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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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.]

LIBRARY LOVERS MONTH (Church Library Edition): The Blessings of a Traveling Library with Stacy Currie

Did you know that February is Library Lovers Month?

As an author and lifelong reader, I’m a big fan of libraries and have recently become enamored with a special type of library: the CHURCH library. Not every church has one, but I think they are a wonderful ministry for congregation and community. Recently, I was chatting about books with Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church’s Director of Children and Family Ministries, Stacy Currie. Imagine my delight when she started telling me about the marvelous church library that she curates and runs. And what makes this church library extra special? It TRAVELS! Learn more in today’s interview. Thank you, Stacy, for being my guest. Let’s get started.

What led you and your church to start a traveling library ministry?

Stacy: I was an Early Childhood Educator for many, many years and I am also an artist with a love for books, especially Picture Books. I think books are an amazing teaching tool. So, the first thing I did when I became the Director of Children and Family Ministries at The Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church was start what I called “ The Traveling Library” for our young families.

At the time, the church library was lacking a children’s section and I thought for busy families, having the books grouped by themes and bagged up to be borrowed would be helpful and an easy way to help families who may be struggling with an issue. Rather than having to search through a lot of books, they could choose a theme and have a diverse selection of books to read with their children. 

How does the traveling library work?

How it works is we have theme based tote bags filled with books on a diverse number of themes, such as Bullying, Kindness, Loss of a loved one/pet, Empathy, Divorce, Families, and the list goes on and on. We are always expanding the library to fit the needs of our families and community. Families can check out the bags anonymously if they would like and borrow them for as long as they need. 

How do you choose which books to include?

Stacy: With the help of my friend, and retired librarian Becky Crewsell, as well as recommendations from our families, we choose books for all subjects. We are very inclusive and sensitive to the needs of our children and the changing world we live in. We are not exclusively faith based, but I believe we can see God’s work in all the stories we have. 

What are some ways the traveling library, especially, has blessed families in your community?

Stacy: The traveling library has been an amazing tool for many families who may be going through a tough time in their lives, and the lovely thing is they can check these bags out discreetly. I know we have had families going through divorce, death, illness and other emotional issues that have benefited from this resource. I am very proud of this ministry and continue to help it grow and thrive. I also use the books when I am teaching Sunday School and my MidWeek Program and often pair them with my Bible lessons. 

What is your top tip for other churches considering starting their own libraries?

Stacy: I reached out to the congregation for help. People were able to recommend books and they also were able to donate a book to the Traveling Library. I think it is great to get others involved and see the individual needs your families may need. 

Thank you, Stacy, for giving us a peek into this wonderful book-ish ministry. I am certain that it is a blessing to many! Learn more about the library, Stacy, and Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church here.

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GOODNIGHT, ARK Celebrates TEN (Plus FIVE things that Float my Family’s BOAT!)

Did you know that 2024 marks ten years since my debut book, GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz), released? It is my bestseller and is still going strong. The official book birthday is in August, but, just for fun, throughout the year I will be marking the occasion with special memories about the book, author visits and more!

To kick things off, here’s a picture of a very little Miss A. and me slicing the GOODNIGHT, ARK cake at the launch party ten years ago. 

And now, here’s a favorite post from that very first book launch blog tour (updated) with FIVE things that FLOAT my family’s BOAT. 

RUMBLE! BOOM! If your family is anything like mine, life can be stormy, what with the winds of busy-ness blowing us this way and that. And even if we’re not in the midst of truly stormy times, I find, as a mom, that it’s necessary to be intentional about finding creative, loving ways to stay afloat above the sea of activities and responsibilities of family living. Indeed one of the themes I hope readers (and their parents) will take away from my GOODNIGHT, ARK  is that sometimes a little extra TLC (tender lovin’ care) is just what’s needed to make things okay, even in the midst of a storm!

Here are five things that keep my family afloat (and happy). What would you add to the list?

