own words so they could understand) Bible stories so they could grasp just how much God loved them.

Each retelling is accompanied by a Bible citation, a beautiful illustration by Sandra Eide, and a Heart Moment of prayer.  This four-part design is intentional with rich opportunity to explore and learn. With that in mind, here a five ideas to help caregivers and their little ones get the most out of each spread.  

Tip #1: Before reading each story, take a moment to ponder the title and the illustrations. Using just those clues, can they guess what the story might be about? Do they recognize anyone or anything?

 Tip #2: Next, take a moment to note the Bible citation. Maybe even open your own Bible to that part and have it there alongside you as your read the story so that little readers make the connection that the story comes from God’s word.

Tip #3: As you read, pause to think about each part of the story. Maybe see if your children can spot the action that is being described in words somewhere in the illustrations. Don’t rush. Instead, encourage your children to explore the illustrations, listen to the words, and ask questions.

Tip #4: After reading, reflect together on the retelling as a whole. What was their favorite part? Did they learn something new about God? What?

Tip #5: Finally, see if your little ones can locate the “Heart Moment” at the bottom right corner of each spread.  Explain that this is their chance to respond to God’s loving word with a prayer. Then read and pray it together. 

BONUS MATERIAL: Paraclete Press has also created an activity kit to go with MY TENDER HEART BIBLE. It includes printable memory verse cards, printable greeting cards to color, and printable stickers. Instructions for downloading that can be found here: https://mytenderheartbooks.com

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BUNNY FINDS EASTER: Faith Thoughts from the Author

Have you read my Easter book BUNNY FINDS EASTER?  It released with Zonderkidz last Spring and both then, and now, it’s my hope, that it will be used as a fun introduction to the real meaning of Easter with littlest ones. The story is bouncy and colorful and fits right into an Easter basket. 

It was my joy to write and I love how illustrator Ela Jarzabek’s colorful renderings of Bunny and friends complement the joyfully rhyming text.

Though I carefully crafted every line, I must confess that I have a favorite. It comes near the end, when Bunny finds herself in church.  All through the book she’s been on a hunt to find what Easter signifies. She’s dyed eggs and nibbled hot cross buns and hopped through an Easter Egg Hunt. But, though all those things can be fun clues, it’s not until this moment near the end of the book that she has that heart moment, when deep inside, she makes the connection and figures it out.

Here’s that scene recapped: Bunny is in her pew as all stand to sing the Easter news.  

“Who came to take our sins away? And rose again on Easter Day?”  

Here’s the moment:

And on the next spread she joyfully sings the answer: “Jesus!”

This, my friends, is what I pray for all of our children. Not that their whiskers twitch, but that this Easter, deep inside they feel that glow of knowing Jesus came and died and rose again for them.  

Happy Easter!

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OBSERVING LENT with MY TENDER HEART BIBLE: A Calendar of Readings

Are you looking for a way to observe Lent with your littles ones and introduce them to God’s grand plan for redemption? Nothing too pressured and very flexible — but wouldn’t it be neat to set aside 12 “Bible Heart Moments” with them between now and Easter to read 12 stories that point to God’s redemptive love and culminate with the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ on Easter morning?

Here’s a map for doing just that with MY TENDER HEART BIBLE.  Sweet blessings to you all!And it starts next Wednesday so you have time to order your copy. NOTE: I’m also sharing this over at Big Books, Little Ears as part of a bigger guest post with tips for reading Bible story books with multiple ages. Here’s the link. Thank you, Kristin, for having me as your guest.

March 1, 2023 Creation Joy Genesis 1:1 – 2:3

March 5, 2023 God’s Garden Genesis 3:1-24

March 8, 2023 Star Promise Genesis 15:1-6

March 12, 2023 Great Escape Exodus 14:10-31

March 15, 2023 Tasty Blessings Exodus 16:11-18

March 19, 2023 Brave Queen Esther 14:13-17

March 22, 2023 Welcome, Jesus Luke 2:8-19

March 26, 2023 Dove Love Matthew 3:13-17

March 29, 2023 Precious Children Mark 10:13-16

April 2, 2023 Worry Cure Matthew 6:25-33

April 5, 2023 Donkey Parade Luke 19:35-38

April 9, 2023 Easter Joy Matthew 28:1-10

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TUESDAY THOUGHTS: Halos in Picture Books (Plus a Treasured Childhood Memory)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTMAS CHILD is my first children’s book with halos. Can you spot them glowing on the cover over the heads of the Christmas family? They shine on each and every spread. I didn’t envision halos when I wrote the story, but I like them. They remind me of my childhood years spent in France. It was there that I was first introduced to these glowing nimbuses on family field trips to Notre Dame, Chartres and more. Then, and now, I find them to be artistically beautiful ways to represent both those who are divine (Jesus and God) and those who served God in special ways.  

So when I was asked what my take on them was and informed that there is currently great controversy over their inclusion in picture books, I was surprised. In my opinion, they are a joyous addition to HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTMAS CHILD, providing lovely opportunity for conversations about what they are and how they can help to remind us of God’s loving mission to redeem the world.  

