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”

FIVE FUN FACTS about RAVEN’S GIFT with Claire Annette Noland

Today I’m pleased to have children’s author Claire Annette Noland here to share five fun facts about her newest book, RAVEN’S GIFT: A FEATHERED FLIGHT OF FAITH, published by Bless This Press, an imprint of Little Press Publishing.

Here’s the official blurb from the publisher’s website:

Raven is bored. Nothing ever happens in the fields around Bethlehem until one night, a dazzling star appears. Angels gather and sing “Baby Jesus is born!” Now Raven has a mission. He will fly and take the message to the other birds who are thrilled to take gifts to baby Jesus. But Raven wonders, what gift can he bring?

Based on an old legend, birds of the Bible celebrate the birth of the Savior in this tale of determination, perseverance, and faith.

I was delighted to get a sneak peek at the digital ARC for this book which released just five days ago. Written by Claire Annette Noland with colorful illustrations by Desirée Cordón, RAVEN’S GIFT is an engaging addition to the Christmas picture book cannon. The story flows beautifully from spread to spread and children will empathize with Raven’s growing concern about what HIS gift will be. Without spoiling the ending, let me just say that Raven’s gift is perfect – and one that young and old should be remembering to give. Well done! I think this book would make a wonderful addition to a your home, church, school, or town library. And now enjoy Claire’s five fun facts.

Five Fun Facts about 

RAVEN’S GIFT: A Feathered Flight of Faith

by Claire Annette Noland

Fun Fact #1: Raven’s Gift: A Feathered Flight of Faith is a retold legend about birds taking gifts to baby Jesus in the manger. I first came across the legend in a collection of Christmas stories, poems, and songs called Take Joy collected and illustrated by Tasha Tudor, one of my favorite author-illustrators. I loved the tale of a raven who hears the angels announce the Savior’s birth and sets off to tell the other birds.

Fun Fact #2: I enjoyed researching birds in the Bible as I chose which birds would be characters in my story. Originally, I included ten birds but the story was too long so I had to take out some. The backmatter includes the biblical references for each bird.

Fun Fact #3: I wrote Raven’s Gift ten years ago! I received many rejections and at one point thought about self publishing. Finally, it was picked up by a publisher who held it for four years and then went out of business. Sigh. In the meantime, I went on to write magazine stories, easy readers for the educational market, and work-for-hire for a large regional children’s hospital system. My first trade book, Evie’s Field Day: More Than One Way to Win was published by Cardinal Rule Press in 2020. Michele McAvoy, One of my fellow CRP authors, began her own publishing company called Little Press Publishing. I saw that she had plans for an imprint called Bless This Press and am thrilled that she chose to publish Raven’s Gift as the first book in this imprint.

Fun Fact #4: I originally wrote the main character as an old, tired, cranky raven but revised when Michele suggested that children would relate more to a young raven. Now the story features Raven who is bored because nothing ever happens in his neighborhood. 

Fun Fact #5: I love the book’s message that the greatest gift of all is sharing the good news!

Author bio: Claire Annette Noland is an author of easy readers, board books, and picture books for young children. Her career has centered around children and books as a children’s librarian, reading specialist, author, and mom. Her life’s goal is to encourage kids to be excited about reading and learning.

Claire lives with her husband and large poodle-mix, Mr. Ernie, in a book-filled home in central California. She finds inspiration for the stories she writes from the children in her life. When not writing, Claire can be found stocking her little free library, playing bocce ball on the beach. and taking field trips using kid-lit as her travel guide.

Learn more about Claire on her website: https://claireannettenoland.com/  

[Note: Thank you to the Claire for the opportunity to preview the digital ARC 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.]

‘Twas the Season of Advent: FIVE Family Activities around the Christmas Tree with Glenys Nellist (Plus a GIVEAWAY!)