1. Morning Hugs – From the moment they came home as babies, we’ve started our mornings with what we now call the “morning hug”.  Indeed the first sentence out of my daughter’s mouth each morning is,  “Time for my morning hug.”  And mine:  “Me, too.”  My son, age 15, now gives more of a morning shrug, but we still all know that the morning wouldn’t be quite the same without it. (Update: We still love morning send-off hugs before everyone goes to work or school!)
2. Special Breakfasts –  These are pretty self-explanatory. I mean isn’t any day extra special if it begins with pancakes and bacon, or warm-out-of-the oven blueberry muffins? The extra, extra special twist is that these breakfasts are often a group effort.  Who wants to stir?
3. Family Dinners – Eat together.  Talk together. Be together.  Need I say more? (Update: My son graduated college and has his first job. My daughter graduated high school and doing a one-year dance program in the city this year, but both still live at home so several nights a week, we still enjoy family dinner. We’re LOVING it!)
4. After Dinner Sillies – This is our family’s favorite time to let loose and be silly. We’ve done foot puppet shows, dance numbers, stand-up comedy, you name it. Anything goes, really, in this delightful post-dinner moment of relaxation before dishes are cleared and the evening routine of finishing up homework, cleaning up after dinner, taking showers etc. resumes. (Update: Yep. Still doing this.)
5. Pillow Ponderings (and Prayers) There’s something about the cozy comfort of bedtime that brings out a reflective spirit in each of my children. And I love nothing better than talking with my kids about what’s on their mind and then wrapping it all up in prayer, before giving each that last goodnight kiss and turning out the light. Even when I’m tired to the core, like the Noah in my story must have been when he finally settled those animals down, I wouldn’t miss these special bedtime moments. (Miss A and I still do this.)

HAPPY FLOATING, ALL!

(The original version of this post appeared on Becky Kopitzke’s lovely blog.)

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WORLD READ ALOUD DAY 2024: Schedule a FREE Visit with Laura Sassi

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY is Wednesday, February 7, 2024. In celebration I am offering FREE 20-minute World Read Aloud Day virtual visits for Christian preschools, elementary schools and homeschools featuring my two newest books, MY TENDER HEART BIBLE and MY TENDER HEART PRAYER BOOK. 

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

This special VIRTUAL visit must take place the week of February 7th, 2024.

For each FREE 20 minute WORLD READ ALOUD DAY visit I will:

• Introduce myself and the book  of your choice (see above).
• Engage the children in an interactive reading which includes noticing illustration details and pondering together just how much God loves it when we connect with Him through prayer and reading His Word.
• Have a time for a Q&A. (Have kids prepare questions ahead of time.)

REQUEST:  

The visit is free, but I respectfully request that you purchase a copy the book for your class/school library and that you offer families the opportunity to purchase copies as well. I do not sell my own books, but they are available through the major online vendors, direct from the publisher (at a deep discount for author events), as well as through your favorite local indie book stores. 

To help spread word to families, I can provide an order form for schools/groups to collect and order as a group from the vendor of your choosing. Be sure to keep a list of first names for book inscriptions and, as a thank you, I will provide a signed and personalized book plate for each book purchased!

I look forward to celebrating God’s love through READING in this special way.  If interested, please reach out to me via my contact tab. You can learn more about my books here.

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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

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.  

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.]

EIGHT Things to LOVE about BOOK TRAILERS for Kids’ Books!

As a child I loved watching movie trailers at the theatre. So, when I became an author and learned about this neat little snippet of joy called the BOOK TRAILER I was smitten. Here are EIGHT reasons I have come to LOVE them so much. What would you add?

EIGHT Things to LOVE about BOOK TRAILERS

ONE: Book trailers for kids’ books are fun to watch again and again! This one, produced by Zonderkidz for the release of GOODNIGHT, ARK has been watched over 21k times!

TWO: Because they incorporate image and sound, and sometimes even simple animation, book trailers are a feast for eyes and ears.

THREE: Book trailers capture the essence of a book in about a minute—great for getting the sense of a book in a very short time frame. This trailer for LOVE IS KIND is a great example of this.

FOUR: Book trailers make a nice addition to an author’s web page, offering readers a quick sense of what each of your books is like.

FIVE: Along with press releases and school visit flyers, book trailers can be shared with book sellers, school librarians, and nursery school directors when reaching out to set up events. Note: I have found this to be very effective !

SIX: Book trailers for holiday-themed books can serve as a “greeting card” (and reminder of the book’s availability) year after year! Doesn’t this one for HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTMAS CHILD put you in the mood for Christmas?

SEVEN: Book trailers can be used in classroom settings as an engaging, alternative way to introduce new books and get kids excited about exploring new books. Here’s a post from teacher Miss G at Write On With Miss G. with ideas for how to just this with something she calls “Book Trailer Tuesday.”

EIGHT: Inspired by book trailers, children can create their own book trailers for their favorite books (or as a jazzy way to do a book report). Here from Melissa Taylor at Imagination Soup are tips for doing just that!

YOUR TURN! Did I miss something that YOU love about book trailers for kids’ books? Let me know in the comments. And now, how could I not send you off with the trailer for my newest book, MY TENDER HEART BIBLE! Enjoy!

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