Here are a couple of sweet pictures from my childhood years in France. In the first, I am standing with my mother and sister on an elegant outing. Can you guess which one I am? The second is a snapshot taken by my dad on a trip to Chartres cathedral circa 1979. My mother is on the left looking up and I am sporting a very bright red hat. My sister is running joyfully in the middle.

Now, inspired by my mom who skillfully used halos to spark conversations about God on those special outings, here are FOUR suggestions for doing just that:

1. Set halos in historical context. I was fascinated to learn as a small child that halos in Christian art date back to the time when few could read words but all could “read” pictures and so churches were designed with biblical stories visually on display in the form of statues, paintings, and stained glass windows.  And what about those halos? As my mother explained to me, they were visual clues that the figures wearing them were either divine (i.e God or Jesus) or divinely appointed helpers with a special role to play.  
2. Introduce the idea of SYMBOLISM.  Ask your little ones if WE wear halos?  Ask them why they think we don’t?  Ask if they think Jesus actually wore a halo? What about God?  This will be an interesting conversation…. but wherever it takes you, be sure to conclude that NO, Jesus didn’t actually wear a halo, neither does God.  Halos are the creation of artists looking for a visual way to show God – or his special helpers. They are symbols, sort of like arrows – alerting us that the wearer is either God or someone important to God’s story.
3. Read a book with halos.  As you read HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTMAS CHILD, or another book with halos, have your little one point to the halos on each page. (Hint: They are on Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.)  Ask your child how the halos look?  Do they add a sense of warmth and love to the story?  And why do they think each has a halo?  Ponder all this together, concluding that Jesus has the halo because He’s God’s Holy Son! And Mary and Joseph have halos because they were blessed to be Jesus’ earthly parents – special helpers indeed.
4. After reading, go on a halo field trip. One of my favorite cathedral outing memories as a child was of going on halo hunts.  I think my mom did this to keep us entertained so she could listen to the tour guide, but I loved it. This is how they worked. First, we’d pick either a large window or maybe the statuary above the entrance. Next, we’d look for and count the halos. Finally, we’d see if we could figure out who the haloed figures were and how they could remind us of God’s power and love. You can do that in your community as well either by visiting a local church that has haloed figures or perhaps a museum that has a collection of medieval church art.  At Christmas time, you might even be able to spot some halos in people’s front yard nativity scenes!

Whatever your stance on halos, I pray that you and your little ones are filled with a sense of wonder, joy and thankfulness this Christmas as we celebrate the the birth of Jesus, God’s precious Son.

SPECIAL THANKS: A variation of this post appeared over at Big Books, Little Ears last week. I’d like to thank blogger/owner Kristin Wynalda for asking me this thought provoking question.

Also, Sophie, my pooch, is a bit incensed that I haven’t yet shared her interview over at Kathy O’ Neill’s delightful blog. Would you help make her happy and smooth over my oversight by popping over for a read? And maybe leave a comment for her? Here’s the link.

COVER REVEAL: Introducing MY TENDER HEART BIBLE by Laura Sassi

MONDAY JOY! I have bible story board book coming out in February 2023 with Paraclete Press and the cover is just starting to pop up on the web, so I thought I’d share it here too.

The book is called MY TENDER HEART BIBLE and it’s something I was working on this past spring. It was the joy of each day. Hasn’t illustrator, Sandra Eide, done a marvelous job of capturing the wonder of meeting Jesus?

Here’s the scoop from Paraclete Press:

With sweet, rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, this sturdy board book, My Tender Heart Bible, offers a collection of the most loved and classic Bible stories for beginner readers. Simple yet creative paraphrasing of Old and New Testament re-tellings are paired with a “Heart Moment” for families to read aloud and act out. Scripture references are noted with each story that tell of God’s redemption plan.

My Tender Heart Bible:

• Makes the Bible memorable and accessible for young readers

• Helps kids think deeper about what the Bible says about God’s creation, His plan for humanity, and His love for all of people as His children

• Is perfect as bedtime reading for your toddlers and little ones, especially during the holiday season

• Offers details in the artwork for little ones to enjoy and find for “point and learn” discovery

• Serve as a base for introductory Bible discussion

• Includes an inviting padded cover and sturdy pages for little hands

• Makes a great gift for Easter, new baby, christening, baptism, baby showers, new grandchildren, curious toddlers, and boys and girls ages 0 to 4 years old

From Creation to Abraham to Moses and Jesus, God’s story of redemption is told through each individual story and as a collection. Look in the mirror and thank God for making you unique—what makes you different from others you see in your neighborhood? Can you count the stars and make your hands twinkle? Flap your arms like the dove that appeared when John the Baptist baptized Jesus. How many coats and blankets can you spread out for Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem? Let’s read the stories and celebrate God’s perfect plan from the marvelous beginning of Creation through Easter’s glorious hope made known by Jesus’ resurrection.

Thank you, Paraclete Press, for bringing this one into the world. I can’t wait for it to release.  