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Today I am delighted to welcome back beloved children’s book author Glenys Nellist. Glenys has two new books out just in time for the Christmas season. One is a bible story book called I WONDER: EXPLORING GOD’S GRAND STORY. It includes thirty vivid retellings with three “I wonder” questions at the conclusion of each. The other is an advent devotional for families called ‘TWAS THE SEASON OF ADVENT: STORIES AND DEVOTIONS FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. It is comprised of 25 readings, stories and prayers. Published by Zonderkidz, both are wonderful and my mind is already abuzz with ideas for how I can incorporate them into my role as Sunday school teacher as well as using them for our family advent readings this December.

Now enjoy a special guest post from Glenys as she shares some ideas for family activities around the Christmas tree. Zonderkidz is also offering a copy of each book in a giveaway so be sure to read about that at the end of the post. And now, without further fuss, here’s Glenys:

Five Family Activities Around the Christmas Tree

by Glenys Nellist

The season of Advent is a wonderful time to make memories and establish family traditions with our children. Set aside some time each night to gather around the Christmas tree and enjoy these activities together.

1. Celebrate Advent: Begin a new family tradition from Dec 1-Dec 25 by reading one story per day from Twas the Season of Advent. Countdown to Christmas using the family activities and the 25 free, downloadable Advent images available here.

1. Favorite Ornament: Have everyone choose a favorite ornament from the tree. Take turns telling each other why you chose that one.
2. Wondering About the Birth of Jesus: Download your free coloring sheet of the birth of Jesus from the I Wonder Coloring Pack. If you have a copy of the book, read the Christmas story together, or simply talk about what you see in the pictures. Spend some time talking about the three I Wonder questions. Then color the picture together.

1. Light of The World: Turn off all the lights in the room except the lights on the Christmas tree. Sit quietly for a few minutes as you think and talk about how Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus said that we should let our light shine. Brainstorm how you could be a light in your family or neighborhood this Christmas.
2. Favorite Memories: Take turns sharing your favorite memories of the past year. Now write about (or draw) them. Put each in its own envelope or a special box and save them. Next year, open and read them around the tree.

Happy memory-making!

Thank you, Glenys, for sharing these terrific ideas.

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!

If you’d like a chance to win a FREE  two-book bundle that includes one copy each of TWAS THE SEASON OF ADVENT and I WONDER: EXPLORING GOD’S GRAND STORY both written by Glenys Nellist and published by Zonderkidz let me know in a comment below. (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident with a street address (as opposed to a P.O. Box and at least 18 years old to enter.) The giveaway ends Monday 11/22/21 at 11:59 pm Eastern. The winner will be announced the next day.

[Note: Thank you to Zonderkidz for sending me an advanced copy of each of these books 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.]

AROUND THE WEB: October GUEST GURU at Rate Your Story

HAPPY OCTOBER! In the fun category, I’m Guest Guru at Rate Your Story for the month of October. Check out the interview and learn more about this resource for picture book writers. As part of my special duties, I’ll be rating four stories over the course of the month. So honored to be participating in this way, helping others along this journey. I hope you’ll pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee or tea and pop over for a read. I’ll make it easy for you. Here’s the link to the interview.

Happy reading and writing!

5 Tips for Faith-Filled Bedtime Routines with Author Nancy I. Sanders

Today I’m delighted to host return guest Nancy I. Sanders for a special post on establishing bedtime routines that also foster faith in our little ones. And how did I get so blessed as to have this best-selling author on my blog? Easy. She has a new board book out called BEDTIME WITH MOMMY (End Game Press, August 2021) – a perfect pick for this mama who has fond memories of bedtime routines with her own little ones.

Here’s a description: It’s bedtime all around the world! From Mommy panda in the bamboo forest to Mommy sea otter in the ocean, Mommies are putting their little ones to bed. Get ready for prayers, reading a favorite Psalm, singing hymns and lots of cuddles and snuggles! This adorable rhyming board book is perfect for babies and toddlers to hold. BEDTIME WITH MOMMY is sure to be a cherished part of bedtime routine!

Doesn’t that sound sweet? And now for Nancy’s five tips for faith-filled bedtime routines. Take it away, Nancy!

5 Tips for Faith-Filled Bedtime Routines

by Nancy I. Sanders

Tip #1 Start Tonight

It’s never too early and it’s definitely never too late to start making bedtime into a faith-filled routine! If you’ve never before been intentional about incorporating a faith-filled routine into your child’s bedtime, the perfect time to start is tonight. And this isn’t about feeling guilt or inadequacy as a parent, either. God’s mercies are new every morning! So if you don’t have time or forget to implement a faith-filled routine one night (or even a few nights in a row!) every day is a brand new day in God’s kingdom, and every night is another great opportunity to make a difference in your children’s hearts.

Tip #2 Target Your Children’s Ages

Gear bedtime routines to the ages of your children. Playing soft Christian music in the background ten to twenty minutes before your infant settles down to sleep helps calm her down. Two of my favorite CDs include I LOVE YOU: SONGS OF LOVE AND BLESSING FROM A MOTHER’S HEART by Rita Baloche and COME TO THE CRADLE by Michael Card. Read Christian books or Bible stories to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers at bedtime such as my newest board book, BEDTIME WITH MOMMY, that features animal mommies all over the world tucking their little ones into bed with prayers, hymns, and reading a Psalm. With older children, read the Bible together on a one-year plan to help plant the Word in their growing hearts. 

Tip #3 Pray

Pray with your children and pray for your children. Take time to pray aloud together. Give them time to pray aloud, too. If you struggle with taking time to pray, remember: It’s okay to be short and sweet. Effective prayers aren’t measured by their length. A simple heartfelt prayer always reaches the Father’s heavenly throne room.

Tip #4 Fit Your Schedule

A faith-filled bedtime routine doesn’t have to take tons of time. If you’re a family whose bedtime routine already lasts an hour, hip hip hooray! It’s a snap to start including Bible time, worship time, and prayer. But if your bedtime routine only lasts as long as it takes to brush teeth, tug on jammies, and jump into bed, no problem! Tape a sticky note to the bathroom mirror with a Scripture verse to memorize while they brush. Encourage them to meditate on it while they fall asleep. Rotate in a new verse every week or so. Or listen to a favorite worship song or hymn together—just one!—while they’re getting dressed, then sit at their bedside for a simple good-night prayer. 

Tip #5 Every Effort Counts 

The best thing about being intentional about adding faith-filled moments to your bedtime routine is that your efforts, no matter how small, count for eternal blessings. And remember—you’re not alone! You have the heavenly Father to sustain you, Jesus Christ to empower you, and the Holy Spirit to equip you along your journey. If you feel weak in this area, just ask God for His strength. And every prayer you say, every Bible verse you read, every worship song you sing, and every Christian book you share will be used by the Holy Spirit in powerful ways!

Thanks, Laura, for featuring my newest book here on your blog! It’s a joy to join a fellow author of a faith-filled bedtime book. Your Goodnight, Ark! is one of my grandchildren’s favorites and is here on our bookshelves for when they come to visit.

Aw, thank you, Nancy! I’m glad it’s a bedtime hit at grandma’s house!

About the Author

Nancy I. Sanders loves to have her grandbabies over for sleepovers with lots of snuggles, bedtime stories, and prayers! Her newest padded board book, Bedtime With Mommy makes a great baby shower gift or sweet Christmas present to gift to your favorite littles and their Mommies. Order your copies today online or at your favorite local bookstore. Nancy is the bestselling and award-winning children’s author of over 100 books. Visit her website to find out more at www.nancyisanders.com.

GUEST POST: Five MORE Tips to Foster a Love of Reading in Little Ones with Picture Book Author MINDY BAKER

On Monday I shared 10 Tips to Foster a Love of Reading in Little Ones. At the end of the post, I invited readers to share other ideas. Picture book author Mindy Baker responded on Instagram with such thoughtful additions that I asked her if she’d be willing to share them with you all today. She said yes! Mindy Baker is an educator (who really knows her stuff!) as well as the author of one of my favorite Christmas picture books, MOUSE’S CHRISTMAS GIFT (Zonderkidz, 2018) about a mouse whose small act of faith on Christmas Eve sparks a chain reaction of hope and love, demonstrating that even the smallest creature can make a big difference. Now, without further fuss, enjoy FIVE more tips to foster a love of reading in little ones. And afterwards be sure to check out and sign up for Mindy’s new mini-magazine. (See link at end.)