If you are thinking of adding this to your own collection or giving it as a gift, will you take a moment to pre-order a copy of MY TENDER HEART BIBLE today and/or mark it as “to-read” on Goodreads? Those are two wonderful and easy ways to help a new book make a lovely little splash when it releases.

Thank you, and, happy reading!

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AUTHOR AND BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Meet Amy Houts and her NEWEST Faith-Based Book for Kids (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

Look what landed on my porch! It’s children’s author Amy Houts’ newest release, CHRISTIAN Q & A BOOK FOR KIDS. Published by Rockridge Press it came out this month and it’s full of simple, kid-friendly answers to 100 questions kids age 6 – 9 might have about Christianity.

MY THOUGHTS: I am always on the lookout for good resources to teach little ones about faith and this one fits the bill. I appreciate the simple Q & A format with one question answered on each page. The questions are perfect for the target age group, but also thoughtful and deep enough to resonate with the caregivers reading alongside them. I also give a thumbs up to Amy for including a scripture reference in each answer. I think book is a great tool for sparking meaningful conversations with our kids about what Christianity is all about. I can’t wait to share it with my Sunday School class.

Now, in celebration of the book’s release, I am honored to have Amy on the blog with an interview. Let’s get started.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Amy, and congratulations your newest faith-based children’s book. What inspired you to take on this project?

Thank you for having me, Laura! I had learned about Callisto Media, the parent company of Rockridge Press, through another writer. Big shout out to Annette Whipple, who took the time to answer all my questions. Thank you! I contacted the company in February of 2021 by email and asked if they would add me to their database of writers. Then I waited. In November, 2021 I wrote a follow-up email specifically asking if they had a faith-based book assignment. Right place, right time! In early December, an acquisitions editor contacted me to see if I was interested in writing Christian Q&A Book for Kids. This publisher screens authors before awarding a contract by asking for a writing prompt. I was thrilled to be chosen to write this book. It has been such an inspiring challenge!

I’m so glad you took on the project. It seems right up your alley and I have to say that the questions you have chosen are spot-on for this age group. How did you select them?

First, I thought of my three grandchildren, a girl who was 5 and twin boys who were 8 at the time I started writing. I thought about questions they might have and asked them what questions they had. Each contributed one question to the book. I read books I owned and looked online at similar books, searched websites that answered faith-based  questions, and brainstormed. Since I’ve written other books for children and taught  3-6-year olds at Head Start, I knew the questions and answers needed to be very basic.  

You did a great job! Do you have any tips for ways families and churches can use this book? 

Families and children’s ministries can read and discuss one or more questions and answers at a specific time. The appendix includes good times and ways to start discussions, for example, focus on one question at the dinner table. This book is meant as a jumping off point to help clarify basic information and dive deeper into issues that are important. Parents and children can research together. 

Besides keeping this book at the ready, what advice would you give parents and caregivers who want to share their faith with their kids? 

Children are encouraged to think of and write down new questions and a few pages are provided in the book to do that. Having an open heart and mind is important—both for you and the children in your life. Be accepting of their questions, even if they express doubt. Asking questions increases understanding and strengthens faith. 

Finally, what’s next? Are there more books in the pipeline?  Also, where can interested readers find your books?

I have a Biblically-based Earth Care (climate change) book releasing from Bushel & Peck in March, 2023. I recently started a new assignment to write 5 books for young children with a South Korean educational publisher, Reading Gate. 

You have so many exciting things on the horizon. I can’t wait to check them all out. Thank you so much for joining us. Readers, learn more about Amy and her books in the bio and links below. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post.

BIO: 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:

Christian Q&A Book for Kids: https://amzn.to/3zBo3Of

Website: www.amyhouts.com

Twitter and Instagram: @AmyHouts

Facebook: “Author Amy Houts”

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!! If you’d like a chance to win a fresh-off-the-press copy of CHRISTIAN Q & A BOOK FOR KIDS (Rockridge Press, August 2022) 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, Rockridge Press, for providing the winning book. This giveaway ends Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11:59 pm EST. This giveaway is now over. The winner is announced here.

[Note: Thank you, Amy, for sending me a copy 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.]

GUEST POST: Exploring PICTURE BOOK LAYERS with Children

Did you know picture books have multiple layers?  Those of us who write them are aware of this because it plays into how the story unfolds.  But children might not be aware of this. With that in mind, I’m delighted to share a wonderful post written by artist, teacher and children’s writer, Kathy O’Neill as she delves into the multiple layers of picture books with tips for using those rich layers to spark curiosity, faith in God, and a love of reading in our littlest ones.

And in the super special department, guess which book she features with examples of activities that delve into each rich layer? Little Ewe (Beaming Books, 2021)! Thank you, Kathy and thank you, Sally Matheny, for hosting her.

Read the post here and while you are there be sure to further explore Sally’s terrific faith-based website, chock full of bookish and educational posts for families. Kathy O’ Neill also has an engaging blog with posts to help children discover God through art history and nature.