FIVE MORE TIPS TO FOSTER A LOVE OF READING IN LITTLE ONES

by Mindy Baker

1. Make sure to have a kid-sized bookshelf or reading area where books are in reach and accessible. 
2. Change the themes of the books kept in your reading area periodically to keep it interesting.
3. As you read, ask questions to engage your little one.
   • I wonder what will happen next in the story? 
   • I wonder what the main character is thinking?
   • How do you think the main character feels? 
   • Can you find the _____?  (Ask about something in the illustrations)
   • Point to the ______? (Name something that the child could point to)
   • What color is the ______? (Name an item in the illustrations)
4. Don’t force your child to sit through a long book they don’t have the attention span for…remember, you don’t have to finish every page of every book!
5. Use a silly character voice and make sound effects as your read…the sillier the better! 

Author Bio

Mindy Baker, author of Mouse’s Christmas Gift, Zonderkidz 2018, resides in Indiana with her family where she is a high school Spanish teacher. She is a contributor for the new Read, Discuss, Do! website www.readdiscussdo.com as well as the website www.christianchildrensauthors.com. Through her writing, she hopes to plant seeds of truth in the hearts of her readers. Her goal is to help you connect with the kids in your life through books and quality time. You can connect with Mindy at www.mindybakerbooks.com.

Instagram: @mindybakerbooks https://www.instagram.com/mindybakerbooks/

Facebook: @mindybakerbooks  https://www.facebook.com/mindybakerbooks

Twitter: @mindybakerbooks https://twitter.com/MindyBakerBooks

Pinterest: @mindybakerbooks https://www.pinterest.com/mindybakerbooks/_saved/

Special offer!

Mindy has a new mini-magazine that offers book reviews, book activities, and links to play ideas. Opt in by going to the homepage of her website and signing up or by clicking on this link.

Where was LITTLE EWE this week?

Little Ewe and I leaped into spring with great joy this week. After what seemed like a long winter, how wonderful it has been these past few days to hear the birds chirping at dawn, to see daffodils and crocuses, and to have four wonderful book sharing opportunities! Here’s a round up and I hope you grab a cup of tea and doing a little jumping from meadow to meadow, er, I mean blog to blog, with me and enjoy what each stop has to offer.

Meadow #1: GARDEN AUTHOR VISIT! On Tuesday I had my first in-person school visit in over a year at Calvary Nursery School and Child Care. The visit took place outdoors at a good social distance and everyone was wearing masks. The children were great listeners and empathized greatly with Little Ewe during her time of being lost. Everyone was relieved when Shepherd found her and it sparked great discussion over times they have been lost and how wonderful it felt to be found. It was the highlight of my week. Here’s a collage that captures the morning:

Meadow #2: INTERVIEW! On Wednesday, Little Ewe and were invited to Pastor Noelle Kirchner’s blog. Noelle is a TV host, pastor, writer, and mother of three boys. She’s also the author of an amazing bible study which I featured on my blog last fall. In my interview with Noelle this week, I answered questions such as “What inspired me to write LITTLE EWE?” and “Do I have a favorite tradition for celebrating Easter with my family?” I also shared several picture books have I found that successfully point children to God. I hope you hop on over to find the answers. Here’s the link. =)

Meadow #3: GUEST POST: FIVE SIMPLE STEPS FOR USING PICTURE BOOKS TO POINT LITTLE ONES TO GOD. A big thank you to blogger, writer, and speaker Sally Matheny for hosting me on her blog this week as I shared a topic close to my heart: using picture books to spark meaningful faith conversations with our little ones. Earlier this month she also reviewed LITTLE EWE. You can find the review here and the guest post here.

Meadow #4: REVIEW! 12 Things to Love About Laura Sassi’s LITTLE EWE Last, but not least, leap on over to picture book author Rebecca J. Gomez’s blog for her thoughts on LITTLE EWE. Thank you, Rebecca!

LITTLE EWE: Book Journey and Giveaway

One of the fun parts of having a new book release is visiting other blogs to celebrate! And today I’m delighted to kick things off with a visit to Kathy Temean’s blog to share the LITTLE EWE’S book journey from inspiration to publication. I met Kathy several years ago at a NJ SCBWI June Conference and she’s a wonderful champion of all things kid lit. She posts daily on her blog and I’m honored to be featured today. There’s also a giveaway, so hop on over! Thank you for having me, Kathy!

GRANDMA SNUGGLES: TEN Ways to Stay Connected with your Grandchildren during Covid19 Curated by Glenys Nellist (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Today I am delighted to have bestselling Christian children’s author Glenys Nellist here in celebration of the release of her most recent board book with Zonderidz, GRANDMA SNUGGLES. First, enjoy these delightful snapshots of Glenys with the book and her grandchildren. Then, take a peek at the lovely book trailer.

Now enjoy Glenys’ tips for staying connected during a pandemic and remember to enter the giveaway a chance to win a copy of GRANDMA SNUGGLES (Details at end of post.) Enjoy!

Ten Ways to Stay Connected with Your Grandchildren During Covid19

Curated by Glenys Nellist

I never imagined when writing Grandma Snuggles two years ago that this little board book would be released during a pandemic—the very time when all grandmas everywhere are yearning for their snuggles. 

The advent of Covid19 has meant that many families have been unable to spend time together, and grandparents have been forced to find new ways to stay in touch with their little ones. In honor of the release of Grandma Snuggles, here are ten creative ways to stay connected with your grandchildren during Covid19:

1. Write to them. This might sound old-fashioned, but children LOVE receiving real mail! Even if they can’t read yet, and even if they’re tiny, your letters will become treasures for them in years to come, especially if you describe the world we’re living in right now.
2. Celebrate milestones virtually. Just because you can’t be with your grandchildren physically doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate their birthdays, class graduations or other special occasions. For example—buy or bake that birthday cake, call your grandchild via Skype, Facetime or Video Messenger, sing Happy Birthday and have them blow out the candles on the cake. (Grandpa is, of course, hiding off-camera to blow them out!)
3. Designate a certain time and day of the week, such as ‘Friday Funnies at Five’ to share jokes over the phone.
4. Bake together via video call… arrange for your grandchild to have the exact same ingredients on hand that you have and bake cookies, or cupcakes, or try out a new recipe.
5. Work together on a craft via Zoom.
6. Do a Scavenger Hunt via Zoom or video call. Think of ten regular household items that your grandchild has to find. Name them one at a time and have your grandchild race to find them. Then let them name ten items for you! For extra fun, use a timer. Who was the fastest to find their ten objects…your grandchild, or you?
7. Do puzzles together via Zoom or Facetime. Download a printable wordsearch or crossword puzzle. Mail a copy to your grandchild or have their parents download it. Work together to complete it.
8. Use the Zoom whiteboard feature to play Tic Tac Toe or Pictionary together.
9. Read together via video call. For younger children, choose picture books that have lots of detail in the illustrations. After you read to them, play ‘I Spy’…ask your grandchild to spot things in the pictures. For older children who enjoy chapter books, try taking it in turns to read one chapter each.
10. Finally (and quite possibly, my favorite activity!) is to read Grandma Snuggles to your grandchild via video call. Written in rhyme, this brand-new board book features eight grandma animals with their little ones. A fun game to play with this book is ‘Guess That Grandma.’ Read each poem to your grandchild and have them guess the animal before you show them the picture. Can you guess this one?

I have a snuggly grandma,

God made her teeth so strong!

We build our home together,

It doesn’t take us long.

And when our lodge is ready,

We’re comfy as can be!

Grandma snuggles are the best,

She’s God’s gift to me.

And here’s one more bonus activity… download and print one of these cute coloring sheets from Grandma Snuggles. Color together over Facetime, but don’t look at each other’s until you’re both finished. Then compare the colors you used. As you color, take turns to talk about your favorite things: colors/ games/ candy/ fruit / places/ animals/ books / movies/ cereal / ice-cream flavor etc.

However you choose to stay connected with your grandchild, the most important thing is to find what works for you, and simply stay in touch. 

Thank you, Glenys! These are wonderful suggestions. To learn more about Glenys and her books, check out her website.

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!! If you’d like a chance to win a complimentary copy of GRANDMA SNUGGLES (Zonderkidz, 2020) simply post a comment below letting me know. (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) Thank you, Zonderkidz, for providing the winning book. This giveaway ends Thursday, 8/13/20/20 at 11:59 pm EST. NOTE: This giveaway is now OVER. The winner is announced here.

Special note: If you enjoyed this post, please consider following my blog or “liking” me on my Facebook Author page, Twitter, or Instagram. I’d love the support and connection.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Five Fun Facts with Rebecca J. Gomez about FEDERICO AND THE WOLF (and a GIVEAWAY!)

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Join me in welcoming fellow rhymer and picture book author, Rebecca J. Gomez, whose brand new picture book, FEDERICO AND THE WOLF (Clarion Books), delightfully illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, releases tomorrow! FEDERICO AND THE WOLF received a lovely review from Kirkus and a starred review from School Library Journal. Rebecca’s spot-on rhyming makes the story a joy to read aloud and is a deliciously latino take on the traditional Little Red Riding Hood. As a student of Spanish, I especially appreciated her infusion of Spanish words throughout the story. Now, you are in for a special treat as she shares FIVE FUN FACTS about the book’s creation. (And don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end!)

Five Fun Facts about FEDERICO AND THE WOLF

By Rebecca Gomez

1. FEDERICO AND THE WOLF sold quickly!

The manuscript sold the same year that I wrote it. I wrote the first draft in January 2017, and the offer from Clarion came the following November. I often tell kids at school visits about how slow this business can be, but ten months have never seemed so short!

2. I owe my daughter for the pico recipe.

Most of the credit for the pico de gallo recipe in the book’s back matter goes to my daughter Samantha, whose love for salsa and willingness to experiment in the kitchen with me led to the “perfect pico” recipe. We used tomatoes and jalapeños grown in our very own back yard.

3. No major revisions!

The text of this story changed very little once my editor, Anne Hoppe, got her hands on it. I was prepared to do a round or two (or three) of major revisions, but  Anne loved it as it was and only asked me to do a few minor tweaks. Based on my experiences with my previous editors, I was both stunned and relieved!

4. Elisa was on my dream illustrator list.

Elisa Chavarri was on my list of dream illustrators long before Clarion chose her to illustrate Federico’s story.  How lucky is that! I could not have asked for a better illustrator for FEDERICO AND THE WOLF. 

5. Habanero peppers are as hot as they say!

I tasted a fresh habanero pepper (mentioned at some point in the book) many years ago on a dare from my husband. I barely took a mouse-sized nibble, but I can promise you that those peppers are every bit as hot as they say! I can still feel the burn on my lips when I think about it. 

BIO:

Rebecca J. Gomez enjoys writing stories as much as she enjoys reading them. When she isn’t reading or writing, her favorite things to do are baking, creating art, and hiking through the woods with her husband and three grown children. She lives in Nebraska, where she grows a salsa garden every summer. 

On the web at:

http://www.rebeccajgomez.com

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!! If you’d like a chance to win a FREE copy of FEDERICO AND THE WOLF (Clarion Books, May 2020) leave a comment below. (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) The giveaway ends Monday, 5/25/20 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be announced next Tuesday! THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER. The winner is announced here.  

[Note: Thank you to the author for a sneak peek at 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.]